Convert CAD Data into Interactive 3D PDFs

By DE Editors

Tetra 4D (Seattle, WA) recently announced the release of 3D PDF Converter, a software solution for converting many popular native 3D CAD data formats into Adobe Acrobat X Pro. 3D PDF Converter, which operates as a user interface directly from the menu bar of Adobe Acrobat X Pro, also exports to neutral file formats. Tetra 4D is an Adobe Gold Level Solution Partner.

“3D PDF Converter fits seamlessly in the new Acrobat X user interface, enabling Tetra 4D customers to take advantage of significant productivity improvements for their 3D PDF workflows,” said Rick Brown, senior director of product management, Acrobat Solutions, in a press statement.

3D PDF Converter is built using CAD import and native PDF generation technologies developed by Tech Soft 3D, a provider of 3D components to the engineering software community. Tetra 4D says that 3D PDF Converter enables users to convert native 3D CAD data into interactive 3D PDF documents. The software, the company continues, converts files with complete product data,  including PMI (product manufacturing information), assembly structure, meta data, and views. Users can also export BREP 3D CAD data to neutral file formats such as STEP, IGES, or STL for use in CAE and CAM as well as other manufacturing applications. Currently, 3D PDF Converter supports CATIA V5R20,  Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0, and Parasolid 23 file formats. Additional 3D CAD formats are under development, according to the company.

The software comes with 3D Reviewer, a standalone application for preparation of 3D CAD data prior to saving to the 3D PDF conversion. With 3D Reviewer, users are said to be able to merge CAD files, move and delete parts, create animations and exploded assemblies, and build and manage bills of material.

3D Reviewer is said to give users the ability to generate dynamic cross-sectional views or measurements based on CAD model geometry. Bounding box and physical properties calculations as well as the ability to create automatic calculations for core/cavity splitting are additional functionalities. Miscellaneous features include add and modify lighting,  materials, or colors;  display color-coded differences between unchanged, new, or old geometry; and save work as PDF files or 2D raster/vector images.

“I’m very impressed with the new capabilities of Adobe Acrobat X Pro. There are great new features in the software that will improve the experience for our manufacturing users,” said Craig Trudgeon, CTO at Tetra 4D in a prepared statement. “We’re excited about this release ]of 3D PDF Converter], and our technology partner, Tech Soft 3D, is already working hard on updated format support for Siemens NX 7.5, SolidWorks 2010/2011, and other formats for our Q1 2011 update.”

3D PDF Converter is available for purchase and immediate download through the Tetra 4D online store. It costs $399, which includes 3D Reviewer. A Premium version, which includes 3D PDF Converter, 3D Reviewer, and a new license of Acrobat X Pro, is $799. A $99 annual maintenance and service contract is required with purchase. 3D PDF Converter is available in English,  German, French, and Japanese. The company is offering introductory pricing for Adobe customers who upgrade before March 31, 2011. For complete details, visit Tetra 4D.

Learn more about 3D PDF Converter Premium. (Hint: After selecting country, you’ll be directed to this location.)

Download a list of CAD formats 3D PDF Converter supports.

Download a 21-day trial version of 3D PDF Converter.

Go to the Tetra 4D store.

Learn more about Tech Soft 3D.

Details on Adobe Acrobat X Pro are here.

See why DE’s Editor’s selected Tetra 4D’s 3D PDF Converter as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.