10 reasons why any 3D engineering app must export 3D PDF

Engineering projects are complex & expensive and inherently demand participation from different groups for sharing designs or documentation. 3D PDF documents have been used for quite some time now as they allow elaborate 3D product documentation and provide flexibility to incorporate development data. For example, during a manufacturing process, a 3D PDF can directly integrate product manufacturing information (PMI) along with the 3D model.

3D PDFs are the most commonly accepted standard for collaborative business processes and operational efficiency, as they allow users to virtually share models from different CAD files with project members. Thus, it has become a basic feature for an engineering application to have a 3D PDF export functionality that can efficiently convert models into 3D PDF documents. These files can be easily shared with others irrespective of their size via Adobe Reader and offers multiple advantages listed as below:

10 reasons why any 3D engineering app must export 3D PDF:

  1. Efficiency and accuracy: The 3D PDF Exporter can convert models to 3D documents, not only faster, but with greater accuracy regardless of the size of the model
  2. Simple to use: Most computers around the world come with pre-installed Adobe reader. And that’s it. Your user only needs Adobe reader on her machine to read a 3D PDF document
  3. Easy to use: Using this tool does not need any additional training. Since the 3D PDF Exporter is often menu driven, users can work on it right off the bat
  4. Portability and flexibility: The 3D PDF exporter works very well for engineering applications because it turns the models into interactive files which are very portable and can be posted on the webpage or even mailed to clients using Adobe Acrobat Reader. It can also store a wide array of files like BRep, VizRep, PMI, – mix 2D and 3D content.
  5. Lightweight: 3D PDF files are comparatively lightweight and smaller in size, making them easier to share with others
  6. Password Protection: While shareability is an important aspect, maintaining the authenticity of the data is more important. Once the files are in 3D PDF format, one can protect the Adobe PDF files by applying a password and restricting the access rights or how the contents will be used by the users. Apart from Password protection, the creator can set different levels of authorization to a different set of individuals accessing the document
  7. No virus threats: 3D PDF exporter is free from virus threats, and users do not need to worry about the security of their files
  8. Creates rich interactive 3D PDF documents: With the 3D PDF Exporter, you can publish 3D objects or 3D line art 3 dimensionally. You can add comment directly on 3D objects within Adobe PDF files. Since the models can be viewed from multiple angles, it is easier to view internal structures and assembly relationships or even measure dimensions in a 3D design for more accurate comments.
  9. Enhanced animation and automation (using JavaScript): By adding JavaScript to any Adobe PDF file containing 3D design, you can create an enhanced animation and automation experience. By right clicking on the 3D object in Acrobat, one can access the 3D toolkit which can help to create animations such as exploded views, edit lighting, change textures and materials of an object. That’s not all you can also choose to save the changes either as 3D or as 2D raster or vector image.
  10. Long-term Adobe Support: When you have long-term format support from Adobe, there really is nothing more to say, is there?

The engineering landscape is in a flux and the need of the hour is greater collaboration for more cost-saving and efficiency. With a feature like 3D Export in your application, it is not only possible to work with higher accuracy and reduce errors but also offer a more enhanced experience to your users.

So, hurry up! Add 3D PDF export in your Product roadmap.

Author: Tarika Jain

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nCircle Tech (inCorporated in 2012) empowers passionate innovators to create impactful 3D visualization software for desktop, mobile and cloud. Our domain expertise in CAD-BIM customization driving automation with the ability to integrate advanced technologies like AI/ML and VR/AR; empowers our clients to reduce time to market and meet business goals. nCircle has a proven track record of technology consulting and advisory services for the AEC and Manufacturing industry across the globe. Our team of dedicated engineers, partner ecosystem and industry veterans are on a mission to redefine how you design and visualize.

Over the last 7+ years, the organisation has worked on more than 150 large and complex projects for 50+ customers across 15+ countries.