Cut the Cost of CAD Conversion

The 3D PDF file format is structured to help you share designs and data among your company’s employees and clients via Adobe Reader.

Exporting and converting CAD data was always a complex and expensive process, but there is now a way to share data that is both more efficient and more economical. PROSTEP software allows you to convert CAD data from any authoring system (NX, AutoCAD, Creo, CATIA, Solidworks and the like) into a lightweight, shareable 3D PDF file, easily accessed by anyone with the standard Adobe Reader.

Converting CAD data into a portable, manageable format is an important part of the product lifecycle management process, as it is the method by which you share your data downstream. The purpose of CAD conversion is to translate your data into a more readily readable format, and you want to keep things simple for the recipients of your data. You want said recipients to access your data files without having to purchase, install and learn to use a new program. You want to convert your data into the most versatile, lightweight, accessible file format possible: a 3D PDF file.

A 3D PDF file is a communications tool that allows people to view, receive, send and edit entire data packages within a single PDF file. With 3D PDF, your original engineering data is not part of the shared file, so a 3D CAD model can be transmitted without compromising your intellectual property. The 3D PDF file is also capable of translating 3D models into interactive documents that allow visibility and manipulation of BOMs (bills of materials), metadata and animations. These attributes all lead to improved communication downstream.

Figure 1. Instead of having separate documents, you can merge all documents into one easy to use 3D PDF file. Click here to view animation example.

3D PDF files can be read using the free Adobe Reader, which is pre-installed on almost all electronic devices. Because Adobe Reader is so readily accessible, the person or company with whom you share a file will not need to install any new software or learn any new programs. Your shared 3D PDF file will be immediately available for a recipient to view.

Figure 2. 3D PDF files can be used for a variety of file sharing needs, such as design and operation reviews, training manuals and sales parts catalogs. You can view sample 3D PDF files at PROSTEP.us.

Compatibility with 3D PDF

What Solution is Best for You?

Whether your company is a two-person operation or an international conglomerate, you want to ensure that your CAD conversion solution is scaled appropriately. PROSTEP has solutions to suit a company of any size. Are you a smaller company looking to share data person-to-person? If so, you need a less extensive piece of software and a client-based solution would be your best option. Are you part of a larger corporation with the need to share data among numerous employees and outside vendors? If that is the case, then a client-based solution for each employee is a waste of your resources. A server-based solution is a far better financial and operational fit. With a server-based solution, your employees all work with a single enterprise license, which will simplify data-sharing and reduce the load on individual user's machines.

Client-Based Solution. PROSTEP offers Tetra4D Converter as its client-based solution. This product converts your CAD data into a 3D PDF file and also happens to be one of the most economical single-user solutions available. Tetra4D Converter is sold as a single-user license with a starting price of $498. Each license is assigned to one employee and one machine. If your company is small, or if only a few of your employees will utilize CAD conversion software, then Tetra4D Converter is the correct solution for you.

Server-Based Solution. PDF Generator 3D allows your entire enterprise to access the conversion software and convert CAD data into easily readable 3D PDF files. It is highly customizable and offers a myriad of configurations to meet your needs. It can leverage PLM integration, automatically creating 3D PDFs from within your PLM. It can also be combined with PROSTEP's OpenDXM GlobalX for secure data exchange. PDF Generator 3D is intended for use throughout your organization and allows all employees to make use of the software, which eliminates the need to purchase a separate license for each user in your company. Pricing for PDF Generator 3D varies based on customer needs, so please contact PROSTEP if you would like a quote.

The right CAD conversion software ensures that communication flows freely and securely through the entire product lifecycle, from concept through retirement. When communication is unencumbered, product lifecycle management processes run smoothly. When lifecycle management processes run smoothly, budgets remain accurate and deadlines are met with ease.

Visit PROSTEP's website to see how the right 3D PDF conversion solution can increase efficiency at your company.

Client or Server Solution – At a Glance

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