A new group has kicked off operations with a charter to put 3D PDF on the map.
The 3D PDF Consortium is a community of software providers, system integrators, government agencies, and businesses that have a vested interest in the continued development of 3D PDF and the Product Representation Compact (PRC) data format as an open standard for visualization, collaboration, data exchange, and the long-term archiving and retrieval of engineering, manufacturing, AEC/BIM, geospatial, and scientific information.
Thanks to the ubiquity of the Acrobat Reader (the consortium says it resides on 98 percent of the world’s connected devices), there’s a case to be made that 3D PDF can serve as a universal collaboration mechanism for the exchange of engineering and product-related data by diverse groups. The consortium isn’t pitching 3D PDF as a mechanism for swapping geometrically intact CAD files between co-development engineering partners. Rather, given the range of information types 3D PDF supports (requests for quotes, costing data, supplier data) and the variety of controls and extensions it offers, proponents say it’s a powerful collaboration tool that can meet the needs of diverse users while facilitating the exchange of information packages traditionally addressed with a variety of disconnected technologies and manual processes.
With CAD data exchange standards and open formats readily available (Can you say STEP, IGES, and even JT Open?), it certainly raises the question: Why 3D PDF? Dave Opsahi, executive director of the 3D PDF Consortium, provided us with some clarification on when and where the technology makes sense. It's not for engineers looking for direct exchange of CAD geometric information for co-design or to support manufacturing processes, Opsahi said. But it is an easy and rich platform for exchanging other types of information that are part of the product record, along with a 3D representation, especially when compared with traditional methods.
“The minute you go beyond geometry, it has a real strong role to play,” he said. “There’s nothing really that’s come out to address this.”
David makes a great observation about the way this is being used today. At more than one conference, I've seen people use 3D PDF as a means to present concepts, ideas, etc. because of its lightweight footprint but capable functionality. In many cases these are individual users who acquired the product on their own (as opposed to corporate-wide implementations) because its inexpensive, easy to use, fits a variety of needs, and is highly functional. Its a bit like knowing how many use Powerpoint for a particular purpose - not really possible.
One elaboration on David's comments - the ability to comment or markup doesn't require Acrobat; it can be done with Reader, provided the author as enabled something in the PDF called Reader Extensions. This again is a HUGE benefit - if I want someone to have the ability to comment, but not the ability to measure, I simply enable that configuation in Acrobat as part of the publishing. This gives the author control over what features the recipient has access to.
Laura Sapiens' Ego! Smartmouse offers users a unique interactive experience by providing 2D and 3D connectivity, hardware identity authentication, data storage, and more.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
12 
