Adobe Delivers Updated CAD Translators for Acrobat 3D Software

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff January 29, 2007

Adobe Systems announced last week the immediate availability of a free download for Adobe Acrobat 3D software that delivers updated 3-D computer-aided design (CAD) translators. As a result, Acrobat 3D now supports many of the latest versions of major CAD file formats, enabling users to easily convert 3-D models from those formats to more secure and widely adopted PDF—regardless of whether they have CAD software. The updated translators leverage technology Adobe gained as part of its April 2006 acquisition of privately held Trade & Technologies France (TTF), a company whose technology is used by many leading CAD, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) developers.

Along with a highly accurate, compact file format that will be part of the forthcoming Acrobat 3D Version 8, Hale claimed, TTF provided Adobe with the expertise and technology to quickly respond to the rapidly evolving CAD landscape.(C) 2007 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Among the updated file formats supported are those for Dassault Systemes CATIA, PTC Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, and UGS NX and I-deas. After converting 3D models from those formats to PDF, extended project teams can leverage Acrobat 3D to more quickly, securely and cost-effectively drive to completion critical communication processes that require 3-D visualization and collaboration. For example, design engineers and others in areas such as automotive, aerospace and heavy machinery can enable suppliers, partners and customers to participate in a more efficient document review process simply by using free Adobe Reader software. Adobe Reader users can view product structure and, when enabled by Acrobat 3D, have the ability to use commenting, measurement and cross-section tools directly on 3-D objects in PDF files.

For more information about Acrobat 3D, click here .
“Acrobat 3D and PDF continue to gain significant momentum in the manufacturing and architecture, engineering and construction industries, as well as praise from customers and influencers who see the technology as a means for addressing long-standing communication and collaboration issues by leveraging a ubiquitous, trusted file format,” said Tom Hale, senior vice president, Knowledge Worker Business Unit at Adobe.