Adobe Announces Availability of Acrobat 3D Version 8

Adobe Systems, San Jose, Calif., has announced the immediate availability of its latest version of Acrobat. Acrobat 3D Version 8 software enables CAD, CAM, CAE and technical publishing professionals in the AEC industries to convert virtually any 3-D CAD file into a single PDF document.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff June 20, 2007

Adobe Systems, San Jose, Calif., has announced the immediate availability of its latest version of Acrobat. Acrobat 3D Version 8 software enables CAD, CAM, CAE and technical publishing professionals in the AEC industries to convert virtually any 3-D CAD file—including large assemblies of more than 500 megabytes—into a single PDF document. The PDF file can maintain precise geometry or be compressed over 100 times smaller than the original file, depending on the needs of the specific business process.

The 3-D CAD data also can be combined with other critical project information, such as product specifications, spreadsheets and bills of materials, into a more secure PDF document. Once 3-D models are combined with other documents in PDF, users can enable extended teams to participate in a document review process. By helping engage technical and non-technical team members in 3D-based communications throughout the project life cycle, the software can help workgroups diminish the risk of misunderstandings and discover design flaws earlier.

Over the past few months, major A/E design firms, such as HNTB and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, have been among the participants in the beta and public preview programs for Acrobat 3D Version 8.

Version 8 supports conversion to 3-D PDF from over 40 formats, including those for Autodesk Inventor, Dassault Systemes CATIA, PTC Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, and UGS NX and I-deas (see full list at www.adobe.com/go/a3d_supportedformats ).

It is available in English, French and German language versions. The Japanese language version is expected to be available this month.

Additional product information is available at www.adobe.com/go/acrobat3dv8 .