What is a STEP file?
STEP was developed to solve the age-old problem of sharing 3D model file data between different CAD systems. STEP, which stands for Standard for the Exchange of Product Data, is essentially an exchange format, much like PDF, that can be recognized by various programs, thereby making it easier to send data to other CAD users.
STEP is […]
PDF3D (Software) from Visual Technology Services – History & Background
PDF3D is a software suite used for embedding 3D models in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. The software contains applications, utilities and a Software Development Kit (SDK). PDF3D is commercial software developed by Visual Technology Services Ltd. of Ascot, United Kingdom.
Quick Facts:
Developer(s): Visual Technology Services Ltd.
Initial release: 2006
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A simple 3D PDF with manual views is very common. When a user is faced with several views they can select each view using the selector menu. Easy enough. But what if you want to tell a story and show your user each view in a sequence or specific order with a beginning, middle and end, and with accompanying narration?
With […]
3D CAD users and STL users can now easily convert and enhance STL files into 3D PDFs at the click of a button using PDF3D ReportGen.
Why Would You Need to Convert STL into PDF?
STL is the format generated for 3D printing and is used by many who work within engineering, design, dentistry and additive manufacturing – as well as a […]
How to add 3D Label annotations in a 3D PDF at generation time (GUIDE AND VIDEO)
Most 3D PDF generation tools do not provide part labels and annotation, and the majority of 3D model file formats don’t provide for 3D annotations either. Adding 3D labels is sometimes possible by hand placing and adding markup, but generating labels directly from an easy to use file format […]
How to create a progressive animation from multiple part files in a 3D PDF using PDF3D ReportGen (GUIDE AND VIDEO)
Wondering how to address the complex task of creating a 3D animated sequence to show the gradual assembly sequence of a complex model without programming? Normally time-sequence or transient data is shown as a sequence, one part at a time, so how can […]
Researching the relationship between PDF/E, U3D, PRC and 3D PDF in general is not that easy, without diving into complex standards specifications, but if you are a developer and would like to understand what each of these brings to the world of the 3D PDF, this article clarifies the whys and whats of each.
Today most 3D PDF files found “in […]
Patents in the News
Patent Awarded for 3D Terrain Maps in PDF
Patent Awarded for 3D Point Cloud Processing
Patent Awarded for 3D Image Texture Compression Technology
Patent Notices
PDF3D libraries, applications, systems, utilities and products are protected by:
U.K. Patent Numbers. GB2477368, GB2484561, GB2521452
U.S. Patent Numbers US8736603, US9424662, US9691006, US10019649
Australia Patent Numbers AU2011315250, AU2015264921
European Patent Number EP2628145
Canadian Patent Number CA2814226
Visual Technology Services […]
PDF/E – short for the PDF standard for Engineering documents, is an international standard identified as ISO 24517 and defines a file format known as PDF/E which provides a mechanism for the exchange and archiving of engineering documents based on the ubiquitous and well-known PDF format for various communities working with engineering documentation.
A strong characteristic of PDF/E is the inclusion of […]
PMI in 3D PDF
Product Manufacturing Information or PMI as it’s more commonly known is a Digital Design & Manufacturing term for material information associated with a 3D design. Having PMI associations visible as an integral part of 3D PDF documents extends the reach in PLM reporting workflows. PMI, sometimes referred to as Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) includes material data, model views, dimensions, surface roughness, text […]