Adobe Acrobat 3D Version 8 Available

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Adobe announces the immediate availability of Adobe Acrobat 3D Version 8 software, a major upgrade to the desktop application for driving document-based 3D design collaboration and CAD data interoperability capabilities to virtually anyone inside manufacturing organizations and across the global supply chain. With Acrobat 3D Version 8, CAD, CAM, CAE, and technical publishing professionals in the aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, heavy machinery, life sciences, and AEC industries can convert virtually any 3D 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. Three-dimensional CAD data can also be easily combined with other critical project information, such as product specifications, spreadsheets and bills of materials, into a more secure PDF document containing product manufacturing information (PMI). PMI is used to convey geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, annotations and other specifications directly on a 3D model.

Once 3D models are combined with other documents in PDF, Acrobat 3D Version 8 users can enable extended teams of colleagues, suppliers, partners, and customers to participate in an efficient document review process leveraging the free, ubiquitous Adobe Reader software. Adobe Reader users can view detailed product structure and, when enabled by Acrobat 3D Version 8, have the ability to use commenting, measurement and cross-section tools directly on 3D objects in PDF files. By helping engage technical and non-technical team members in 3D-based communications throughout the product life cycle, the software can help workgroups diminish the risk of misunderstandings, discover design flaws earlier, and speed product development.

Over the past few months, more than 10,000 users participated in the beta and public preview programs for Acrobat 3D Version 8. Caterpillar, Dai Nippon Printing, Eaton Corporation, HNTB Architecture, John Deere, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill were among the innovative organizations working with pre-release versions of the software. EDS, a global technology services company, was also a beta participant. At EDS, the software is helping improve 3D-based document collaboration across engineers, project managers and clients. The product also has helped the company bring additional clarity and richness to technical documentation, enabling CAD design data to be placed in Microsoft Office documents for the production of interactive 3D PDF files.

Acrobat 3D Version 8 supports conversion to 3D PDF from over 40 formats, including those for Autodesk Inventor, Dassault Systemes CATIA, PTC Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, and UGS NX and I-deas. The software also provides users the option of exporting precise manufacturing CAD data from PDF into neutral file formats such as STEP, IGES and Parasolid for downstream processes, including machining operations and tool and mold design.

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