Software Review: Adobe Technical Communication Suite - Adobe Acrobat 8 3D - Page 2

So what's new with Adobe Acrobat 8 3D?

• Convert CAD files to 3D PDF containing precise CAD geometry that contains either tessellated (faceted) data or precise CAD model geometry.

• Export to neutral file formats – will save time and effort by eliminating the need to purchase CAD translators for each CAD format that you work with. By using Adobe Acrobat 8 3D to export CAD model data into a neutral file format such as STEP or IGES, you can provide files that can be used for downstream manufacturing processes. This will streamline your workflow and get to the manufacturing process faster and with more reliability.

• Share Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) – by using Adobe Acrobat 8 3D to distribute 3D designs that contain your PMI to your extended team and enable them to access this information within a PDF file, directly within the 3D file and from the assembly tree.

• Produce highly compressed 3D PDF files – will not only reduce the sizes of the files that are distributed, but also make them in a much more secure. The size of the files can be reduced by as much as 150 times smaller making them easier to share via email.

Enhancements include:

• Convert almost any CAD file to a 3D PDF – with new conversions that are available.

• Combine files from multiple applications – such as CAD files, office documents as well as spreadsheets and other rich media.

• Share your 3D designs with anyone – since all that they need is Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.1 or greater. The will have full access to PMI Data, mark up, zoom, rotate, cross section, and much, much more.

• Create 3D cross section – and call attention to parts or sub-assemblies giving everyone a clearer understanding of how your project fits together.

• Reuse CAD design data in marketing and technical manuals – by using the Adobe Acrobat 8 3D toolkit to clean up CAD designs, add/modify lighting, materials, textures, or colors; create exploded views, and then save them as 3D objects.

Article Author: T. Michael Testi

T. Michael Testi is software developer, a writer, and a photographer. He also blogs at PhotographyTodayNet and at All This and Everything Else.

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