3D PDF and Universal 3D

HiCAD drawings can also be saved in 3DPDF (*.pdf), Universal 3D (*.u3d) and Product Representation Compact (.prc) format via the export dialogue window for 3-D interfaces: Click the ISD Button and select Save as... >3-D formats (Step...). In the Save as dialogue window, select the desired file type (*pdf or *u3d) from the list box at the bottom.

If you choose the setting Parts to be exported: Selection list (instead of All), not the complete drawing, but only the parts that were marked in the ICN will be exported as file(s).

Activate the Export displayed parts only checkbox if not the entire drawing, but only the currently shown parts are to be exported.

Thread Thread body you can choose whether thread bodies are to be exported As separate parts or United with parent part. The default setting is Do not transfer.

Immediately below activate the Unite sheets checkbox. Select this option if you want all sub-parts of a sheet to be combined, together with their superordinate part, into one part for the export.

Beneath the checkbox you can select a Unit of length: (mm, cm, m or inch).

In the Accuracy area you can specify a Mode for polyhedron approximation:

• Polygon points per quadrant: Enter the number of polygon points (at least 2). The default setting is 6.
• Via distance tolerance: Enter a tolerance in the Distance field (Default: 0.1) .
• Via distance tolerance with minimum number: Enter a tolerance in the Distance field , and the minimum value in the Polygon points per 3-D quadrant field.
• Via distance tolerance with maximum number: Enter a tolerance in the Distance field , and the maximum value in the Polygon points per 3-D quadrant field.

Specify a file name and the storage location, and confirm with Save.

Both standard formats enable a viewing and zooming of three-dimensional objects from all perspectives. A prerequisite for this is an appropriate software allowing the opening of such files (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader). The generated PDF file has 7 selectable standard Views, including the Standard AXO view.

Click here to view an example of a HiCAD model drawing exported to 3D PDF

Please note:

If the sample PDF cannot be opened by a click on the link, save it to your computer (right-click and select Save target as) and open it from there.

In the Configuration Editor you can specify for each of the three formats which export options are to be activated or deactivated by default upon function call.

3-D Interfaces