Version 8.0 now allows both the export of 3D data to HTML5 and the automatic generation of BOMs with 2D views of 3D components. This means that the solution now offers even greater flexibility when used as a service content generator or as a motor driving the implementation of drawing-free processes forward with the help of technical data packages (TDP).
In addition to the export of 3D data to HTML5, PDF Generator 3D 8.0 offers innovative functions for publishing 3D data together with metadata in the web. The 3D content of the HTML pages can be visualized in virtually all currently available browsers – both on desktop computers and on mobile devices running under iOS or Android. Responsive design means that the pages are displayed differently depending on the end device being used. Like 3D PDF templates, corresponding HTML5 templates can be stored and used to create the web pages. They allow the pages to be displayed in line with customer specifications regarding layout and corporate identity. The standard configuration includes a template that customers can use immediately.
Another new feature of PDF Generator 3D 8.0 is the automatic generation of BOMs with 2D views of the 3D components. This means that PROSTEP has now fulfilled the wish of customers that often not only want to integrate 3D representations in their 3D PDFs but also 2D views derived from assemblies and individual parts. Derivation takes place during conversion in conjunction with the PDF Generator 3D TDP module, which also creates the BOM tables for spare parts catalogs for example. It includes all the key functions needed to generate technical data packages as required for establishing drawing-free processes in accordance with the VDA guideline 4953-2 and the US military standard MIL-STD-31000. Not only can it be used to embed 3D representations and STEP AP 242 metadata in PDF/A-3-compliant containers but also to derive static 2D views from dynamic 3D PDF models.
In addition to supporting the current formats of all leading CAD systems, the new version 8.0 of PDF Generator 3D also provides support for the 3D formats DWG and DXF for the first time. The native processing of the widely used AutoCAD formats not only makes it easier to provide HTML5 and 3D PDF content for architecture and building information management (BIM) but also for service documentation.
HTML5 export and the automatic generation of BOMs with 2D views, means that PDF Generator 3D can be used as a service content generator, including the automated creation of spare parts catalogs for example. Integration facilities to virtually all leading ERP and PDM/PLM systems and direct access to more than 20 different CAD formats allow the creation of catalogs to be automated to an extremely high degree, thus saving a substantial amount of time and money. This is of particular benefit to companies that produce spare parts catalogs for products configured according to customer specifications – regardless of whether these are small machines or large systems.
"The provision of the respective current spare parts catalogs, manuals and other documents in digital form is a prerequisite for developing new service offerings and service-based business models," says Timo Trautmann, a senior consultant at PROSTEP. "With PDF Generator 3D as a service content generator, companies can create their service documentation faster and make it even easier for their service technicians to access it on site via the web."
