We are pleased to announce the release of the latest Creo-3D PDF publisher from our Publish 3D product range.
Our Publish 3D – 3D PDF products enable the publishing of 3D Creo data directly from within the design application in to an interactive 3D PDF document format, or an HTML5 output.
V20.3 supports Creo 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and has a number of new features and enhancements, including:
Improved support for the publishing of layer state display by combined state
PMI surface highlighting
Publishing of simplified representation display by combined state
Improved support for reference planes not hidden in view
Improved support for layer state visibility
Sub assembly level PMI displayed in top-level views
The published PDF document contains embedded interactive 3D representations of the native Creo data (within pre-defined templates), offering greater levels of Intellectual Property (IP) protection with support for separate passwords to control either the access to the document as well as separate passwords to enable any editing of the 3D PDF output.
The Publish 3D product supports Model Based Definition (MBD) and 3D annotations and dimensions (PMI) from Creo into the 3D PDF format.
Anybody with access to the freely available Adobe Reader®, either on a PC, tablet or smartphone can access the interactive 3D data and are able to view, mark up and interrogate the document without the use of specialist CAD software. As 3D PDF is an ISO standard, the technology is easily integrated and can effectively become the protocol for easy, seamless document creation and communication.
Our strategic partnership with PTC ensures that there is parallel development between the latest releases of Creo, and Theorem’s Publish 3D products, allowing us to continue to provide publishing solutions for the Creo community.
We are pleased to announce the release of our latest 3D PDF Publisher for CATIA V5 product from the Publish 3D product range.
V20.2 supports from CATIA V5 R19 up to and including CATIA V5-6R2017 (V5 R27), and includes a number of new and improved product features and enhancements.
Our Publish 3D – 3D PDF products enable the publishing of 3D CATIA data directly from within the CATIA V5 design application in to an interactive 3D PDF document format, or an HTML5 output.
Other features and enhancements in this release include:
Enhancements for reading and display of PMI
Enhanced methods for filtering attributes from within the CATIA V5 data
Added options that allow users to combine all output PDF’S into one or keep them separate with multi template output processing
Options added to allow for filtering of CATIA V5 FTA Captures (model views)
The published PDF document contains embedded interactive 3D representations of the native CATIA V5 data (within pre-defined templates), offering greater levels of Intellectual Property (IP) protection with support for separate passwords to control either the access to the document as well as separate passwords to enable any editing of the 3D PDF output.
The Publish 3D product supports Model Based Definition (MBD) and 3D annotations and dimensions (PMI/FTA) from CATIA V5 into the 3D PDF format.
Anybody with access to the freely available Adobe Reader®, either on a PC, tablet or smartphone can access the interactive 3D data and are able to view, mark up and interrogate the document without the use of specialist CAD software. As 3D PDF is an ISO standard (ISO 24517-1 (PDF/E)) the technology is easily integrated and can effectively become the protocol for easy, seamless document creation and communication.
Our strategic partnership with Dassault Systemes ensures that there is parallel development between the latest releases of CATIA V5, and Theorem’s Publish 3D products, allowing us to continue to provide publishing solutions for the CATIA community.
Our latest Publish 3D – 3D PDF suite of products now offer greater levels of Intellectual Property (IP) protection to users publishing 3D CAD data directly to a PDF document from within their design and visualization applications.
PDF files containing interactive 3D data created using our Publish 3D provide a higher level of Intellectually Property (IP) security than native CAD files by allowing the documents to be password protected.
Native CAD files cannot be password protected, causing IP vulnerabilities when shared or accessed. Using 3D PDF, the CAD data can be translated into a tessellated format, with content such as features, history and constraints being removed, so that the 3D representation can be viewed and manipulated, but the native CAD data cannot be accessed or reproduced from the PDF alone.
This added functionality gives greater confidence when sharing sensitive information with partners and suppliers.
Using standard Adobe PDF security, a 3D PDF can be:
Password protected
Encrypted
Data Rights Management added
Restricted access for specific users with other applications such as LiveCycle, FileOpen etc.
A 3D PDF has the capability for the document to be annotated, and can also act as a ‘carrier’ file for additional data to be transported (such as spreadsheets, AVI Movies, hyperlinks, as well as native CAD data) and create a richer file and source of information, but still keep IP secure.
3D PDF is opening up opportunities for securely sharing information within an organisation and up and down the supply/distribution chains, allowing improvements to assembly, reducing product cost and improving quality.
Anybody with access to the freely available Adobe reader, either on a PC, tablet or phone can access interactive 3D data and are able to view, mark up and interrogate the data without the use of specialist CAD software.
The simplicity of 3D PDF, low cost, and ease of use allows for the secure integration of departments, customers and suppliers into the product lifecycle process which in turn leads to reduced lead times, fewer mistakes and better products.
We will be hosting a seminar covering the topic ‘Using 3D PDF in Engineering and Manufacturing’ at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, UK on Wednesday 11th November 2015, 10.00am-12.30pm.
The focus of the seminar is to discuss the emerging use of the 3D PDF format within an organisation and throughout their supply chains and how using the 3D PDF document format can revolutionise this process.
Sharing CAD design data usually requires the recipient to have access to the relevant CAD system and an understanding of how to read the data. This however, is not always the case, especially when data needs to be shared between non-engineering/design related departments.
The MTC in Coventry, the venue for our seminars.
Interactive 3D PDF files offer many benefits by embedding 3D models directly from native CAD and visualization applications into an Adobe PDF, along with any associated meta data, creating a richer document and source of information.
One of the major benefits of an interactive PDF file is that it can be read by any device that has Adobe Reader installed on it (which in reality, is most) which also means that it can be shared department/company/supply chain wide without the need for special software applications or knowledge to view the information (with the correct permissions in place of course).
A demonstration of our Publish 3D product, which publishes 3D PDF documentation, will be given to highlight the benefits and advantages of using 3D PDF and show how engineering and manufacturing industries will be able to utilise it.
If you would like more information about Theorem Solutions then visit our website at
In every product lifecycle process there comes a time when design data and product information needs to be shared. Almost every department within a company (with the exceptions of HR and Accounting) will need to discuss the product at some point along the process, whether it’s with another department or external suppliers.
It used to be that engineers who designed products in CAD systems would struggle to share the CAD data with those in the Quality & Inspection department, as specialist training and software applications would often be needed, which could be expensive and an inefficient use of time and resource.
The ability to share data with non CAD users internally is extremely important as it reduces ambiguity when inspecting and checking components.
To help resolve the issue, we at Theorem Solutions have come up with a suite of products that address this problem using 3D PDF.
Using a 3DPDF in Quality/ Inspection
The most beneficial use of a 3DPDF for Inspection and Quality purposes is the ability to introduce the interactive 3D content as part of the product’s Inspection, or as part of a design review. 3D content aids communication as it allows a greater understanding of the product, through interactive functionality available to the user, all within Adobe’s freely available Acrobat Reader.
There are a number of different features and views available that can be brought through directly from the source design data in to the PDF. These can be interrogated, and new views created and saved to highlight specific areas of interest or concern.
The option exists to break the geometry down into different cross sections as well as being able to review individual elements of the component through data filtering. Views can be annotated and measurements checked to aid the inspection process. Additionally, supporting information can be attached to the 3D PDF (such as spreadsheets, hyperlinks, drawing etc.)-effectively using the document as a container (like a zip file) to give the clearest overview possible to help speed up the process and communicate findings.
Along with the Inspection report, an Engineering Change Request in the 3D PDF format-containing an interactive 3D representation of a specific part or component, combined with additional metadata: part descriptions, part numbers, detailed drawings and proposed changes, created as part of the inspection process that can be annotated and findings highlighted and then shared between departments- is a very powerful information communication tool indeed.
From a security perspective the intellectual property (IP) of the native CAD design data remains protected within the 3D PDF format as only a representation is shared although the ‘data’ can still be exchanged. Passwords can also be set on the documents so that the data can only be accessed by required personnel. Source data is never accessible!
What is Publish 3D?
Publish 3D is a software application that allows 3D CAD data to be embedded into a PDF document, alongside any associated metadata, to create a 3D PDF
Most people are familiar with receiving documents in a PDF format, and are used to viewing those documents in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
By creating a 3D PDF document, engineers can pass on CAD data to anyone within the Inspection team who has access to Adobe reader, and they can in turn mark-up, interrogate and annotate the 3D CAD data as per their requirement and then pass it on to whoever requires it next.
Embedding CAD data into a PDF
How can this benefit Quality/Inspection?
The benefit of this new technology is its simplicity of deployment and ease of use, removing barriers to integrate departments, customers and suppliers into the product lifecycle process. With everyone in the organisation and supply chain contributing to the design process this offers a gain of strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive market and leads to reduced lead times, fewer mistakes and better products.
3D PDF is a great way of leveraging CAD and PLM assets. Now that the CAD data has been produced by engineers, the 3DPDF is a simple and cost effective way of sharing that data with others.
If you would like additional information on 3D PDF, Publish 3D or Theorem Solutions visit our website
In every product lifecycle process there is design data and product information that needs to be shared.
Engineers who design products in CAD systems can struggle to share the CAD data with those in manufacturing/tooling departments, as specialist training and software systems would be needed, and these could be expensive, but the ability to share data internally is extremely important because it reduces ambiguity.
We have developed a suite of products that address this problem.
What is Publish 3D?
Publish 3D is a software application that allows 3D CAD data to be embedded into a PDF document, alongside any associated metadata, to create a fully interactive 3D PDF.
The majority of people are used to receiving documents in a PDF format and then viewing them on Adobe Acrobat Reader.
A PDF with interactive 3D CAD data embedded into the document
By creating a 3D PDF document, engineers can pass on CAD data to anyone within manufacturing or tooling who has access to Adobe reader, and they can in turn mark-up, interrogate and annotate the 3D CAD data as per their requirement and then create process plans and works instructions containing the 3D content.
Why use 3DPDF’s and Publish 3D in Manufacturing?
Using Publish 3D V18.0 to create documents in manufacturing allows a more thorough understanding of the product due to different views being available for interrogation, along with dimensional, tolerance, and surface finish information. Additional information can be attached to the 3D PDF document (such as spreadsheets, hyperlinks, AVI’s etc.). You can then use the 3D image embedded and any additional data, such as quantities, and cost information, and lists of raw materials, to create a MBOM, which can be shared throughout the organisation and the supply chain.
And in Tooling?
With key dimension and tolerance information displayed alongside a variety of different view options, the 3D image embedded in the document and any additional data can be used in the creation of tool design and any other technical documents you may need to produce, which can then be shared easily as a compressed file via email throughout the organisation and the supply chain.
How can this benefit Manufacturing/Tooling?
The benefit of this new technology is its simplicity of deployment and ease of use, removing barriers to integrate with the manufacturing/tooling departments. The IP of the native CAD data is also protected in the 3D PDF format but data can still be exchanged. Passwords can also be set on the documents so that only certain people of your choosing can access the data. With everyone in manufacturing or tooling needing 3D data to support and drive their processes then 3D content in documents is key for strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive market and leads to reduced lead times, fewer mistakes and better products.
3D PDF is a great way of leveraging CAD and PLM assets. Now that the CAD data has been produced by design engineers, the 3DPDF is a simple and cost effective way of sharing that data with others.
In every product lifecycle process there comes a time when design data and product information need to be shared. Almost every department within an organisation (with the exceptions of HR and Accounting) will need to discuss the product with someone at some point along the process, whether it’s with another department or external suppliers.
It used to be that engineers who designed products in CAD systems would struggle to share the CAD data with those in other departments, as specialist training and software systems would often be needed, and these could be expensive, but the ability to share 3D product data with non CAD users internally and externally is extremely important because it reduces ambiguity and so aids communication.
Theorem have come up with a suite of products that address this problem.
What is Publish 3D?
Publish 3D is a software application that allows 3D CAD data to be embedded into a PDF document, alongside any associated metadata, to create a 3D PDF
Most people are used to receiving documents in a PDF format, and then viewing them in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
By creating a 3D PDF document, Design engineers can pass on CAD data to anyone within the organisation who has access to Adobe reader, and they can in turn mark-up, interrogate and annotate the 3D CAD data as per their requirement and then pass it back to the designer for consideration.
Why use 3D PDF’s and Publish 3D?
Using Publish 3D to create a 3D PDF could help in the Design process by allowing a more thorough understanding of the 3D technical content of the product by staff who do not have CAD access. By using your design data to create engineering change request and engineering change notice documents to share with all of your engineering colleagues will speed up the overall process. Any additional information can also be attached to the 3D PDF document (such as spreadsheets, hyperlinks, AVI’s etc.). You can then use the 3D image embedded in the document and any additional data when showcasing design concepts so that a full overview of the product can be seen, not just the visual element of it . This can then be shared throughout the organisation, especially with the engineering department, and the supply chain.
The IP of the native CAD data is also protected in the 3D PDF format but data can still be exchanged. Passwords can be set on the documents so that only certain people of your choosing can access the data.
3D PDF is a great way of leveraging CAD and PLM assets. Now that the CAD data has been produced by engineers, the 3DPDF is a simple and cost effective way of sharing that data with others.
How can this benefit Design?
Product designers have a close working relationship with other engineers as they create the initial design concept/brief which would then be shared with engineering colleagues who need to review and asses the design and provide their own input and feedback. Using 3D PDF makes this quick and easy and so speeds up the whole design cycle.
The benefit of this new technology is its simplicity of deployment and ease of use, removing barriers to integrate departments, customers and suppliers into the product lifecycle process. With everyone in the organisation and supply chain contributing to the design process this offers a gain of strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive market and leads to reduced lead times, fewer mistakes and better products.
3D PDF technology is a way of sharing 3D data within the Adobe PDF format that is recognised and used worldwide.
Theorem’s Publish 3D suite of products enable the publishing of 3D CAD data directly from within the Siemens NX design application and via batch process for Siemens JT visualization data. The published output is a readable PDF document containing embedded interactive 3D representations of the native CAD data but offering greater levels of Intellectual Property (IP) protection.
Anybody with access to the freely available Adobe reader, either on a PC, tablet or phone can access the interactive 3D data and are able to view, mark up and interrogate the document without the use of specialist CAD software.
Using the toolbar provided by Adobe, the user can manipulate and view the data in a way that is applicable to them. The 3D PDF has the capability for the document to be annotated and can also act as a ‘carrier’ file for additional data to be transported (such as spreadsheets, AVI Movies, hyperlinks, as well as native CAD data) and to create a richer file and source of information. The Publish 3D product supports 3D annotations and dimensions (PMI) from NX and JT into the 3DPDF format
More specifically, Publish 3D for NX users is interactive and has a ‘Save as’ function from within the NX user interface plus batch output capability to speed up the publication process.
For JT users Publish 3D enables the creation of PDF documents containing 3D data using batch or interactive processes with additional server based versions available for high volume use.
As the 3D PDF containing interactive 3D representations is an easily readable document and can be readily accessed by anyone with the Adobe reader, it is opening up opportunities for sharing information within an organisation and up and down the supply/distribution chains, allowing improvements to assembly, product cost and quality.
PDF files containing interactive 3D data created using Theorem’sPublish 3D suite of products provide a higher level of Intellectually Property (IP) security than native CAD files by allowing the documents to be password protected. Native CAD files cannot be password protected, causing IP vulnerabilities when shared or accessed. This works alongside the data being translated into a tessellated format, so that the 3D representation can be viewed and manipulated, but the native CAD data cannot be accessed or reproduced from the PDF alone. This added functionality gives greater confidence when sharing sensitive information with partners and suppliers using a password protected PDF file.
The simplicity of 3D PDF, low cost, and ease of use allows for the integration of departments, customers and suppliers into the product lifecycle process which in turn leads to reduced lead times, fewer mistakes and better products
For more information on Publish 3D or Theorem Solutions visit
applications into a readable PDF with an interactive 3D product image embedded within the document.
The Publish3D software incorporates a range of different product applications:
Publish3D On Demand allows for batch publishing from the CATIA V5, NX, CREO and JT systems into the 3D PDF
Publish3D Interactive publishes from within the native CAD system and uses the Save As function to create the 3D PDF.
Publish3D Automated allows for high volume batch publishing
Publish3D Add-Ons are the 3D PDF publishing tools for NX and JT translators which gives the original translated output alongside the 3D PDF.
Anybody with access to the freely available Adobe reader, either on a PC, tablet or phone can access the interactive 3D data and are able to view, mark up and interrogate the document without the use of specialist CAD software. Using the toolbar provided by Adobe, the user can manipulate and view the data in a way that is applicable to them. The 3D PDF has the capability for the document to be annotated and can also act as a ‘carrier’ file for additional data to be transported (such as spreadsheets, AVI Movies, hyperlinks, as well as native CAD data) to create a richer file and source of information.
In addition, PDF files containing interactive 3D data created using the Publish3D suite of products provide a higher level of Intellectually Property (IP) security than native CAD files by allowing the documents to be password protected. Native CAD files cannot be password protected, causing IP vulnerabilities when shared or accessed. This works alongside the data being translated into a tessellated format, so that the 3D representation can be viewed and manipulated, but the native CAD data cannot be accessed or reproduced from the PDF alone. This added functionality gives greater confidence when sharing sensitive information with partners and suppliers using a password protected PDF file.
The simplicity of 3D PDF, low cost, and ease of use allows for the integration of departments, customers and suppliers into the product lifecycle process which in turn leads to reduced lead times, fewer mistakes and better products.
As the 3D PDF is an easily readable document and can be readily accessed by anyone with the Adobe reader, it is opening up opportunities for sharing information within an organisation and up and down the supply/distribution chains, allowing improvements to assembly, product cost and quality.
For more information on Publish 3D or Theorem Solutions visit
Publish 3D - 3D PDF 