SAN JOSE – Adobe Systems Inc. introduced a free download for Adobe Acrobat 3D software that delivers updated 3D CAD translators. With this update, Acrobat 3D now supports many of the latest versions of major CAD file formats, enabling users to convert 3D models from those formats to more secure and widely adopted PDF - regardless of whether they have CAD software. The updated translators use technology Adobe gained as part of its April 2006 acquisition of privately held Trade & Technologies France (TTF), a company whose technology is used by many leading CAD, CAM and CAE developers.
 
"Acrobat 3D and PDF continue to gain significant momentum in the manufacturing and architecture, engineering and construction industries, as well as praise from customers and influencers who see the technology as a means for addressing long-standing communication and collaboration issues by leveraging a ubiquitous, trusted file format," said Tom Hale, senior vice president, Knowledge Worker Business Unit at Adobe.
 
Among the updated file formats supported are those for Dassault Systemes CATIA, PTC Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, and UGS NX and I-deas. After converting 3D models from those formats to PDF, extended project teams can leverage Acrobat 3D to more quickly, securely and cost-effectively drive to completion critical communication processes that require 3D visualization and collaboration