The integration simplifies the complexity of CAD models.
In November 2022, International TechneGroup Incorporated (ITI), a global interoperability solution provider, announced that it had developed an integration of key CADfix technology into its Tech Soft 3D HOOPS platform. This gives users and developers working with Tech Soft 3D HOOPS software development toolkits (SDKs) the ability to take advantage of industry leading CADfix geometry processing, model simplification, and meshing technology. The integration includes both the CADfix PPS and CADfix Viz solutions.
“As CAD data gets larger and larger, the kind of intelligent model simplification and remeshing that is provided by CADfix PPS and Viz is an important piece of the puzzle in many areas, in particular around digital twin workflows,” said Guido Hoffmann, technical fellow, Tech Soft 3D. “It’s great that through our Integration Partner Program, HOOPS users can now easily integrate this powerful technology into their applications.”
CADfix PPS
Plant and process layouts inherently contain numerous complex machine and equipment models, which typically contain a high level of detail, thus making the overall file size much larger than what typical plant and process design software can efficiently handle. The detail required to build a machine or piece of equipment is much greater than the level of detail required when designing overall layouts of machines and equipment and their layouts within a facility.
CADfix PPS enables designers to easily and quickly simplify large CAD assemblies for more efficient integration into their plant design systems by generating lightweight simplified versions of CAD models, helping to meet the demands of downstream applications, where the full detail of the mechanical CAD model is not required but the layout is needed for visualization, positioning and packaging. CADfix PPS can significantly reduce model file size and complexity while retaining the key features of the source CAD model.
The simplification of these models in CADfix PPS can be done manually or by using the simplification wizard, which helps automate the process. This gives HOOPS platform users and developers the ability to apply the advanced, automated CADfix PPS model simplification and detail reduction tools to complex mechanical CAD models. The model helps remove small parts and internal details that can increase file size, such as fasteners and small details like threads and fillets and other small parts that are unnecessary for full plant layout.
CADfix Viz
Large CAD model file sizes can also negatively impact virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) software applications. This can diminish performance on mobile devices, graphic quality and overall user experience. CAD models often require optimization to ensure successful outcomes in VR/AR/MR platforms.
The CADfix Viz CAD to mesh conversion solution helps streamline the integration process and maximize the reuse of 3D digital assets within VR/AR/MR applications. By optimizing 3D CAD models for use in these applications and increasing application interoperability, engineers save valuable time converting and repurposing complex CAD data for VR/AR/MR applications. CADfix Viz allows users and developers to automate the process of importing complex CAD models from multiple native and neutral formats, as well as remove unwanted features and internal parts, and export optimized lightweight faceted formats, helping to seamlessly repurpose CAD data for VR/AR/MR.
“We are delighted to have worked with Tech Soft 3D to deliver these CADfix integrations that will enable HOOPS users to enhance their digital workflows by applying automated simplification and advanced mesh generation to optimize models for heightened performance,” said Andy Chinn, ITI director. “The integration opens the way for the full range of the CADfix geometry handling and meshing technology being made available to the HOOPS user community.”
For more information on ITI’s CADfix integrations into the Tech Soft 3D HOOPS Platform, visit www.iti-global.com.
