Acrobat 3D to accelerate design collaboration at Renault

The auto maker says it plans to deploy the software throughout its engine and body organisations, and expects to harness PDFs to share 3D designs reliably and securely via the free Adobe Reader software. The structured CAD and digital mock-up workflows within Renault’s product data management (PDM) system already support the ability to share native file formats among engineers. Now, the PDM and digital mock-up infrastructures can effectively be extended to other teams to speed associated processes around product development, while also helping to maintain the accuracy and security of proprietary information. Acrobat 3D will mean that Renault teams can convert 3D models from a variety of CAD formats and embed them into PDF files through drag-and-drop or by capturing the OpenGL displays—regardless of whether they have the CAD application in question. Three-dimensional objects can be combined in a single PDF document with relevant product development information, such as spreadsheets, presentations, images, and dynamic XML data extracted from the company’s PDM system. Engineers can then share the PDF file with other departments or external partners in an immediate, iterative feedback process alongside more structured design reviews. When enabled by Acrobat 3D, Renault’s extended team members using Adobe Reader can interact with the 3D content in PDF, view product structure, apply digital signatures, and leverage commenting, measurement and cross-section tools directly on 3D objects. Looking ahead, Renault will be eligible to upgrade to the new Acrobat 3D Version 8 software. The major upgrade to Acrobat 3D is expected to ship shortly, and will include new capabilities for producing highly compressed PDF documents with accurate geometry from large, complex CAD assemblies. “The pressure to deliver better products faster, in the face of fierce competition and the continued growth of outsourcing, is top-of-mind for manufacturing organisations worldwide, from automotive and aerospace companies to those in areas such as industrial machinery,” says Tom Hale, senior vice president, Knowledge Worker Business Unit at Adobe. “Acrobat 3D will enable Renault to drive document-based design collaboration processes across extended teams more quickly, securely and cost-effectively using proven, time-tested technologies in PDF and the ubiquitous, free Adobe Reader.”