Virtools™ CAD Pack

When setting out to create real-time 3D applications, companies consistently face thorny issues regarding conversion and optimization of 3D data (CAD, Digital Content Creation, etc.). Converting files for use with standard authoring and deployment platforms usually requires making a costly development investment
in order to build proprietary data conversion solutions.

Thanks to Virtools™ CAD Pack, most 3D models can be easily converted to Virtools format – and optimized in the process. This precious module provides developers with a tool that is both
compatible with their 3D or CAD software, and also a means for creating interactive real-time 3D applications such as simulation-based training, collaborative design and project reviews and mission planning simulations.

The Virtools™ CAD Pack offer

Virtools™ CAD Pack works hand in hand with Deep Exploration software made by Virtools’ partner Right Hemisphere.

Until now, the Virtools production process enabled import of 3D models from third-party modeling tools using our export plugins for 3ds max, Maya, Lightwave and Softimage. With Virtools™ CAD Pack, models in many other file formats can also be easily converted to the Virtools native file format.

Making the most of Deep Exploration’s capabilities for handling multiple file formats, geometry correction, intelligent polygon reduction and more, Virtools™ CAD Pack considerably facilitates the conversion and preparation process so models can be used optimally with Virtools Software Suite.

Import any file format and maintain model hierarchy

Virtools™ CAD Pack supports a wide range of formats, particularly CAD files like Catia, Unigraphics, Solidworks, AutoCAD, Iges and Step.

Model conversion with CAD Pack means that hierarchies between object components are carried over once imported into the Virtools authoring environment. Components can thus be manipulated separately, while relationships between them such as pivot points remain intact.

Optimize models for real-time 3D

To compensate for bulky files that aren’t optimized for real-time 3D, Virtools™ CAD Pack lets you configure and customize conversion settings to streamline your 3D models. Virtools™ CAD Pack puts you in control of optimization. Set the degree of tessellation when importing surface data and also reap the benefits of tools designed for polygon simplification and reduction that preserve optimal model display while significantly maximizing performance (for this feature, the CAD Tools module of Deep Exploration is required).

With Virtools™ CAD Pack, delete unnecessary objects that will not be displayed in your 3D environment yet still take up valuable file space. Welding is also possible, to let you merge adjacent vertices for smaller files and superior 3D models.
Other valuable tools allow you to correct normals, and specifically to make certain that multiple normals in an object or group of objects are oriented in the same direction, an essential step in ensuring proper use of lights, materials and shaders.

Preview models before conversion

Virtools™ CAD Pack lets you preview your Virtools models even if you don’t have Virtools™ Dev software. This key feature facilitates collaborative work among production team members, regardless of whether they have Virtools™ Dev or not. All models can be efficiently previewed, anytime, anywhere before data conversion.

Reuse Virtools files with other platforms

With the Virtools module for Deep Exploration, you can load Virtools files then export them to other platforms for rendering or non-interactive animation projects. This opens the door to many unique uses of Virtools™ Dev for model manipulation and optimization, as well as interactive or procedural animation for 3D environments.

Improve workflow with batching

Thanks to batching tools, Virtools™ CAD Pack lets you convert up to 25 files at a time provided all use the same import and export settings. Larger batches and more systematic processes can be equally developed with additional components.

Supported CAD formats

Right Hemisphere’s Deep Exploration supports a wide range of standard 3D/CAD formats as listed below (non-exhaustive list).

• 3ds max
• DirectX model
• Lightwave
• Maya
• XSI
• VRML, OBJ
• Open Inventor
• OpenFlight
• AutoCAD

For more specific CAD formats (see list below), extension modules are required:

• Catia v4 & v5
• CoreCAD: Solidworks, IGES,
• Granite: Pro/Engineer
• Unigraphics

For all these formats, Right Hemisphere’s CAD Tools may be required for specific optimization features.

For a complete uptodate list, please consult http://www.righthemisphere.com/products/dexp.

Technical Requirements

• Right Hemisphere’s Deep Exploration 3.5.
• CAD Modules licenses (CATIA, CoreCAD, Unigraphics, Granite...) for corresponding CAD file formats.
• Deep Exploration’s CAD Tools

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