Notes3D

CADalyst, Dec, 2004

QuadriSpace Corp.

Price: $495

972.359.6700

www.quadrispace.com

QuadriSpace Corp. offers a range of applications geared toward publishing, distributing, and sharing 3D data. The Document3D Suite includes Notes3D, Publisher3D, and Pages3D. First up is Notes3D, which lets you view, share, and document 3D models from a wide range of applications. Publisher3D is an add-on to Notes3D that provides many real-world publishing options. Pages3D, which replaces the older Presenter Pro, is a full authoring environment for creating multiple-page interactive 3D documents.

QuadriSpace provides an exporter to accommodate file formats that it doesn't directly read. Once it's activated, users can export the desired file as a QSM (QuadriSpace model) file.

Aside from conversions to the compact QSM file format, QuadriSpace applications can capture CAD metadata (depending on the CAD format). The programs offer explode tools and can be used to assemble and create training sequences and publish interactive documents from custom templates. Part material editing is available, along with texturing, sectioning, and the ability to mark up snapshots. Users can add notes to parts, steps, and snapshots. Advanced update features and advanced render styles are also included. Files are compatible with QuadriSpace's Publisher3D for document generation and also work with its Pages3D product for complete document authoring capabilities. Notes3D provides tools for creating markups, but the free viewer doesn't have markup capabilities. At deadline, we learned that Service Pack 1 for Document3D is in beta release. This new version provides a number of significant user interface changes and stability improvements, and should be available by the time you read this.

QuadriSpace converted the SolidWorks Explode Assembly (11MB) into a 432KB QSM file in 2 seconds. The SolidWorks SeaScooter Assembly (65MB) shrank to a 1.9MB QSM file in 7 seconds. The AutoCAD 2005 Hotel Model (2.1MB) turned into a 2.9MB QSM file in 15 seconds, and the Welding Fixture Model (2.3MB) became a 3.2MB QSM file in 20 seconds. The test system for this particular application was based on a 3GHz Pentium 4 with 512MB of RAM, running Windows XP. We were unable to complete the conversions using the prerelease version of the software that we had on hand, so QuadriSpace processed them in-house with a later version.

QuadriSpace engineers note that users must first save DWG files in model space so that QuadriSpace can read the 3D model. There are also some issues with the normals on facets imported from our test DWG files, which became evident in the skybox of the AutoCAD 2005 drawing of the Hotel Model.

Demo versions of QuadriSpace products and the free viewer are available from the QuadriSpace Web site. Our primary focus here was on QuadriSpace's Notes3D product and the free viewer for remotely accessing the created QSM files.

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