Tool for publishing 3D online catalogs

Modern Machine Shop, May, 2002 by Shauna R. Pope

The company has unveiled the latest version of its 3D PartStream.Net service, which lets component manufacturers publish 3D-enabled Web-based catalogs using a step-by-step process. Version 3.0 arrives out of the box and ready to use so that manufacturers can create online catalogs integrated with 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models in days rather than months, the company says. The service allows customers to download 3D CAD models of manufacturers' products and instantly incorporate those models into their own product designs.

With a 3D-powered catalog, customers can view products from all angles and configure models based on their specific requirements. Customers can then download models in a wide variety of formats for use in their own product designs, which is said to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with finding parts and components from paper-based catalogs and re-modeling them from scratch. This capability ensures that customers "design in" (check compatibility and subsequently purchase) these parts and components.

Version 3.0's new Web authoring tool, 3D Product Page, lets component manufacturers launch 3D-enabled catalogs through an easy step-by-step process. Manufacturers can use this tool to either build a site from scratch or link an existing online catalog to 3D CAD images that customers can then configure, view and download. 3D Product Page creates a template driven online catalog that allows manufacturers to create, deploy and maintain an online 3D-powered catalog; brand the online catalog by using a company header and logo; change the online catalog look and feel with numerous style and layout options; allow customers to search by product name, product description, and part number; easily incorporate configuration, viewing, and down loading capabilities into the site; and enable customers to submit a RFQ (request for quotation) to cheek pricing.

The company has enhanced 3D Part Stream. Net's content management tools to give manufacturers more control over their online catalog content.

A new user interface allows manufacturers to upload and manage new product lines faster with features such as the model upload wizard (simplifies model uploading into a database), model previews and model sorting options.

Manufacturers can use new configuration rules to help customers select the proper product configuration based on dimensions, features, colors and accessories specific to each product line. New product categorization enables users to categorize products into a natural product hierarchy. Search criteria tools allow manufacturers to determine how customers search for products based on product names, part numbers and product attributes.

This helps manufacturers streamline customers' product searches, according to the company.

SolidWorks Corp., (800) 693-9000. Enter 218 at www.mmsinfo.com to visit Online Showroom, or write 218 on RS card.