The world of 3D content creation is experiencing a paradigm shift, thanks to the growing adoption of the Universal Scene Description (USD) file format. International TechneGroup, Inc. (ITI) is proud to announce that CADfix Viz now supports USD, aligning with the groundbreaking efforts of the Alliance for OpenUSD. This integration marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to our users.
ITI’s CADfix Viz solution enables enterprises to optimize their 3D CAD model assets for use in downstream visualization applications. The CADfix Viz CAD to mesh conversion solution streamlines integration processes and maximizes the reuse of 3D digital assets in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) applications. CADfix Viz optimizes 3D CAD models for use in VR/AR/MR, increases application interoperability, and allows engineers to save valuable time converting and repurposing complex CAD data for visualization applications.
CADfix Viz supports multi-CAD import and export from a wide range of native CAD, neutral standards, and custom geometry and mesh formats, with USD being the latest addition.
The Rise of USD: A Unified Standard
Last year, leading industry players Pixar, Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, and NVIDIA joined forces to form the Alliance for OpenUSD. Their mission: to advance and proliferate the USD file format as the future standard for creating and distributing 3D content. Described as the “HTML of the metaverse” by NVIDIA, USD provides a robust framework for constructing and packaging complex 3D scenes. Apple has highlighted USD’s potential to accelerate the next generation of augmented reality (AR) experiences, underscoring its importance in the XR space.
Recently, two more industry heavyweights, Microsoft and Sony, have joined the Alliance for OpenUSD. Their support reinforces the vision of a single, unified file format capable of containing geometry, lighting, animations, and more. This format is designed to be portably used between leading 3D authoring tools like Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Substance Painter, and collaborative workflows.
CADfix VIZ and USD: A Synergistic Evolution
By introducing support for USD, users of 3D CAD content in diverse applications can now harness the power of CADfix Viz for mechanical CAD digital asset optimization, combined with the potential of the powerful USD file format.
Large and complex 3D mechanical CAD assemblies can be automatically converted into an optimized, lightweight, low triangle count mesh, utilizing the CADfix Viz robust mesh generation, powerful defeaturing tools, and intelligent decimation algorithms. Orders of magnitude reductions in file size and triangle count can be achieved ahead of the export to a high-quality USD file for seamless sharing and transfer of 3D content across various industry-leading authoring tools.
This interoperability ensures that your work is not confined to a single software ecosystem but can be fluidly transitioned between different platforms and tools. Whether you’re working with Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, or Substance Painter, USD makes it easier to integrate and collaborate.
Supporting USD positions CADfix Viz at the cutting edge of 3D content optimization. USD is not just a file format; it’s a future-proof framework that enables the creation of next-generation AR and VR experiences. Apple has been a key advocate for USD, emphasizing its role in driving AR experiences from artistic creation to content delivery, highlighting its transformative potential in the XR space.
Looking Ahead with CADfix Viz
At ITI, we are committed to driving innovation and helping our users stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of 3D content creation. The integration of USD support in CADfix Viz is a testament to this commitment. By embracing USD, we empower our users to create, collaborate, and innovate with greater flexibility and efficiency.
For more information about CADfix Viz and to request a demo, please visit ITI's website.