Have you checked out 3DXML, already in V5 R15 SP1 or higher. You can save off your assembly, drag and drop it in a powerpoint, word or excel (provided it is 2003 or higher). If not you can double pick on the file_name.3dxml in explorer window.
If it is a CATPart you want in this format, insert it into an assembly then file save as .3dxml. Download the free viewer from Dassault.
I tried with ProEngineer and works fine. Should work fine with CATIA V5 too. Great tool. Works better with parts. With assemblies (high accuracy) you'll need a powerfull machine and graphic card.
Derek - the 3DXML viewer is not such a great tool. While it's good for visualization, that's really ALL that you can do with it.
The standard for 3D viewers, IMO, is eDrawings from SolidWorks. I've not seen anything finer yet. My question relating to 3D Acrobat, though - does one need 3D Acrobat to read those files, or just to create them? It seems to me that the effect is lost if it requires a purchase from the end-user to be able to view the files that are being created.
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solid7
One only needs Acrobat 3D to create the files. Anyone with a recent version of Adobe Reader (v.7.0.7 right now I think) can view the files in 3D.
Solid7, I evaluated edrawings, great product, until you have to follow 1 of my suppliers (Boeing V16 Catia). Now I am at the mercy of outside vendors. We use Lemoine for NC in the shop. Again their direct translator works with V15.
Currently 3DXML is a visulization tool only, future releases have measurements, other features listed in option pages (supposedly).
