CAD Exchanger, a suite of software tackling the problems of CAD data interoperability, has updated to the latest version, 3.4.0. With the update comes additions meant to enhance the CAD Exchanger graphical user interface (GUI) experience, as well as improvements to the CAD Exchanger software development kit (SDK).
CAD Exchanger GUI is a cross-platform program for viewing and converting CAD files from a range of formats, including STEP, JT, OBJ, IGES and Parasolid. CAD Exchanger also supports adding and editing product manufacturing information (PMI) to aid in the design process.
Some of the biggest changes in CAD Exchanger GUI 3.4.0 include:
- Ghost view: CAD Exchanger 3.4.0 offers users the option of making a hidden object translucent (ghostly) as opposed to disappearing completely.
- Popup menu support: Users will now see a context menu on a right click that gives quick access to frequently used commands such as show/hide, zoom and more.
- Analytical surface measurement: A new tool measures the radius of analytical surfaces including spheres, cones, cylinders and torii.
- Angle measurement: Another new measurement tool calculates the angle between two planar surfaces, and it can measure angles given three vertices as input.
- Boundary representation (B-Rep) selection: Users can now choose between two selection modes when working with B-Reps, either a full body or individual face view.
- Greater detail for polygonal representations: In CAD Exchanger 3.4.0, users can look inside polygonal representations to see individual triangulation sets.
In addition to the CAD Exchanger updates, a new cloud-focused version of the software, CAD Exchanger Cloud, has been announced. CAD Exchanger Cloud promises to add new collaboration features. It is currently running in a private beta.