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How to convert CADMATIC (3DP) to Universal Scene Description (.usd,.usda, .usdc.usdz)?

PolyTrans|CAD+DCC performs mathematically precise CAD, DCC/Animation, GIS and BIM 3D file conversions into all key downstream 3D packages and file formats. Okino software is used and trusted throughout the world by many tens of thousands of 3D professionals in mission & production critical environments, backed by respectable personal support directly from our core development team.

CADMATIC

Okino and Cadmatic have collaborated for many years to create a fluid 3D conversion pipeline from Okino's CAD importers into Cadmatic 3D Plant software. This is achieved through a custom 3D export converter module for Okino software which creates "3DP" files. Such files can then be loaded into Cadmatic's 3D plant design software.

This custom solution allows Cadmatic users to source from all primary MCAD and CAD programs, resulting in highly optimized, clean and robust 3DP files. Commonly requested source MCAD programs include SolidWorks, ProE/Creo, IGES solids, STEP solids, PARASOLID solids, DWF-3D, (for the technically best AutoCAD, NavisWorks, Revit, Inventor conversions) DXF/DWG, JT and basically all other top named MCAD programs.

The 3DP Exporter plug-in for Okino software is developed and maintained by Cadmatic. Please contact them directly to obtain the 3DP installer.

If you wish to convert from the Cadmatic 3D Plant software into other BREP solids modelling programs (such as SolidWorks, Unigraphics NX, Siemens Team Center, ProE/Creo CATIA, etc.) then please contact Cadmatic directly for their speciality methods and processes. Such processes are not provided by Okino software as its requires special processing of data from the 3D Plant software. As examples, Cadmatic 3D Plant can export JT "solids-based" files for Unigraphics NX and Siemens Team Center, while the use of a local copy of AutoCAD allows Cadmatic 3D Plant datasets to be converted into "solids" for Autodesk Inventor and other programs.

Universal Scene Description

The USD format (“Universal Scene Description”) is an open 3D model and scene format designed for efficient storage and streaming of 3D asset data. It is a high-performance extensible framework and ecosystem for describing, composing, simulating, and collaboratively navigating and constructing 3D scenes. An extensive overview of USD is provided in the Okino USD documentation.

Pixar Animation Studios originally created the USD platform (as its fourth generation variation after its Marionette & Preso systems) to improve studio-wide collaborative workflows. USD provides a concept of "scene composition", building a unified scene from potentially thousands of loosely-coupled source assets. For example, the mesh, rigging, materials, and animation for a single model might all come from different "layers" (files), each created and maintained by a different artist or department. Layers can store multiple "variants" of any given data, helping to solve problems of versioning/approval. The coupling between layers is very dynamic and loose, allowing for greater flexibility during the production process. The entire USD system is designed to facilitate a large studio making feature films, with all of the scale that that implies.

USD should be considered more of a code framework (“OpenUSD”) for use in group collaboration, to help with the aggregation of various 3D data sources into a unified scene through a process referred to as scene composition. A subset of that code framework provides for reading and writing USD disk-based files as well as rendering USD scenes (Hydra). The system is rather complex to implement (for software developers) and to use (from first principles) as a 3D graphics artist. The USD file format itself is not for faint of heart and is best read/written using the OpenUSD SDK + various programming APIs. More commonly used ASCII 3D file formats such as COLLADA, VRML2 and Wavefront OBJ are much easier to manipulate/understand/use on a human level basis.

File extensions used by the standard include:

• .usd, Either ASCII or binary-encoded
• .usda, ASCII encoded
• .usdc, Binary encoded
• .usdz, Zero-compression, unencrypted zip file

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CADMATIC import converter's overview

Universal Scene Description export converter's overview