Transforming a technical CAD model into a powerful visual experience is a major challenge for design firms. How can you create photorealistic renderings, fluid 3D animations, and interactive presentations without hiring a team of 3D developers? This problem costs companies thousands of euros in outsourcing and delays product validation cycles. SimLab Composer revolutionizes this approach by enabling engineers to directly produce professional visual content from their existing CAD data. Discover how this platform transforms your SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, or STEP files into immersive experiences that can be immediately used by your sales and technical teams.
SimLab Composer: The Complete Interactive 3D Visualization Solution
SimLab Composer is an interactive 3D content creation software platform that stands out for its ability to transform complex CAD models into rich and engaging visual experiences. Unlike traditional 3D modeling tools, SimLab Composer is a composition software that allows importing, organizing, animating, and sharing existing models in various optimized output formats.
Developed by SimLab Soft, this tool is primarily intended for CAD professionals, technical trainers, and marketing teams who want to enhance their 3D models without requiring programming expertise. The central philosophy of the software is based on the accessibility of immersive technologies for all user profiles, regardless of their technical level.
Available Editions
- Free: basic features at no cost
- Pro: complete 3D creation (€119/year)
- Mechanical: simulation and analysis (€599/year)
- Ultimate: all features (€1199/year)
Exceptional CAD Interoperability
Supported Import Formats
SimLab Composer excels in its ability to import more than 25 different file formats, including all CAD and 3D industry standards:
- Native CAD files: SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, Inventor, Creo, NX, SolidEdge
- Standard formats: STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ, FBX, GLTF/GLB
- Advanced formats: JT, 3DXML, IFC (BIM), Parasolid, ACIS, Rhino
- Specific formats: Point Cloud (XYZ, PCD, E57, LAS)
Versatile Export Formats
The strength of SimLab Composer also lies in its ability to export to numerous formats adapted to different use cases:
- Technical documentation: 3D PDF (U3D/PRC bases), DWF/DWG
- Virtual reality: VR Package, GLTF/GLB, USDZ
- Web and mobile: WebGL/HTML5, 3MF, USDZ (iOS)
- Animation and rendering: FBX, Collada, 3DS Max
- Proprietary formats: SIM, ZIM, XML for the SimLab ecosystem
Intuitive 3D Scene Construction and Organization
Flexible Organization
Intuitive interface to organize and manage scene elements according to your business logic.
Scene States
Capture different configurations including transformations, visibility, cameras, and materials.
Rich Libraries
Access to libraries of 3D models, materials, lighting, and environments.
SimLab Composer offers intuitive and fast tools to build and organize your scenes according to your specific needs. The scene state system allows capturing complete or partial configurations of the model, enabling you to define different product variations, exploded views, or assembly steps without data duplication.
This modular approach facilitates the creation of structured technical presentations where the user can navigate between different configurations, ideal for interactive product catalogs or complex maintenance sequences. The hierarchy of elements remains true to the original CAD structure, facilitating navigation even in the most complex assemblies.
Professional 3D Rendering and Advanced Visualization
Complete Rendering Solutions
SimLab Composer integrates a photorealistic rendering engine capable of producing high-quality images with minimal effort. The software offers more than 1,000 physically accurate materials and an advanced lighting system including sunlight, IES, light portals, and directional or surface sources.
360° Renderings and Image Grids
A particularly appreciated feature is the rapid generation of 360° images and 360° grids allowing the product to be viewed from all angles. This optimized solution works with all supported formats and produces professional-quality renderings in just a few minutes.
Renderings can be directly shared via SimLab Cloud or embedded in technical documents, commercial presentations, or websites.
Texture Baking and Optimization
The "Texture Baking" function allows precalculating lighting effects, shadows, and reflections into textures, thus offering optimal performance on all devices, even those with limited resources such as smartphones or tablets.
This technique is essential for creating smooth WebGL content and high-performance VR experiences, where the balance between visual quality and performance is critical.
Creating Interactive 3D PDFs for Technical Documentation
SimLab Composer particularly excels in creating interactive 3D PDF documents, a universally accessible format that revolutionizes technical documentation and commercial presentations. These documents can be opened by any standard PDF reader while offering advanced 3D functionalities:
Integrated Measurements
Measurement tools allowing users to precisely evaluate model dimensions directly within the PDF.
Predefined Views
Easy navigation between different perspectives and previously configured settings.
Interactive Options
Customizable buttons to show/hide components or trigger specific animations.
The 3D PDF export is an ideal solution for sharing complex models with stakeholders who may not have specialized CAD software. This approach democratizes access to technical information while preserving the richness of 3D data and protecting the intellectual property of the source model.
Advanced CAD 3D Animation and Interactivity
SimLab Composer distinguishes itself by its ability to easily animate all aspects of a 3D model without requiring traditional animation knowledge. This feature transforms static CAD models into dynamic and interactive presentations, ideal for illustrating product functionality.
Complete Animation
All elements of a 3D scene can be animated: object movements, visibility, materials, cameras, lights, and environments.
Animation Sequences
Create reusable sequences as animation clips for specific objects, usable in different contexts and output formats.
Interactive Animations
Transform any animation sequence into user-controlled movement in VR experiences, without programming.
Flexible animations are another major asset of SimLab Composer. The software allows importing models with pre-existing flexible animations, controlling them in the animation timeline, and converting them into interactive animation sequences. This feature is particularly useful for representing complex mechanisms or deformation simulations.
Code-Free VR Experience Creation
The democratization of virtual reality for CAD professionals represents one of SimLab Composer's major innovations. This solution allows creating interactive and immersive VR experiences without any development knowledge, thus opening the virtual reality universe to all technical designers.
Native VR Integration
- Instant compatibility with most VR headsets on the market (Meta Quest, Pico VR, HTC Vive, SteamVR headsets)
- Automatic model optimization for VR performance
- Configurable teleportation system and navigation modes (walk, fly)
- Intuitive controls adapted to each VR platform
- Multi-user support via SimLab VR Collaboration
No-Code Interactivity
- Creation of actions triggered by gaze or controllers
- Virtual button system to activate functions or change configurations
- Product options allowing visualization of different variants
- Dynamic measurements directly in the VR environment
- Interactive cutting planes to explore model interiors
VR Training Builder: Interactive Technical Training
SimLab Composer goes beyond simple VR visualization by offering a complete system for creating immersive technical training. The Training Builder module allows you to develop interactive educational experiences without writing a single line of code, ideal for industrial training, maintenance, or technical education.
Advanced Educational Features
SimLab's VR training system allows you to create complex learning scenarios where users can manipulate virtual equipment, follow step-by-step procedures, and receive immediate feedback on their performance. Integration with LMS systems (via SCORM or xAPI) facilitates deployment in existing training infrastructures.
Virtual Human Guides
Integrate instructor avatars that guide the learner through the experience with specific animations and instructions.
Quizzes and Assessments
Create multiple-choice questionnaires, practical exams, and surveys directly in the VR environment to assess progress.
Checkpoints
Set specific checks and events in the VR experience to track users' achievements and progress.
Intelligent Use of CAD Attributes
SimLab Composer stands out for its ability to preserve and exploit metadata and attributes present in the original CAD models. This feature allows you to create dynamic VR experiences based on the technical properties of objects.
CAD attributes (dimensions, materials, tolerances, part numbers) are automatically imported and can be used to:
- Display dynamic technical datasheets when selecting a component
- Create intelligent search filters in complex assemblies
- Trigger specific behaviors based on material properties
- Automatically organize bills of materials and part lists
- Generate interactive labels in the VR environment
This capability is particularly valuable in industrial environments where CAD models already contain a wealth of technical information that SimLab can leverage without re-entry.
Supported Attributes
- BIM attributes: classification, phase, structural information
- Physical properties: mass, volume, center of gravity
- Material data: composition, finish, texture
- Production information: references, suppliers, costs
- Custom metadata: user-defined fields
Cloud Sharing and Cross-platform Collaboration
SimLab Cloud: Simplified Publication and Distribution
SimLab Cloud is the integrated sharing solution that allows you to easily distribute your VR experiences, 3D models, and 360° renders to your collaborators or clients. With a simple click, publish your content and precisely control who can access it.
SimLab's cloud service is offered as a subscription (€119.90/year) including 20GB of storage space and the ability to share up to 10 models simultaneously, with universal cross-platform access.
Multi-platform Synchronization
Access your VR experiences from any device: PC, Mac, smartphones, or standalone VR headsets.
SimLab VR Collaboration
This solution allows you to organize collaborative sessions where multiple participants can simultaneously view and interact with the same VR model. Ideal for remote design reviews, it offers:
- Simultaneous access for up to 20 participants (depending on license)
- Representation by customizable avatars
- Integrated voice communication
- Shared pointing and annotation tools
- Administrator controls to direct the session
SimLab VR Viewer
Free multi-platform application allowing visualization of VR experiences created with SimLab Composer on various devices:
- Windows and Mac PC (with SteamVR support)
- iOS and Android smartphones and tablets
- Standalone headsets (Meta Quest, HTC Vive XR Elite, Pico)
- AR visualization on mobile devices
This free application allows anyone to view your creations without additional software investment.
CADVRter: Standalone CAD to VR Conversion
In addition to SimLab Composer, CADVRter is a standalone rapid conversion tool for transforming CAD files into formats optimized for virtual reality. Its simplicity and efficiency make it an ideal tool for industrial workflows requiring regular conversions.
Key Features:
- Complete autonomy: works locally without cloud dependency
- Drag-and-drop interface: maximum ease of use
- Over 18 import formats: compatibility with all CAD standards
- 15 export formats: flexibility for all use cases
- Animation preservation: preservation of movements defined in source files
- Texture and material support: maintenance of visual appearance
- Command line mode: automation of batch conversions
Available as a complement to SimLab Composer (€96/year) or as an independent module, CADVRter meets the needs for automation of 3D conversion workflows in professional environments.
Optimized Conversion
CADVRter offers a unique intelligent simplification solution to optimize complex CAD models for virtual reality use. The software automatically balances visual fidelity and performance by:
- Selectively reducing the number of polygons
- Optimizing object hierarchies
- Merging similar meshes
- Generating levels of detail (LOD)
- Preparing UV maps for texture baking
Technical and Commercial Benefits
Competitive Advantages
- Rapid learning curve: intuitive interface accessible even to non-3D specialists
- Affordable pricing: annual subscription model starting at €119, well below competing solutions
- No programming required: creation of complex interactive experiences without code
- All-in-one solution: from CAD import to VR publication in a single unified environment
- Cross-platform compatibility: use on Windows, MacOS and deployment on iOS, Android, and VR headsets
Quantifiable Business Benefits
- 75% reduction in time needed to transform CAD models into VR experiences compared to traditional workflows
- Up to 40% decrease in costs related to physical prototypes thanks to virtual validation
- Average improvement of 25% in information retention during technical training in VR compared to traditional methods
- Documented increase of 30% in commercial conversion rate during product presentations in VR
- Significant reduction in travel thanks to remote design review sessions
Practical Applications by Industrial Sector
Manufacturing Industry
- Collaborative design reviews
- Ergonomics validation
- Maintenance training
- Assembly simulation
Architecture and BIM
- Full-scale virtual tours
- Spatial validation
- Immersive client presentation
- MEP collision detection
Education and Training
- Virtual laboratories
- Secure technical training
- Operation simulations
- Practical assessments
Marketing and Sales
- Product configurators
- Virtual trade shows
- Interactive demonstrations
- Immersive 3D catalogs
Resources and Support
Training and Support
SimLab offers a complete ecosystem of educational resources to quickly master the solution:
- Over 200 free video tutorials covering all features
- Complete technical documentation accessible online
- Regular webinars on specific use cases
- Responsive technical support by email and phone
- Active user community for sharing best practices and tips
Personalized training and support services are also available for large-scale projects requiring specific expertise.
Libraries and Resources
SimLab Composer subscription gives access to a set of ready-to-use resources:
- Over 1000 physically accurate materials for realistic rendering
- HDR environment library for scene lighting
- Ready-to-use 3D models to enrich your scenes
- Customizable 3D PDF templates
- Preconfigured visual effects (water, fire, smoke, particles)
- Avatars for human simulation in VR environments
These resources are regularly enriched and updated, offering constant added value to your subscription.
Editions and Pricing
| SimLab Composer | Free | Pro | Mechanical | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual price (excluding tax) | €0 | €119 | €599 | €1199 |
| Scene building | ||||
| Basic import | ||||
| Rendering | Limited | |||
| 3D PDF Export | ||||
| Animation | ||||
| VR Creation | ||||
| Studio & CADVRter | ||||
| VR Training Builder | ||||
| Advanced mechanical import | ||||
| Mechanical simulation | ||||
| Visual Scripting | ||||
| Included Cloud models | 3 | 3 | 10 | 30 |
Simplify Your Transition to Virtual Reality with SimLab Composer
SimLab Composer currently represents the most accessible and comprehensive solution for transforming CAD models into interactive virtual reality experiences without requiring programming skills. Its unique combination of 3D interoperability, ease of use, and advanced features makes it the ideal tool for companies wishing to adopt immersive technologies in their design, training, and communication processes.
As technical experts in CAD interoperability, our team can assist you in integrating SimLab Composer into your existing workflow to maximize the benefits of this transition to interactive 3D visualization and virtual reality.
Ready to transform your CAD models into immersive experiences?
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