Complex CAD models pose a major challenge for virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. Their excessive size, geometric complexity, and unnecessary details make their direct use impossible in immersive environments that require real-time performance. This technical incompatibility creates a real gap between engineering departments holding the 3D models and marketing, training, or customer support teams wishing to leverage these digital assets in immersive experiences.
How can these sophisticated CAD models be efficiently transformed into optimized resources for VR/AR without losing essential information? This is precisely the challenge addressed by CADfix VIZ.
What is CADfix VIZ?
CADfix VIZ is a solution specialized in optimizing and simplifying CAD models for virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications. Based on over 40 years of expertise in CAD interoperability, this technology efficiently converts complex engineering data into lightweight and high-performance models, while preserving assembly structures and key attributes.
This solution stands out for its ability to automate 3D model conversion and simplification processes, significantly reducing the time and costs associated with reusing MCAD assets in immersive environments.
Main Features of CADfix VIZ
Multi-format CAD Interoperability
CADfix VIZ supports a wide range of native and neutral CAD file formats:
- Native formats: CATIA, NX, Creo, Inventor, SolidEdge, SOLIDWORKS
- Neutral formats: STEP, Parasolid, JT, DXF/DWG
- Mesh formats: FBX, glTF/GLB, OBJ
This flexibility allows easy integration of CADfix VIZ into any design environment, regardless of the CAD solution used.
Automatic Repair and Preparation
The solution includes advanced repair technologies to ensure high-quality meshing:
- Correction of geometric errors
- Surface conditioning
- Stitching operations
- Elimination of duplicates (points, edges, surfaces)
- Alignment of surface normals
These automatic preparatory operations ensure watertight and accurate meshes, eliminating errors before they impact the optimization process.
Assembly Optimization
CADfix VIZ automatically streamlines assembly structures to significantly reduce file size:
- Removal of empty nodes
- Automatic instancing of replicated components
- Reduction of up to 75% of the initial size
This optimization is crucial for maintaining smooth performance in VR/AR environments, where every megabyte counts.
High-Quality Mesh Generation
The solution creates optimized meshes with precise quality control:
- Watertight and accurate meshes
- User control over precision parameters (Sag and Turn values)
- Selective meshing options (entire model, specific components, or sub-assemblies)
This flexibility allows mesh precision to be tailored to the specific needs of each immersive application.
Intelligent Defeaturing
Automatic Simplification
- Removal of small components by size
- Suppression of internal components
- Detection and removal of holes by type, shape, and size
- Suppression of protrusions by shape and size
- Envelope options (Box, Convex Hull, Shrink Wrap)
These features allow rapid elimination of unnecessary details that unnecessarily burden models in immersive environments.
Intelligent Decimation
Optimized Mesh Reduction
- Targeted reduction of triangle count
- Reduction by percentage option
- Setting a maximum number of triangles
- Preservation of important features
Intelligent decimation focuses triangle reduction in low-complexity areas, preserving essential model details while significantly reducing size.
Multi-format VR/AR Export
Universal Compatibility
- Common formats: FBX, glTF/GLB, OBJ, JT
- Optimized formats for Unity and Unreal Engine
- Specialized formats: VRML, XGLZGL, USD
These export options ensure maximum compatibility with major VR/AR platforms and development engines, facilitating model integration into immersive environments.
Advanced Technical Features
Level of Detail (LOD) Management
CADfix VIZ simplifies the creation and management of multi-resolution models:
- Automatic generation of multiple LODs with tolerance presets
- Progressive reduction of triangles between levels
- Compatibility with 3D engine LOD systems
This feature is essential for immersive applications, allowing dynamic adaptation of model complexity based on viewing distance or device performance.
Tree and Mesh Management
The intuitive interface enables efficient management of complex models:
- Easy model querying and comparison of different LODs
- Organization by triangle count
- Moving and copying components between LODs
- Precise selection for export
These management tools guarantee total control over the structure and composition of optimized models, facilitating the preparation of complex assemblies for VR/AR environments.
Automation and Batch Processing
CADfix VIZ is designed to integrate seamlessly into industrial workflows:
- Full automation of conversion and simplification processes
- Command line options for integration into complex workflows
- Automatic generation of multiple LODs
These automation capabilities enable efficient processing of large volumes of CAD data, drastically reducing model preparation times for immersive applications.
Business Benefits of CADfix VIZ
Time and Cost Savings
- Up to 90% reduction in CAD to VR/AR conversion time
- Up to 90% reduction in file size
- Automation of repetitive preparation tasks
Enhanced User Experience
- Optimal performance of immersive applications
- Preservation of assembly structures
- Retention of essential model attributes
- Simplified workflows from engineering to marketing/sales
Applications and Use Cases
Design Review in VR
Transform your design review sessions into immersive experiences that enable better spatial understanding and more effective collaboration between engineering teams, regardless of their geographic location.
Immersive Technical Training
Create virtual or augmented reality training environments to facilitate learning of assembly, maintenance, or operation procedures for complex products.
Assisted Maintenance in AR
Develop augmented reality-assisted maintenance solutions, guiding technicians with contextual instructions overlaid on real equipment.
Virtual Prototyping
Accelerate product development by replacing some physical prototypes with interactive virtual models, enabling early evaluation and faster iterations.
Virtual Showrooms and Demonstrations
Create immersive sales experiences allowing customers to explore and interact with your products in virtual environments, even before physical manufacturing.
Technical Specifications
| Format Type | Supported Import Formats | Supported Export Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Native CAD | CATIA V4/V5, NX, Creo, Inventor, SolidEdge, SOLIDWORKS | - |
| Neutral Formats | STEP, IGES, Parasolid, JT, DXF/DWG, ACIS | JT |
| Mesh Formats | FBX, glTF/GLB, OBJ | FBX, glTF/GLB, OBJ, VRML, XGLZGL, USD |