Design
3DXML files contain information-rich 3D-image models. These details may include core geometry, mesh shapes, textures and lighting effects. The file format was developed in 2005 and is known for its accuracy and complexity, and wide use across industries. Get the lowdown on 3DXML — from its origins to main advantages.
The best way to understand it is to split the name — a 3DXML file is an XML file for 3D. XML, a simple text-based formatting, provides a core that helps make 3DXML files highly compressible (especially as zip files). This, in turn, makes the files easy to share and embed — and fast to load.
Nonetheless, 3DXMLs are complex and contain composites of surfaces, edges, vertices, weights, images and objects. All this information can also be saved with binary coding (made of 1s and 0s).
They should not be confused with X3D – another XML-based 3D modelling file.
The company that developed the 3DXML file originally had its roots in industrial manufacturing. This led to the development of sophisticated computer-aided drawing and drafting (CAD) programs, which were quickly adopted by manufacturing and industry.
The 3DXML file was then developed to advance CAD images (with elements like texture, lighting and topology) and then share on a large scale. It made them smaller and easier to transfer, and it also simplified inserting 3D images into text files.
3DXMLs are ideal for industry-specific tech documents, including design specifications, brochures and manuals, business-to-business proposals, marketing supplies, websites and apps.
3DXMLs are designed to be compressed. Converting them to standard zip files is easy. The image’s surface data is stored as patches, which are reinterpreted back into faces on mesh surfaces. 3DXML files can be shared in emails, websites, documents and as attachments.
Easily shared and incorporated, 3DXML files are excellent for manufacturing. They connect designers with plants, suppliers and marketers. In many cases, industry-specific product life management (PLM) information is built into 3DXML files.
Explore some advantages and disadvantages of 3DXML.
3DXML files can be opened within a range of software programs on Windows or Mac. Specific third-party media players make it markedly easier, though — sometimes, you can simply drag and drop the file. First, you’ll need to download a compatible program — then, follow these steps.
Downloading one of the third-party programs that are compatible with 3DXML files remains your best bet for creating, manipulating and editing 3DXML files.
To open a 3DXML file in CATIA V5, follow these steps.
