C3D Labs CADEX CAD Exchanger v3.24.16

CAD Exchanger

CADEX CAD Exchanger is a powerful software development kit (SDK) and desktop application focused on solving CAD data interoperability challenges. It provides high-fidelity translation of 3D models between major native formats (like CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, NX, Creo, Inventor) and standard exchange formats (STEP, IGES, JT, 3D PDF). Beyond conversion, the desktop application allows for visualization, measurement, and analysis of 3D models, making it an essential tool for collaboration in multi-CAD environments and digital manufacturing.

🔄 Primary Users

CADEX CAD Exchanger is developed for mechanical engineers, designers, manufacturing professionals, and software developers. It is specifically designed for individuals and organizations that need to reliably view, analyze, and convert 3D models between dozens of different CAD and mesh formats without losing critical geometric and semantic data.

✨ Key Features & Capabilities

• Broad Format Support: Reads and writes over 30+ major 3D formats, including native CATIA V5/V6, SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, Creo, Autodesk Inventor, Rhino, and neutral formats like STEP, IGES, JT, 3D PDF, OBJ, STL, FBX, USD.

• High-Fidelity Translation: Preserves not only geometry (B-Rep, meshes) but also product structure (PMI), assembly hierarchies, colors, layers, and metadata during conversion, which is critical for downstream processes.

• Desktop Application for Viewing & Analysis: Free desktop app to view, section, measure, and analyze 3D models. Compare models and create 3D PDFs or image snapshots.

• Robust Geometry Kernel: Built on C3D Labs’ own C3D Modeler and C3D Solver kernels, ensuring reliable and accurate geometry processing.

• Batch Processing & Automation: Command-line interface and SDK for automating large-scale conversion jobs and integrating translation capabilities into custom PLM/ERP workflows.

• Software Development Kit (SDK): Comprehensive APIs (C++, .NET, Java, Python) for developers to embed CAD data reading, writing, and visualization into their own applications.

• Lightweight & Fast: Optimized for performance, enabling quick loading and processing of complex assemblies.

🆕 What’s New in CAD Exchanger v3.24.16

This update focuses on expanded format support, enhanced PMI handling, and performance improvements:

1. Extended Format Support: Added or improved support for newer versions of Autodesk Inventor 2025, PTC Creo 10, and the 3MF format for additive manufacturing.

2. Enhanced PMI (Product Manufacturing Information) Translation: Improved preservation and display of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), annotations, and tolerance data during conversions between supported formats.

3. Improved Large Assembly Handling: Optimizations for memory usage and loading speed when working with very large assembly structures (10,000+ components).

4. Updated USD (Universal Scene Description) Support: Enhanced import/export capabilities for Pixar’s USD format, aligning with modern visualization and digital twin pipelines.

5. User Interface & Stability Refinements: Minor improvements to the desktop application’s UI and general bug fixes for increased stability.

🖥️ System Requirements (Windows – Desktop Application & SDK Development)

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)

• CPU: Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent (with SSE4.2 support)

• RAM: 4 GB

• Storage: 300 MB free space