A keystone of engineering in a global market is efficient exchange of ideas and product information among business partners. Collaborative product development processes depend on a set of enablers. 3D is one of these enablers. A new generation of “light-weight” 3D file formats is poised to extend the value of 3D into supply chain and downstream applications.

But is 3D for everyone? People, process, and technology roadblocks slow usability and adoption rates. Is 3D ubiquity possible? What impacts 3D uptake? Where will 3D penetrate successfully and where will 2D remain dominant?

And poor interoperability continues to be a plague. Can formats like JT, DWF, and Acrobat 3D change that? Will STEP Second Edition, due this year, have an impact?

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