Possible to extract 3D data from a 3D PDF?

[Guest]

Just want to verify for security purposes if it's possible to extract 3D data from a 3D PDF.

I have been told be outside companies that it is NOT possible, but want non-biased input from actual Adobe employees or other experts.

[Guest]

Hi swcole9,

IMHO, You can add only mesh data and not Brep as 3D annotation in a PDF. ( So its not really true 3D data with design intents , rather it is visualization data)

Anyone can read information about the 3D data in terms of Mesh, PMI etc. using Javascript annotation API.

In addition, there are tools available to extract PRC or U3D out of the PDF as BLOB and further read them.

Acrobat can provide you ways to protect the document although.

Vinay

[Guest]

I do not have much experience with 3D PDF or even working with data outside of native system.

I'm currently evaluating software that creates (exports)  a 3D PDF file from NX CAD data.

The intended audience would be non-CAD users for quote purposes.

I just want to be sure that when this file is sent, it wouldn't be possible to extract a usable CAD file from the PDF.

The second part of your response. Do you know where I can find information on Acrobat's security options?

Thank you

[jehronimo · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I am using Tetra4D Converter to manage my 3DPDF conversion. It allows me to convert some of my CAD files with only graphical information that allows to my sales and my marketing dept. to handle my models in Acrobat, without any geometrical information. Like this, if my sales team want to get a quote to a subcontractor, no problem, it will be not possible for them to export the CAD dat and use it.

But you can decide to convert the geometries, in some cases it could help. This is just up to you...

For the Acrobat security, it depends of what you want to do...More info here:

Acrobat Help | Security

Hope it will help you....

[Guest]

Hi swcole9,

You can use Tetra4D Converter , but the cost is high.

Otherwise, you can export your NX data as PRC or U3D files and then use one of the following method to embed it into Adobe PDF.

1. Acrobat SDK - You can find a short tutorial here

2. iTextSharp - An opensource application. A sample is given here

For security -jehronimo has already answered below.

Vinay

[jehronimo]

Hi All,

Yes, for sure, Tetra4D Converter is not a freeware, but is allows me to convert almost all the CAD data formats on my side, without getting all those CAD software. But for sure, if you can get the Tessellated PRC and/or U3D, it will work with no trouble..

[Suraj28032355g8ms]

Could you please mention some tools to extract PRC or U3D out of a PDF?

[jehronimo]

Hi,

It depends of the kind data you have in your 3D PDF. Bring" geometry is possible, and in this case, you have to ensure you remove it form the 3D PDF.

If your wish is to "limit" all the 3D data access, even graphical data, you should have to protect them with Adobe tools.

Generally, this is the "geometrical" data we don't want to share with other people, like subcontractors, customers, suppliers, and so on...