The year 2024 was rich in news and major developments in the field of CAD interoperability. At CAD Interop, we closely followed technological advancements, the growing adoption of MBD (Model-Based Definition) approaches in the aerospace and automotive sectors, as well as the rise of virtual reality (VR) and immersive 3D visualization. Throughout the year, our website cadinterop.com offered analyses, product presentations, and feedback that reflect this dynamic, notably around neutral formats such as STEP, JT, and 3D PDF, as well as leading CAD software solutions like CATIA, Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo, Inventor, and AutoCAD.
CAD in 2024: Toward Greater Openness and Fluidity
The underlying trend remains the industry’s desire to optimize design and engineering processes. This year, more than ever before, standardization and interoperability between different CAD systems were at the heart of concerns. With support for neutral formats such as STEP, JT, and 3D PDF, companies have been able to reduce costs and lead times related to data exchange, improve model quality, and simplify the reuse of technical information. The interoperability solutions featured on CAD Interop now facilitate the transition from a CATIA CAD environment to Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo, Inventor, or AutoCAD without the loss of critical data.
The Adoption of MBD at the Heart of Aerospace and Automotive
MBD (Model-Based Definition), which integrates manufacturing, tolerancing, and other metadata directly into the 3D model, saw strong growth in 2024. In the aerospace sector, where data longevity and quality are paramount, the STEP AP242 format is particularly favored. It offers solid guarantees for long-term archiving and compliance, which is crucial in this highly regulated industry.
In the automotive sector, companies are turning to a more varied ecosystem of formats, combining STEP AP242, JT, and 3D PDF. This variety allows for greater flexibility and improved communication between different value chain stakeholders. 3D PDF, in particular, stands out due to its universal accessibility: readable on most platforms without specialized tools, this format makes data sharing and understanding easier, thereby significantly contributing to the widespread adoption of MBD in this industry.
VR and Immersive 3D Visualization on the Rise
The year 2024 was also marked by the rise of virtual reality and mixed reality in engineering. From virtual prototyping to design validation, VR allows users to immerse themselves in the product, anticipate assembly issues, and optimize ergonomics. To make these experiences even smoother, VR-friendly formats such as OBJ and FBX have gained popularity. They enable the quick conversion of CAD models (CATIA, Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo, Inventor) and neutral formats (STEP, JT, ...) into optimized geometries ideal for immersive visualization.
Key Solutions Featured on CAD Interop in 2024
3DViewStation: We regularly highlighted this powerful 3D visualization and analysis solution. Very fast to load and compatible with a wide range of native and standard CAD formats (CATIA, Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo, Inventor) as well as neutral formats (STEP, JT, 3D PDF), 3DViewStation facilitates collaboration, model review, and the extraction of technical information. Its measuring, sectioning, and annotation tools simplify the understanding of complex geometries.
CADfix PPS5: The arrival of CADfix PPS5 was a highlight of 2024. This new version, specialized in preparing and simplifying 3D models for simulation, additive manufacturing, or downstream engineering, offers advanced functionalities for decomposing complex shapes. Regardless of the source format (CATIA, NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo, Inventor, STEP, JT, 3D PDF), CADfix PPS5 delivers lighter, better-structured models, significantly reducing iterations and lead times.
CADfix VIZ: Highlighted on our site, CADfix VIZ stands out for its ability to simplify CAD data to facilitate their use in virtual or mixed reality. Whether converting a complex CATIA, Siemens NX, or SOLIDWORKS model into an optimized OBJ or FBX format, CADfix VIZ paves the way for seamless data integration into immersive VR/AR environments. Teams can thus collaborate more effectively, evaluate designs, and make informed decisions.
SimLab: We also devoted several articles to SimLab, an integrated suite of visualization, rendering, animation, and product configuration tools. SimLab stands out due to its particularly competitive acquisition cost, offering excellent value for money. This solution supports CAD and neutral formats (CATIA, NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo, Inventor, STEP, JT, 3D PDF) and makes it easy to create marketing scenes, realistic virtual environments, and immersive VR and mixed reality presentations at a lower cost.
A Decisive Year for the Industry’s Digital Transformation
In 2024, CAD Interop guided its clients and partners toward increased interoperability, better data management, and smoother integration between design, simulation, production, and maintenance. The showcased solutions—from 3DViewStation to CADfix PPS5, including CADfix VIZ and SimLab—demonstrate an increasingly mature, accessible technological offering, suited to a demanding market where CATIA, Siemens NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo, Inventor, and many others coexist.
The year that is ending confirms that the industry is resolutely focused on the future. MBD, VR, and fluid data sharing, combined with the intelligent use of neutral formats, are more than ever concrete drivers of performance, innovation, and competitiveness. And we will be there, in 2025 and beyond, to continue informing, advising, and supporting you in this digital transformation.