GrabCAD Launches Web-Based 3D Viewer

GrabCAD, one of the fast-growing 3D content-sharing communities online, is delving into browser-based 3D. Previously, 2D thumbnails served as previews of CAD models contributed by members. However, the launch of GrabCAD's in-browser 3D view is expected to up the ante.

Visitors browsing the models hosted on GrabCAD now have the option to launch the 3D viewer by clicking the button "View in 3D." The simple viewer gives you a rotatable 3D view of the model from within the browser, along with options to turn on wire meshes and pin virtual notes. When uploading a model, members have the option to allow the public to add comments via virtual pushpins. They may also choose to keep the model strictly private, accessible only within a preselected group authorized to add comments.

Up to now, GrabCAD has focused on building a growing community and matchmaking between content creators and content seekers. The launch of the in-browser 3D view suggests the company is contemplating web-based viewing and markup as the next phase in its growth.

3DVIA.com, a 3D content portal operated by Dassault Systemes, and 3D Content Central, a similar portal operated by SolidWorks (a division of Dassault Systemes), both feature browser-embedded 3D viewing options. Newcomer Sunglass, an online collaboration service now in Beta, also provides similar browser-based CAD file viewing function to members.

The rise of browser-based 3D viewing suggests many collaboration functions once accomplished with thin clients may be moving online. The browser is, in fact, slowing replacing the thin clients that once dominated the viewing and markup workflow. The trend removes one more barrier in 3D collaboration. With online 3D viewing, those who do not operate CAD programs may also interace with 3D models in a familiar interface -- a standard web browser.