Frequently Asked Questions

What applications can be used to create component models that can be imported into View3D?

Any mechanical CAD or other graphics application that is able to export via VRML (either version 1.0 or 2.0) can be used to create component models for View3D.  The sample components that are included in the View3D installation were created with Solidworks.  Pro/Engineer, Solid Edge, and Unigraphics are also known to work well.  If your mechanical CAD application cannot export VRML, you may be able to use a VRML file translator to convert one of the available export formats to VRML. 


What is the difference between the 21 day trial version of View3D and the purchased version?

They are identical.  When you purchase View3D you receive a permanent unlock code that allows the program to run beyond the 21 day trial period.


Is a complete set of 3D component models included with the purchased version of View3D?

No, the small number of components included in the installation are only provided for demonstration purposes to get you started.  A central premise of View3D is that everything that you see is dimensionally accurate (as opposed to the "artistic renderings" that Protel's 3D viewer displays).  The goal is to be able to visually check the 3D rendering of the PCB for size and position errors of components as well as traces, pad, holes, etc. 

Since there are literally millions of different components that can end up on a PCB, it is really not practical to supply a complete set of dimensionally accurate 3D models.

If you are only interested in overall component height, you can use the default height mechanism (see the View3D user's manual) without the need to create detailed component models.  You can also create and import component models at whatever level of detail suits your purpose.  For example, a component can be modeled as one or more simple geometric shapes of the proper dimensions.


I have a multi-display system and I only get a blank 3D view.  What's wrong?

Rarely, some computers with multiple monitors may not display 3D views correctly (e.g. blank views).  This is operating system/video card/video driver dependent.  Be sure to test View3D in trial mode on the target computer before purchase

Please email all support inquiries to:       support@qualecad.com