A Presentation on

Unit 1:3D Modeling and Viewing

By,

Mr. Ravikant K. Nanwatkar

M.E. Mechanical, PhD (App.)
 Unit 1:3D Modeling & Viewing
Introduction, Product Life Cycle, CAD tools in the design
process of Product Cycle, Scope of CAD, Software
Modules – Operating System (OS) module, Geometric
module, application module, programming module,
communication module, Computer Aided Design –
Features, requirements and applications. 3D Modeling
approach – Primitive, Features and Sketching, Types of
Geometric models - 2½, extrusions, axisymmetric,
composite, 3D objects, difference between wireframe,
surface & solid modeling, modeling strategies. Model
viewing: VRML web-based viewing.
Introduction:
• Three dimensional modeling is simply conversion of orthographic view of
image into isometric view for complete visualization and applications.
• In CAD(computer aided design) it is done using various software like CATIA,
Proe/Creo, solidworks etc.
• 3D CAD models are used for analysis, simulation and various industrial,
automobile, medical applications and many more.
• It plays a vital role in product life cycle of any object / component at various
phases of manufacturing, design and inspection etc.
• In simple words product life cycle is a complete closed loop system of various
phases from initial phase of its demand till it reach to end user.
• The life cycle of a product is associated with marketing and management
decisions within businesses, and all products go through four primary stages:
introduction, growth, maturity, and decline.
• PLM concept is used by management and by marketing professionals as a factor
in deciding when it is appropriate to increase advertising, reduce prices, expand
to new markets, or redesign packaging. The process of strategizing ways to
continuously support and maintain a product is called product life cycle
management.
Product life cycle management and role of CAD
CAD tools in the design process of product cycle
Design Phase Required CAD Tools
Design Geometric modeling techniques, graphic
Conceptualization aids, manipulations and visualization.
Design Modeling and Same as above, animation, assemblies,
Simulation special modeling packages.
Design Analysis Analysis packages, customized programs
and packages.
Design Optimization Customized applications, structural
optimization
Design Evaluation Dimensioning, tolerances, bill of
materials, Numerical control
Design Communication Drafting and detailing, shaded images.
and documentation
• Design conceptualization is the process of generating ideas for an
optimum solution to the design problem. These ideas should
originate originally from the product concept and stated
definitions of the design problem.
• Modeling and simulation (M&S) is the use of models (e.g.,
physical, mathematical, or logical representation of a system,
entity, phenomenon, or process) as a basis for simulations to
develop data utilized for managerial or technical decision making.
In the computer application of modeling and simulation a
computer is used to build a mathematical model which contains
key parameters of the physical model.
• Design analysis is the systematic process of developing a design
including all information discovery, planning and
communications. This can be applied to any type of design
including the design of physical things such as buildings and
intangible things such as software, information and processes.
• Design optimization is an engineering design methodology using a
mathematical formulation of a design problem to support selection
of the optimal design among many alternatives. Design
optimization involves the following stages: Variables: Describe the
design alternatives.
• Design evolution is a simplified form of network optimization,
since the basic structure of the network is maintained while
smaller changes are made to the network by removing small heat
exchangers. As in any optimization, design evolution also needs
degrees of freedom.
• Design documentation and communication: Keeping track of
decisions and design reviews made during the design process is
critical for replicating successes and avoiding failures. It is also
vital in case of lawsuits and patent disputes. Communication
involves exchange of design in various standard formats, types of
files and communications modes.
Scope of CAD
Software Modules
• There are considerable numbers of software packages for the
various types of CAD/CAM systems.
• Each package has its own strengths and uniqueness and is usually
targeted toward a specific market and group of users.
• For example, there are mechanical, electrical and architectural
CAD and CAM software for the respective users.
• Investigating existing software on various systems reveals that it
has a generic structure and common modules.
• Awareness of such structure and modules enables users to better
understand system function for both evaluation and training
purposes.
Operating System (OS) module
• The operating system acts as a platform to run application programs such as
CADD. It is also used to manage the electronic files in the computer. E.g. MS
windows, MS DOS, PC DOS, MAC-OS, Unix etc.
• This module provides users with utility and system commands that deal with
their accounts and file. Typical functions such as file manipulations
(delete, copy, rename, etc.).
• Managing directories and subdirectories using text editors, programming and
accounts setups are supported by the OS module.
• Files that are generated in a user’s CAD / CAM account by the OS can be
classified into two groups. The first group includes all conventional files (text
files). The second group includes graphics- related film, A model geometry and
its shaded images are stored in these files.
• Due to the distinction between the OS and graphics functions on a CAD/CAM
system, two working levels are available to the user. These are the OS and
graphics levels. The user can easily invoke one Level from the current one.
• The software usually provides its users with a command or procedure to go
back and forth between the two levels to achieve maximum flexibility and
increase user’s productivity.
Geometric / Graphic module:
• The geometric engine (module) is the heart of a CAD/CAM
system.
• It provides users with functions to perform geometric modeling
and construction, editing and manipulation of existing geometry,
drafting and documentation.
• The typical modeling operations that users can engage in are
model creation, cleanup and documentation, and printing, plotting.
• Shaded images can be generated as part of model documentation.
• The creation of a geometric model of an object represents a means
and not a goal for engineers. Their ultimate goal is to be able to
utilize the model for design and manufacturing purposes.
The Applications module:
• This module varies from one software system to another.
However, there are common applications shared by most
CADCAM systems.
• Mechanical applications include mass property calculations,
assembly analysis.
• Tolerance analysis and synthesis, sheet metal design, finite
element modeling and analysis.
• Mechanisms analysis, animation techniques and simulation and
analysis of plastic injection molding.
• Manufacturing applications include CAPP, NC, CIM, robot
simulation and group technology.
The programming module:
• This module provides users with system dependant and standard
programming languages.
• The former is provided for graphic purposes while the latter is
used for analysis and calculations.
• It allows users to customize systems by programming them to fit
certain design and manufacturing tasks.
• As an example of system dependant languages, computer vision,
GE Calma and McDonnell Dougles provide VARPRO2 and
CVMAC, DAL and GRIP respectively.
• Programming a CAD / CAM system requires advanced knowledge
of the system architecture, its database format, and a high-level
programming language such as C, C++, Java, Scheme or others.
The communications module:
• It is crucial if integration is to be achieved between the
CAD/CAM system, other computer systems and manufacturing
facilities.
• It is common to network the system to transfer the CAD database
of a model for analysis purposes or to transfer its CAM database
to the shop floor for production.
• This module also serves the purpose of translating databases
between CAD’CAM systems using graphics standards such as
IGES and STEP.
The collaboration module:
• It is emerging as an outcome of the widespread of the World Wide
Web and the Internet.
• This module supports collaborative design.
• Various design (earns in different geographical locations can work
concurrently on the same part, assembly, or drawing file in real
time over the Web.
• One team can make changes that other teams can view and accept
or reject.
Computer Aided Design
• The use of computers to design two-or three-dimensional models
of physical objects is known as computer-aided design.
• Designers in architecture, electronics, and aerospace or automotive
engineering, for example, use computer-aided design (CAD)
systems and software to prepare drawings and specifications that
once could only be drawn or written by hand.
• Before CAD, manufacturers and designers would have to build
prototypes of automobiles, buildings, computer chips, and other
products before the prototypes could be tested.
• CAD technology, however, allows users to rapidly produce a
computer-generated prototype and then test and analyze the
prototype under a variety of simulated conditions.
• Manufacturers and designers also use CAD technology to study
optimization, performance, prototyping and reliability problems in
prototypes and in already existing designs. Drawings can be
modified and enhanced until the desired results are achieved.
Phases in CAD:
1. Geometric Modeling: supports the synthesis phase; it is concerned with
the computer compatible mathematical description of the geometry of an
object. The basic functions of a CAD system are: generating basic
geometric elements such as points, lines, circles, primitives such as
cubes and functions such as scaling, rotation, transformation, joining,
wire frame representation, and solid modeling.
2. Engineering Analysis: It may involve stress-strain calculations, heat-
transfer computations, or the use of differential equations to describe the
dynamic behavior of the system. Some of the engineering analysis
software with widest applications are for analysis of mass properties and
finite-element analysis (static and dynamic analysis). These provide
properties of a solid object being analyzed, such as the surface area,
weight, volume, center of gravity, and moment of inertia. Finite Element
Analysis technique, divides an object into a large number of finite
elements usually rectangular or triangular shapes which form an
interconnecting network of concentrated nodes. The object can then be
analyzed for stress-strain and heat transfer performance.
3. Design review and evaluation: It is checking whether the designed
part has been designed properly or not and if they will fail in
practical situations. With CAD software the process of design
review and evaluation has become much faster and convenient. It
includes features like zoom in/out, layering, checking
interference, animation capabilities etc.
4. Computer aided drafting : It is a computer software or system that
is used to create 3-D and 2-D representations or models of various
tangible objects such as bridges, buildings, or mechanical parts to
aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a
design. it is used to increase the productivity of the designer,
improve the quality of design, improve communications through
documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing.
Some features of modern CAD systems include:
• Solid modeling
• Creation of engineering drawings from the solid models
• Freeform surface modeling
• Automated design of assemblies, which are collections of parts and/or other
assemblies
• Reuse of design components
• Ease of modifying the design of a model and the production of multiple versions
• Automatic generation of standard components of the design
• Validation/verification of designs against specifications and design rules
• Simulation of designs without building a physical prototype
• Production of engineering documentation, such as manufacturing drawings, and
Bills of Materials required building the product.
• Import/Export routines to exchange data with other software packages.
• Output of design data directly to manufacturing facilities.
• Output directly to a Rapid Prototyping or Rapid Manufacture Machine for industrial
prototypes.
• Maintaining libraries of parts and assemblies.
• Calculating properties of parts and assemblies.
• Aiding visualization with shading, rotating, hidden line removal, and so forth
• Inclusion of programming code in a model to control and relate desired attributes of
the model.
The CAD System Requirements
• On basis of system consideration
1. Hardware (I/P and O/P devices like mouse, keyboards, etc)
2. Software support (familiar with various software for import and export)
3. Maintenance (easy and quick service)
4. Vendor support and service (training, filed services, technical support etc)
• On basis of geometric modeling capabilities
1. Representation techniques (types of modeling schemes)
2. Coordinate systems and inputs (support to coordinate systems)
3. Modeling entities (verification and editing of command entities)
4. Geometric editing and manipulations(support to types of modeling)
5. Graphics standard support (support exchange standards)
• On basis of design documentations
1. Generation of engineering drawings (Layout and blueprint with all requirements)
• Application based requirements
1. Assemblies or model merging (generation of assemblies)
2. Design applications (Mass property calculations, tolerance analysis, FEA)
3. Manufacturing applications (generation of tool path & verification in CAM, CIM,
integration between CAD CAM etc.)
4. Support to programming languages (Support to various levels of programming languages)
CAD Applications
CAD Applications
• Automotive: for the process of creating, analyzing, modifying, optimizing
and drafting product data, so as to achieve its design goal efficiently and
effectively also for building automobile parts, cars, etc.
• Marine industries, Shipbuilding and piping design: Selection and
Customization or Development of an Interactive Module for Layout and
Design of Machinery Installations. Selection And Customization Or
Development Of An Interactive Module For Design And Manufacture Of
Piping And Ducting Systems, Including Electric Cable-Ways. Development
of an Interactive Module for Layout and Design of Ship Outfitting.
• Aerospace and nuclear industries: Drafting, Prototyping of Aircraft,
Spacecraft models and for building space shuttles, aircrafts, etc.
• Industrial and architectural design: Computer-Aided Architectural
Design with specialized databases of building parts and construction
knowledge, and support the creation of architectural objects. These
programs allow those in the architectural industry to turn their concepts
into detailed designs, and even allow for 3D visualizations and simulations.
• Medical Field and Prosthetics: including joint replacement prosthesis and limb
replacement orthosis design, surgical implant design and manufacturing,
preoperative planning for surgical operations, and computer-assisted surgery. in
prosthetics, providing practitioners with a means to digitally capture the shape
of a patient's limb, modify the socket model using software, and automatically
manufacture either a positive model to be used in the medical field.
• Electrical and Electronic applications: manufacturing complex electronics like
printed circuit boards (PCBs) and microprocessors that are designed down to
the subatomic level using ECAD and EDA. The main benefit is that designs are
converted directly to a production machines format, removing the possibility of
human error.
• Interior Designing for detailed interior digital designs.
• Fashion Designing used by clothing manufacturers to determine the most
efficient cut of fabrics.
• Computer animation: for special effects in movies, advertising and technical
manuals, often called DCC digital content creation.
• The modern applications include perfume bottles and shampoo dispensers are
designed using techniques.
3D Modeling approach
• CAD systems offer many 3D operations for both solids and
surfaces such as extrusion revolve, cut, holes, ribs, chamfers,
Fillets, sweeps, and lofts.
• CAD models can be classified into three types from a geometric
construction point of view: 2½D models, 3D models, and a
combination of both.
• 2½D models are simple to create and use simple commands such
as extrude and revolve. The creation of a 2½D model follows two
steps. First, we create the model cross section in a sketch plane.
Second, we extrude the cross section if the model has uniform
thickness, or we revolve it if it is an axisymmetric model.
• 3D models are the ones that do not have a uniform cross section
and/or do not have a constant thickness. Such models usually
require more than one sketch in different sketch planes and use
advanced commands such as sweep and loft.
The Three Modeling Approaches
• Three modeling approaches that designers can choose from to create solid models.
They are primitives, features, and sketching.
• The primitives approach views a solid model as a combination of simple, generic,
and standard shapes that can be combined. These shapes are the primitives.
Primitives include a block (box), cylinder, sphere, cone, wedge, and torus. These
primitives are combined via the Boolean operations union, subtraction, and
intersection.
• Using the primitives approach, we follow these steps:
 Create the block using a block primitive.
 Create a cylinder in the right location and orientation relative to the block.
 Subtract the cylinder from the block.
• The features approach is similar to the primitives approach; it replaces primitives
with features and embeds Boolean operations in the feature definition.
• Using the features approach, we follow these steps:
 Create the block using a block feature.
 Create the hole in the block by creating a hole feature in the right location and
orientation relative to the block.
• The sketching approach is similar to the features approach, with one change.
Instead of using predefined shapes only, such as holes and ribs, it allows CAD
designers to create much more elaborate and more general features starting from
a sketch. Examples include extrusion. Revolution, linear and nonlinear sweep,
loft, spirals, and helical.
• The sketching approach utilizes the following steps to create any feature:
 Select or define a sketch plane: We need a sketch plane to sketch geometry
on. The sketch plane controls the orientation of the sketched geometry in the
3D modeling space.
 Sketch 2D profile: This profile is typically a cross section of’ the 3D model
that we wish to construct. The profile typically consists of curves such as
lines, arcs, chamfers, and splines. The sketched geometry resides in the
currently active sketch plane.
 Modify sketch dimensions and update sketch: We modify the dimensions of
the profile to reflect the final dimensions of the solid model under
construction. Step 2 provides a rough sketch that we refine in this step. After
changing the dimensions, update the sketch to reflect the new dimensions.
 Create the feature: Apply one of the 3D operations, such as extrusions, to
create the feature.
Types of Geometric Models
• An extrusion (Pad) feature is used to create a uniform-thickness model.
It requires a cross section and an extrusion vector (direction and a
distance) .
• A hole feature is used to create holes in models. It requires a hole
diameter or radius (size), a length, and an axis to define orientation.
• A cut (Pocket) feature is used to cut material from another existing
feature. Different CAD systems use different names for the cut feature.
Different types of cuts can be made such as extruded or revolved cuts.
• A slot is also a form of a cut feature.
• A revolution (Shaft) feature is used to create axisymmetric models. It
requires a cross section, an axis of revolution, and an angle of
revolution.
• A sweep (Rib) feature is used to create a model with a constant cross
section along a nonlinear axis. It is a generalization of the extrusion
feature. It requires a cross section and a sweep curve, as shown below. If
the sweep curve is linear, the sweep becomes an extension.
• A loft feature is used to create a model with a variant cross section
along a linear/nonlinear axis. It is a generalization of the sweep
feature. It requires a set of cross sections as shown below. A guide
curve may be used to blend the cross sections. If no guide curve is
specified. A linear blending is assumed.
• The fillet and chamfer features are used to change the corners of
a model. A fillet rounds the corner, thus eliminating its sharpness.
This is a good engineering practice because it reduces the stresses
around the corners. A chamfer creates a transition between two
edges of a model.
• A rib feature is used as a stiffener for models. It can be viewed as
an extrusion. It requires a line, the faces to stiffen.
• A shell feature is used to carve out material from a model by
“shelling” it. It requires a face to shell and thickness to keep .
• A draft feature is used to create a slant (taper) in model faces. It is
a required feature when we create models of injection molds.
• A pattern feature is a geometric array that is used to create
repeated geometry in a specific order. A pattern can he rectangular
(linear) or circular. A linear pattern requires the feature to repeat,
the distance between the repetitions, and the number of repetitions.
A circular pattern requires the feature to repeat, an angle between
the repetitions, and the number of repetitions. Or, we can specify
the total angle that the pattern sweeps and the number of
repetitions.
• A spiral feature is used to create spirals. The spiral is considered a
sweep along a helix curve . it requires a cross section and a helix
curve. The helix curve requires a pitch and a number of
revolutions.
• A helix feature is used to create helical springs. The helix is
considered a sweep along a helix curve. It requires a (circular)
cross section and a helix curve. The helix curve requires a pitch
and a number of revolutions. The helix can he created tapered if
needed.
Wireframe Modeling
• It is the process of visual presentation of a three-dimensional or physical
object used in 3-D computer graphics.
• It is an abstract edge or skeletal representation of a real-world 3-D
object using lines and curves.
• Because each object that makes up a wireframe model must be
independently drawn and positioned, this type of modeling can be
extremely time-consuming.
• Wireframe modeling plays an important role in matching a 3-D drawing
model to its reference.
• It allows a creator to see the reference through the model as well as
match the vertex points so they are in alignment with the desired
reference.
• Wireframe modeling is a quick and easy way to demonstrate concepts.
Creating a fully detailed, properly mapped mockup for a concept can be
extremely time consuming, and if it does not match what was envisioned
for the project, all that time and effort was wasted.
• Using wireframe modeling, one can cut short the detailed work and
present a very basic model that is easy to create and is understandable by
others.
Surface Modeling
• The process requires you to convert between different 3D
modeling types, such as converting the 3D object to show
procedural surfaces, validate imperfections, and apply smoothness.
• While more complex than Wireframe Modeling, Surface Modeling
is easier to achieve than Solid Modeling. Surface modeling gives
you the ability to build out a visual representation of an object’s
exterior and its contours. These objects can be mechanical
components like an engine - or complex organic shapes like
animals.
• Unlike solid modeling, your object can be geometrically and
physically incorrect - with no properties of mass defined and no
thickness. This gives the designer the unique ability to modify the
model in ways that solid models are incapable.
• This also means, however, that surface models cannot be sliced
open like their solid counterparts, because the object is essentially
hollow.
• Also, note that these surfaces can be represented using NURBS or
polygons, depending on the application.
• Surface modeling uses B-splines and Beizer equations in order to
define the features of your solid appearing object - and is used in
architectural illustrations and 3d animation for video games.
• it opens without any details of the features it’s made up of.
Making changes to complex surfaces without these details can be
extremely challenging. The flexibility of surface modeling allows
you to delete or replace faces of the model in order to make your
desired changes. Solid modeling tools have their limitations - like
having to build out several sides of a shape at once. Surface
modeling lets you build out faces individually, giving you control
over the exact contour and direction.
Solid modeling (or modeling)
• Together, the principles of geometric and solid modeling form the foundation
of 3D-computer-aided design and in general support the creation, exchange,
visualization, animation, interrogation, and annotation of digital models of
physical objects.
• The use of solid modeling techniques allows for the automation of several
difficult engineering calculations that are carried out as a part of the design
process. Simulation, planning, and verification of processes such
as machining and assembly, the range of supported manufacturing applications
has been greatly expanded to include sheet metal manufacturing, injection
molding, welding, pipe routing, etc.
• Beyond traditional manufacturing, solid modeling techniques serve as the
foundation for rapid prototyping, digital data archival and reverse
engineering by reconstructing solids from sampled points on physical objects,
mechanical analysis using finite elements, motion planning and NC path
verification, kinematic and dynamic analysis of mechanisms, and so on. A
central problem in all these applications is the ability to effectively represent
and manipulate three-dimensional geometry in a fashion that is consistent with
the physical behavior of real artifacts.
• Solid modeling research and development has effectively addressed many of
these issues, and continues to be a central focus of computer-aided engineering.
Based on assumed mathematical properties, any scheme of representing solids
is a method for capturing information about the class of semi-analytic subsets of
Euclidean space.
• This means all representations are different ways of organizing the same
geometric and topological data in the form of a data structure. All representation
schemes are organized in terms of a finite number of operations on a set of
primitives.
• Therefore, the modeling space of any particular representation is finite, and any
single representation scheme may not completely suffice to represent all types
of solids. For example, solids defined via combinations of regularized boolean
operations cannot necessarily be represented as the sweep of a primitive moving
according to a space trajectory, except in very simple cases.
• This forces modern geometric modeling systems to maintain several
representation schemes of solids and also facilitate efficient conversion between
representation schemes.
• the list of common techniques used to create or represent solid models are,
Primitive instancing, Spatial occupancy enumeration, Cell decomposition,
Boundary representation, Surface mesh modeling, Constructive solid geometry,
Sweeping, Parametric and feature-based modeling etc.
Modeling Strategies
• Modeling strategy deals with the way you are going to model your
design project. In order to make a good modeling strategy, you have to
have fair amount of idea about the design intent of the project.
• You should be in position to judge the dimensions or relations of your
3D CAD model which may get change over the whole product life
cycle. Modeling also includes, which 3D CAD modeling approach you
are going to use in your design project, will it be top down approach or
bottom up approach.
• A modeling (planning) strategy is a sequence of thoughts about the best,
easiest, and fastest way to create the geometric model of the object we
wish to model.
• This modeling strategy is the high-level thoughts of what we need to do
on a CAD system. This strategy may change when we execute it.
• We view a modeling strategy as a way for CAD designers to organize
their thoughts. It is similar to a flowchart or pseudo code in
programming activities.
Elements for good modeling strategy
1. Design intent: design intent defines the purpose and functions
the finished product should serve.
2. Feature based modeling: Each part of a 3D CAD model
essentially consists of a group of features and these features are
interrelated with each other. Certain amounts of dependencies are
there between the features.
3. Associativity: Most of the 3D CAD software maintains
associativity between its different modules (like, part, assembly,
drafting etc.).
4. Modeling approach: Two types of modeling approach are
followed in industry i.e. Top down approach and Bottom up
approach.
The development of an effective modeling strategy requires a CAD designer to
answer a series of questions:
1. Determine model type and subtype: Is it 2½D or 3D? Within 2½D type, is it
extrusion, revolution, or composite 2½D? A large percentage of engineering
parts fall into the 2½D group.
2. Observe geometric characteristics of model: Is the model symmetric with
respect to one plane or more? If so. a CAD designer can construct only half of
the model and then use the Mirror command to create the full model. The
Translate and Rotate commands can also be used.
3. Choose model orientation in 3D space: How is the model oriented in 3D?
Which model face or view is aligned with which view? This decides the first
sketch plane of the model whether it is Top, Front, or Right.
4. Choose model origin: Where is the MCS origin located on the model sketch? Is
it the bottom left corner of the sketch (profile) or somewhere else?
5. Decide on other geometric details: Do we need geometric modifiers to speed up
construction? What color and layer scheme do we need?
6. Avoid unnecessary calculations: Can we use the CAD system to perform
geometric Calculations for us, to save time? For example, we may use an
intersection or end modifier instead of explicitly making calculations by hand.
VRML Web-Based Viewing
• The Internet has affected CAD/CAM as it has many other fields.
One noticeable change is that we can view CAD models in a Web
browser without having the CAD systems that have created them
up and running. This is a significant advantage, especially for
marketing engineers and mobile designers.
• A marketing engineer may need to share product 3D shaded views
with a group of customers. Or, a CAD designer may want to
present a CAD model to a group of engineers in a meeting. VRML
(Virtual Reality Modeling Language) enables us to display CAD
models in a Web browser.
• Moreover, we can manipulate these models. For example we can
rotate a 3D view in the browser window to look at other invisible
sides of it. We need to download a VRML plug-in and install it in
the browser. Search the Web using a search engine, such as
http://www.google.com.
• For VRML plug-in freeware (free software). Silicon Graphics’ website
provides VRML plug-in. Open a Web browser and type
http://www.cai.com/cosmos as the URL. Look for a VRML link and
follow instructions. The downloaded file is self-extracting. Double—
click it and follow instructions to install it.
• We need to use a CAD system to generate a VRML file before we can
use the VRML plug-in. While the CAD system is running, save the CAD
file in VRML format to generate a VRML file. Simply click this
sequence: File => Save As => select the VRML format and type a
filename.
• The VRML file extension is .wrl (for world). We now open a browser
window and open the .wrl file to view it. Use this sequence to open the
file: File (menu on browser menu bar) => Open => select the .wrl file
=> OK. While the VRML file is open in the browser window, we can
manipulate it using the buttons offered by the plug-in as shown in the
following screenshot.