3D Data Resources

A 3D Data Resource is a file or service on the internet that contains information about a 3D model. instant3Dhub references these resources to display and interact with 3D content in a 3D Space. Typically, a 3D Data Resource includes the following information:

  • Structure: The hierarchical organization of assemblies and parts, describing how pieces fit together.

  • Geometry: The mathematical definitions of shapes and surfaces, commonly stored as tessellated data or B-Rep.

  • PMI & Model Views: Manufacturing-related annotations (e.g., tolerances) and predefined perspectives or filter states that enhance understanding of the 3D scene.

  • Metadata: Supplementary information, such as names, materials, versioning, or access rights, that describes or manages the model.

  • Layer: Layers allowing for selective visibility and organization of the 3D Space content. Layers can be used to control the display of nodes based on their properties or attributes, enabling users to focus on specific aspects of the model.

Structure

Structure defines how 3D data is organized into a hierarchy of assemblies, parts, and bodies:

  • Assemblies: Top-level containers holding assemblies, parts or sub-assemblies, including transformation data for correct placement.

  • Parts: Reusable components within assemblies, each containing its own geometry.

  • Bodies: The geometric building blocks of parts. They are typically composed of surfaces and solids - and a part may contain multiple bodies to represent complex shapes.

    • Leaf Nodes: Individually represented geometry elements with dedicated metadata and visibility control.

    • Invisible Geometry: Elements marked as non-visible in the source data.

    • Construction Geometry: Non-manufacturing geometry (e.g. sketches or references).

instant3Dhub preserves this hierarchy, enabling navigation, transformation, and selective display.

Geometry

Geometry defines the shape and appearance of 3D objects. instant3Dhub distinguishes four basic types of geometric entities:

  • Points: Zero-dimensional, defined by a coordinate,

  • Edges: One-dimensional, connecting two points,

  • Faces: Two-dimensional, bounded by edges and

  • Shapes: Three-dimensional, composed of multiple faces.

These entities are used across instant3Dhub and can be accessed via the TopologyAPI. 3D geometry in instant3Dhub is represented in two ways:

  • Tesselated Data: Polygonal approximate meshes of vertices, edges, and faces.

  • Boundary Representation (B-Rep): Precise boundary definitions using 3D geometry objects and curves.

Product Manufacturing Information & Model Views

instant3Dhub supports auxiliary information that complements geometry and structure:

  • PMI: Non-geometric annotations specifying manufacturing details such as tolerances and surface quality.

  • Model Views: Predefined camera positions, visibility states, and section cuts that support scene interpretation.

Metadata

Metadata refers to non-geometric information associated with a 3D model. It can include details such as part names, materials, authorship, versioning, permissions, and other attributes that describe or manage the model’s content and context. instant3Dhub can access and use this metadata depending on the format and available fields.

Layer

Layers in 3D CAD and instant3Dhub are used to group different types of geometrical elements—such as construction geometry, solid bodies, or reference features like planes and points—to reduce visual clutter and simplify navigation. Although layers are defined within individual parts in CAD systems like Siemens NX, they are typically toggled globally at the assembly level in instant3Dhub, affecting all parts at once. This makes it easy to show or hide entire categories of geometry across a loaded scene. Layers are defined by name or an ID. Common examples of layer names include:

  • Default – the final or end geometry of a part or assembly

  • Model Solids – all solid bodies that make up the 3D shape

  • Entire – includes all geometry, including construction and reference elements

  • Construction Geometry – elements used during modeling, like sketches, helper curves, or planes, not part of the final product geometry

Layers help users focus on what’s important by providing quick control over which types of geometry are visible at any given time.

As developers, you can use the LayerFilterAPI to access and manipulate layers in your 3D space. This allows you to create custom views or filter out unnecessary information, enhancing the user experience.



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