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How to View 3D Part Thumbnails in the Library

In the Documoto Library, 3D Part Thumbnails are displayed in a viewer where users can interact with and view 3D models including rotating, slicing, exploding, and navigating through different visual representations. A 3D thumbnail is a small, visually representative image that provides an interactive preview of a 3D CAD model. It is designed to convey the key features and essence of a part or assembly.

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How to Navigate to the 3D Part Thumbnail Viewer

In the Documoto Library, there are two ways to navigate to a 3D Part Thumbnail, if available for a specified Part. 

1. From the Bill of Materials - While viewing an interactive Parts Page, if a 3D Thumbnail is available for a part, an icon will appear next to the Part Name in the BOM. Upon selecting the icon, the 3D modal will pop out allowing viewing and interaction with the 3D Part Thumbnail. 

2. From the Item Details Page - When a Part is accessed via search results or by selecting the Part Number from the BOM, the user will be brought to the Item Details Page. The flat Part Thumbnail will be available in the upper left. If a 3D Part Thumbnail is available, there will be an icon to the left of the image. Select the 3D Icon and then click Click to Enlarge. Then, the 3D modal will pop out allowing viewing and interaction with the 3D Part Thumbnail.

How to Use the 3D Thumbnail Viewer

The 3D Part Thumbnail Viewer offers a variety of tools to help users view and interact with the 3D models. The chart below details each of the tools and their functionality. 

3D Viewing Interactive Tools

 

Tool Name Icon  Tool Function
3D Views Select from views that are specified in the 3D Model PMI (Product and Manufacturing Information). This shows customer-defined views (or default views defined by the CAD system) that may or may not differ from the orientation view tool described below.
Snapshot Takes a snapshot of the 3D model exactly as it shown on screen and downloads a transparent PNG to the user's desktop.
Properties Shows the properties of the currently published 3D model including Name, Surface Area, Volume, and COG. These properties are not shown in the Documoto library.
Upload Allows Publishers to update and/or load a new 3D model.
Delete  Allows Publishers to delete the current 3D Part Thumbnail.
Nav Cube Rotates and shows the orientation of the 3D model via surface views.
X,Y,Z Axis Triad Rotates and shows the orientation of the 3D model via the X,Y, and Z axis.
Home/Reset Resets the view of the 3D model to it's original state.
Draw Mode

Allows you to view the 3D thumbnail in various drawing modes to interact with the surfaces, edges, and wireframe of a 3D model.

Drawing modes include: Wireframe Shaded (Default), Shaded, Hidden Lines, Wireframe, Draw Mode
Explode

"Explodes" or disassembles a 3D assembly model, separating the individual components from their original positions and layout.

Note: not all 3D models will include explode 
capabilities. The CAD software that is used to 
generate the model must support setting explode 
properties and features.
Slice Slices the view of the 3D model along vertical, horizontal, and depth-wise (perpendicular to Z-axis) planes. Includes Cutting Plan Visibility and Selection Toggles.
Orientation Tool

Shows the 3D model from various depth and distance perspectives. 

Views include: Orthographic (Default), Perspective, Isometric, Left/Right/Top/Bottom/Front/Back
Zoom In/Out Changes the level of magnification to zoom in and out of a 3D model view.

How to Use the Mobile 3D Thumbnail Viewer

When viewing 3D Thumbnails on screen sizes smaller than 1024 px, the same functionality and tools are available. However, the tools options are located in a drop down menu in the upper right of the Viewer.