Able2Extract PDF Converter Review

Often times in the world of CAD and engineering we find ourselves with a PDF document that we wish we could modify but can't. The solution used to be we had to recreate the document in its native program from scratch. This was especially painful if we were dealing with a complicated AutoCAD drawing in PDF format. Luckily, those days are long gone. Investintech has created the best PDF conversion software around and one of the best benefits is being able to convert those pesky PDFs back into DWG or DXF files. Not  only does it convert PDF to AutoCAD, it also does the whole range of Office products including Excel, Word, PPT, and others. How awesome is that? It's easy to use and there are Windows, Mac, and Linux versions available.

You can see some document conversion examples on their website as well as a link to download a free trial here: http://www.investintech.com/able2extract.html
I highly recommend you check it out!

CAD Viewers: Delcam Exchange

What type of files can Delcam Exchange open?
•DWG, DXF
•SOLID EDGE PAR (PART)
•CREO (PRT.#, AND
ASM.#
•CATIA
•PARASOLID, STEP, IGS
•STL
•NX (PRT)

Delcam Exchange Features and Limitations:

• NO MEASUREMENT CAPABILITIES
• ROTATE AND SIZE MODELS
• SETTINGS MAY BE ADJUSTED FOR FILE IMPORT
• SOME PROBLEMS WHEN IMPORTING CREO (PRO-E) ASSEMBLIES (MISSING PARTS)
• HOWEVER, THE SOFTWARE SHOWS ERROR REPORT FOR TROUBLESHOOTING IMPORT.
• VIEW MODELS AS SOLID (NOT WIREFORM)
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO ORDER FILE TRANSLATION FROM WEB SITE ($$$). 
• DELCAM POWERSHAPE:
• THIS IS A VERSION OF E DRAWINGS.
• ALLOWS SOME ON SCREEN MEASUREMENT.
• REQUIRES REGISTRATION (FREE).
• USE ‘IMPORT’ COMMAND (UNDER FILE) TO OPEN FILES
• SAME INPUT AS DELCAM EXHCHANGE BUT HAS TROUBLE IMPORTING NATIVE MODELS
• – WON’T OPEN PRO-E,
• – PROBLEMS WITH SOME SOLID EDGE PAR FILES, ETC
•  DelcamExchange (IGS,STEP, PART FILES)
  http://www.delcam.com/general/software/exchange.asp   

CAD Viewers: Solid Edge Viewer (SE)

Viewer for Solid Edge CAD Files
What type of files can Solid Edge Viewer read?

• part, (.par)
• Sheet metal (.psm)
• assembly models (.asm)
• Weldment assemblies (pwd)
• Draft or drawing files (.dft)
• Drawing files (.dwg, .dft)
• 3D viewing and file sharing CAD models (JT)
• Packaged collaboration files (pcf) for NX and SE
• Metafile documents (Microsoft) CGM
• JT files

Solid Edge Viewer Controls and Limitations

• Rotate, size, or fit to window by selecting desired view control button from above the pressing left mouse button and dragging.
• Printing of model picture or drawings are allowed
• Cannot save files
• Cannot measure drawings or models
• Can hide or view individual components in an assembly model
• Cannot view Parasolid, IGS, or Step files

Solid Edge 2D Drafting

• Stand Alone Drafting Software
• Similar to AutoCAD lite.
• Complete 2d Drafting Capabilities.
• Opens and saves documents as dft, dwg, dxf, 2D IGS
• Save documents as dwg or dxf if they are to be distributed.
• Can print drawings with included pdf printer. (SAVE AS pdf)
• Tutorial are available

Solid Edge 2D Drafting Software
(with included 2D/3D Solid Edge Viewer )

• Software should be downloaded directly from the Siemens Site
• Solid Edge Viewer Comes with the 2D software.
• If you already have an existing SE Viewer loaded on your computer, you’ll need to uninstall it prior to installing the updated viewer. 
• *Solid Edge Viewer (PART, ASM, DRT)
  http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/velocity/solidedge/forms/solid_edge_free_2d_2.cfm