Developed under the auspices of AIIM's Standards Program, the Product Representation Compact (PRC) format for 3D data was published this week as ISO 14739-1:2014.

PRC allows the 3D design data typically created in CAD and PLM systems, to be utilized by visualization applications and to be integrated into complex documents.

PRC is designed to be included in PDF (ISO 32000) documents for the purpose of 3D visualization and exchange. It can be used for creating, viewing, and distributing 3D data in the PDF technology context. The use of PRC data is encouraged in part 2 of ISO 24517 (PDF/E-2), the ISO standard for PDF in engineering applications.

The ISO standard for PRC specifies a wide range of data forms necessary to:

• Achieve high fidelity, visually equivalent representations of 3D without requiring the original application.
• Allow applications to compute high accuracy shape measurements for 3D objects.

Intended to complement native or open standard CAD and PLM formats as a compact binary form for visualization and documentation, PRC is not intended as means of CAD interoperability or for direct application in automated manufacturing and inspection systems.

The PDF Association wishes to acknowledge the tireless efforts of PRC's Project Leader, Stuart Galt of Boeing, and the Secretariat of ISO TC 171 SC 2, AIIM's Betsy Fanning, for their tireless efforts to overcome a variety of obstacles in order to complete the publication process.

Those interested in PRC should acquire a copy from ISO or their choice of ISO affiliate organization.