Virtual Reality for Creo

[ScottHanson]

We are looking to set up a pilot (trial) virtual reality CAD station using HTC Vive and wondering if anyone has recommendations on software to use to bridge the gap between Creo and Virtual Reality?  

[StephenW]

Isn't that some of what Thingworx does?

https://www.ptc.com/en/products/augmented-reality

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[ScottHanson]

Looking for VR not AR.  According to PTC, they only support AR.

[ScottHanson]

ThingWorx is AR, VR4CAD is VR. 

In Virtual Reality, your completely submersed in the experience, vs Augmented Reality, where an object shows up virtually in reality.  VR requires a dedicated room with sensors and a powerful PC, but is a more complete experience.  AR can be done on a phone with less cost (or using Hololens), but has limitations when trying to get a feeling of size or comparing to other designs, in my opinion.  In summery, VR works great for concept reviews and AR works great for sales, field assistance, etc.

[dschenken]

Even the supposed paragon of supposed usability, Solidworks doesn't work with Vive. They do offer a high-effort workaround: http://www.cad-vr.com/solidworks-vr/ Mostly it is export as obj files and read them into Unity. Unity does support Vive.

Virtalis VR4CAD also works by importing cad data. It operates on Creoview files, among others.

I would suggest contacting Vive. They have the bigger motive to know what works in order to sell Vive head sets and software. CAD companies, in contrast, cannot support the effort to develop for the soon to be endless numbers of incompatible platforms for the few customers who presently want them.

Keep in mind that 3-D stereographic head gear and displays have been available for nearly 30 years and have made so close to zero market penetration as to be immeasurable. I see that this was mentioned in a post 7 years ago, with an update about Creoview 2 years ago: https://community.ptc.com/t5/Creo-Modeling-Questions/Stereoscopic-3D-output/td-p/219996/page/2

[ScottHanson]

I'm going to try VR4CAD, just always like to have a plan B and surprised that there isn't more out there for bringing Creo CAD into VR.

[ScottHanson · Accepted solution]

VR4CAD worked very well.  It is entry level and some limitations but it is simple to use and worked well for bringing in Creo CAD into VR.

[StephenW]

@ScottHanson, mark your post as the solution so the next person looking will find it quickly.

[ADAMBESAW]

What's your status on VR?  Did the VR4CAD work for you?  I found irisvr.com which will accept OBJ formats.  The down side is OBJ isn't exporting parts that are surfaces vs solid (like imported geometry from vendors).

[ScottHanson]

Keyshot just came out with a VR module that works great and is inexpensive, but requires Keyshot, which we already had.  So we can import directly from Creo to Keyshot, then add materials, backgrounds, and automatons in Keyshot and send to KeyVR to view with our HTC Vive.  Very realistic experience...

https://www.keyshot.com/keyvr/

[ADAMBESAW]

any experience with edrawings VR?

[ScottHanson]

No, sorry...

[rmccle]

I have had good luck with Pixyz review.  https://www.pixyz-software.com/review/

It imports native Creo files and requires minimum additional work to view models in VR.