Protection of 3D CAD data in product development

The protection of 3D CAD data is no longer a niche topic in today's networked industry. Anyone who develops complex components is regularly faced with the question of how design knowledge and intellectual property can remain truly secure when collaborating with external partners, suppliers or service providers. Various technological approaches help to make unauthorized access and reverse engineering more difficult.

The Kisters 3DViewStation addresses this issue with a multi-level security concept - from integrated basic security functions and a particularly controllable WebViewer version to Intellectual Property Protection for reliable protection of intellectual property.

WebViewer: Security through central provision

When using the WebViewer version of the 3D ViewStation, rendering takes place entirely on the server. Unlike many common solutions that calculate 3D content in the user's local browser, no geometry data is transferred to the end device - instead, the user only receives an image or video stream. Among other things, this prevents data from being read out via the graphics card. For collaboration with external partners, this means that instead of passing on files, purely visual remote access can be set up for a quotation process, for example. Access rights and available functions can be granularly controlled via a leading system - right down to the restriction of individual functions such as the cutting of components.

Extended protection for intellectual property

The Intellectual Property Protection (IPP) option integrated into 3DViewStation expands the possibilities for specifically protecting sensitive design know-how in CAD data. The 3DViewStation and the KAS batch tool provide practical solutions, particularly in scenarios where the transfer of data cannot be avoided: Geometries that are not visible from the outside can be removed automatically. This intervention goes unnoticed by the recipient, who works with a functional 3D data set that meets all relevant requirements without revealing critical details.

The IPP functionality also allows geometries to be altered in a targeted manner. For example, wall thicknesses can be adjusted or radii converted into polygonal structures. Geometric simplification is also used, in which the level of detail of the CAD data is deliberately reduced - for example by smoothing complex shapes or reducing the number of polygons. This makes it much more difficult to reconstruct sensitive design features at a later date.

Another approach is to selectively remove individual features and specific details. The resulting model can be used functionally, but provides less information about the original design. In addition to the protection aspect, these methods also offer tangible technical advantages: smaller file sizes, reduced model complexity, faster loading times and lower memory requirements.

Further tips for secure collaboration with sensitive 3D data

For the exchange of sensitive data, it is generally advisable to use a secure platform that provides functions such as encryption, differentiated access controls and other protection mechanisms. Transparent and traceable collaboration can be realized via web clients of common PLM systems, for example.

The choice of file format also plays a key role. Established standards such as STEP enable the storage of exact geometry data based on BREP. In contrast, triangulated formats such as JT or STEP-tesselated offer additional options for the controlled transfer of data. The return of such data to precise, production-ready BREP models is associated with considerable effort in the context of reverse engineering.

The 3D ViewStation helps to effectively protect intellectual property and make the cross-company exchange of 3D data more secure. Although complete protection against misuse cannot be guaranteed, the barriers to unauthorized skimming of design know-how are significantly increased. At the same time, the solution supports companies in integrating partners and suppliers into existing processes in a controlled, efficient and secure manner.

Hannover Messe 2026, Hall 17, Stand F32