Imagecom, known for its advanced 2D-to-3D conversion software (called FlexiDesign), is launching a new web portal called ASPire3D.com. The first ASP to run inside this portal was also announced and is named 2Dto3DCAD.com.

2Dto3DCAD.com is based an internet version of the FlexiDesign software called e-FlexiDesign. Users start by logging in, and, for a limited time during the beta stage, all conversions are free. 2D drawings can then be uploaded in either the DXF and DWG formats. Depending on the options selected and the complexity of the model, conversions can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. In any case, after the model is completed, users are notified via email, where they can return to the site in order to view it. When the beta period is over, around October 1st, payment for services rendered thereafter will be required. If users are happy with the conversion, then the downloading process begins.

The models can be delivered in these formats: Mechanical Desktop 4.0/5.0, Inventor 2.0/3.0, AutoCAD 2000, STEP AP203, IGES, and SAT. The models that users receive in the native formats will have a complete feature tree associated with it, as if they were built in the original application. Dr. Raj Ganesan, Vice President of Development, said, "We are continuously working on adding more native formats to the ASP. SolidWorks 2000 is the next on the list and the others will soon follow."

Because of entities that are not needed in 3D, such as dimensions, text, and so on, some preprocessing is usually required. Because of this, there are two conversion options available to users. The self-serve option is intended for simple parts where users need to perform a minimum of preprocessing on their 2D drawings. The full-service option involves initial preprocessing of drawings by 2Dto3DCAD's technical support engineers.

No pricing plans are available, but Imagecom estimates that the conversions will cost about one-fifth of what it would cost if they were done manually by a drafter or designer. The Arlington, Texas-based company is also planning to announce more ASP components in order to fill out the services offered by ASPire3D.com. For more information go to http://www.imagecomcorp.com or http://www.ASPire3D.com