Catena‑X goes 3D with Threedy
September 18th, 2025 Darmstadt, Germany
Cross-company collaboration depends on data flowing freely across partners. Catena-X is building the rails for that—but today, there is no standard for 3D. Engineering models remain locked inside tools, slowing decisions and multiplying file chaos.
We built the first prototype—and it’s ready now
At the start of 2025, we developed a working prototype that proves how 3D engineering data can travel through Catena-X aspect models and open instantly in the browser. The demo is available today and shows what’s possible: traceable, governed, and shareable 3D across company lines.
Shaping the standard with industry leaders
Because no 3D standard exists yet in Catena-X, we are actively shaping it together with Mercedes-Benz, Schaeffler, ZF, Bosch, and others in the Catena-X Engineering Working Group. Our shared goal: deliver the first version of a 3D exchange standard by the end of 2025. That milestone will set the foundation for scalable, real-world use cases across the ecosystem.
Future use cases the standard will unlock
Once the 3D standard is in place, industries will be able to enable high-value scenarios across the Catena-X network—especially elevating supplier-OEM collaboration through seamless, standardized data exchange:
DMU analysis: check collisions, measurements, and fit without file transfers.
Packaging & Space analysis: review packaging constraints in shared live sessions.
Design reviews: align stakeholders in-browser and capture decisions in context.
Supplier handover: deliver the right geometry at the right fidelity, fully traceable.
instant3Dhub: the building block for 3D in Catena-X
instant3Dhub is positioned as the infrastructure layer that will support the emerging Catena-X 3D standard. It connects directly to backend systems, aligns with aspect models, and streams 3D to any browser in real time. With instant3Dhub and its product extensions like webvisApplication, it provides everything companies need to implement and get started with productive company collaboration use cases—enabling seamless, collaborative 3D workflows right out of the box.This makes it the natural solution building block for future Catena-X use cases.
Direct backend integration: stream from where data lives—no exports.
Standards-ready: built to align with Catena-X aspect models.
Real-time collaboration: share large models live via one link.
Enterprise scale: handle assemblies and access rules at speed.
The path ahead
The prototype is here today. The first 3D standard for Catena-X is targeted for the end of 2025. And with instant3Dhub, companies will have the foundation to adopt once, then scale 3D collaboration across programs, suppliers, and tools.
Ready to shape the future of 3D collaboration?
The best way to get involved is to start now:
👉 Explore the demo here and see how 3D flows through Catena-X in the browser.
👉 Contact our team directly to discuss how you can participate.
👉 Or reach out to me personally on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.
Let’s build the Catena-X 3D standard once—together—and unlock collaboration at scale.
