Top 5 Powerful 3D Visualization SDKs for Engineering Software in 2024

In software development, 3D visualization SDKs (Software Development Kits) are pivotal for creating dynamic, interactive graphics. These SDKs enable developers to integrate 3D capabilities into their applications, whether they are used for gaming, engineering, architecture, or other fields that require robust graphical representations.

Check out this awesome information! Many companies are embracing 3D Visualization to effectively showcase their data. But with a plethora of toolkits out there, choosing the right one for your business can be a challenge. However, several different toolkits are available for building engineering apps on the web, mobile, and desktop. Drawing from our TWO decades of experience, and insights, we’re excited to share some of the most powerful 3D Visualization toolkits for internal use. Many of our clients have loved these. Therefore, we at ProtoTech Solutions decided to share them with you, from one peer techie to another!

In 2024, several 3D visualization SDKs stand out for their power, versatility, and advanced features. Here, we delve into the five most powerful 3D visualization SDKs for engineering software development for 2024: HOOPS Visualize, Eyeshot (devDept), Three.js, Open Design Alliance, and Open Inventor.

HOOPS Visualize, developed by Tech Soft 3D, is a comprehensive SDK designed to facilitate the rendering of high-performance 3D graphics across a variety of industries, including CAD (Computer-Aided Design), AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction), and manufacturing. Known for its robust feature set and scalability, HOOPS Visualize is a high-performance graphics library designed for engineering applications, enabling the rendering of 3D CAD models across desktop, mobile, and AR/VR devices. This 3D graphics library offers thread-safe interfaces in C++ and C#, along with support for OpenGL and DirectX drivers, all backed by a team of responsive and dedicated graphics experts.

 Key Features:

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: HOOPS Visualize provides standard support for all major desktop and mobile operating systems, as well as AR/VR development tools. This includes compatibility with Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, ARKit, ARCore, OpenVR, and HoloLens.
• High-Performance Rendering: The SDK excels in rendering large models with high levels of detail, thanks to its advanced algorithms and efficient use of hardware acceleration.
• Integration Capabilities: HOOPS Visualize integrates smoothly with other Tech Soft 3D products and major CAD formats, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows.

Eyeshot by devDept is a versatile 3D graphics SDK tailored for .NET developers.  offering native support for both Windows Forms and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). It comes with four distinct Visual Studio toolbox items: Design for creating or editing 2D and 3D geometry, Drawing for generating automatic 2D views, Simulation for validating geometry through linear static analysis, and Manufacture for CNC toolpath generation and simulation. The software provides a variety of preconfigured viewport styles and configurations available at design-time. Non-UI features are accessible via a .NET-neutral cross-platform core. The installer includes 80 code samples for both WinForms and WPF, supporting C# and VB.NET, covering a wide range of CAD/CAM/CAE topics.

Key Features:

• .NET Integration: Eyeshot is specifically designed for the .NET framework, making it a natural choice for developers working within this ecosystem.
• Advanced Geometry Handling: The SDK supports a wide range of geometric operations, including Boolean operations, transformations, and mesh generation.
• Rendering Options: Eyeshot provides various rendering techniques, from basic wireframe models to advanced surface shading and texture mapping.
• User Interaction: It offers robust tools for handling user interactions, including picking, dragging, and real-time editing of 3D models.

Three.js is an open-source JavaScript library that has become a favorite among web developers for creating 3D graphics in the browser. Its ease of use, extensive documentation, and vibrant community make it an excellent choice for web-based 3D visualization.

Key Features:

• WebGL Powered: Three.js leverages WebGL for rendering, enabling it to deliver high-performance graphics within web browsers without the need for plugins.
• Rich Ecosystem: The library boasts a wide array of features, including support for various geometries, materials, lights, and cameras.
• Extensive Examples and Documentation: Three.js has a wealth of examples and thorough documentation, which makes it accessible even for developers who are new to 3D graphics.
• Interactivity: It supports complex interactions, including mouse and touch events, which are essential for creating engaging 3D web applications.

The Open Design Alliance (ODA) provides a powerful suite of SDKs for developing applications that work with popular CAD formats. Their tools are widely used for viewing, editing, and creating CAD files, offering robust support for industry-standard formats like DWG and DGN.

 Key Features:

• Comprehensive CAD Format Support: ODA SDKs support a broad range of CAD formats, ensuring compatibility with most existing CAD applications.
• High-Fidelity Visualization: The SDKs provide high-quality rendering capabilities, ensuring that CAD models are displayed accurately and efficiently.
• Extensive API: The ODA offers a comprehensive API that allows developers to access and manipulate CAD data at a granular level.
• Cross-Platform Development: ODA SDKs support multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, facilitating the development of cross-platform applications.

Open Inventor by Thermo Scientific is a C++ object-oriented retained mode 3D graphics toolkit offering rich features for developing scientific and engineering applications. Known for its flexibility and performance, Open Inventor supports various visualization needs, from simple 3D models to complex simulations. With its object-oriented API, extensible architecture, and extensive set of advanced components, it offers software developers a robust platform for rapidly integrating 2D/3D data visualization and processing capabilities into industrial and scientific applications.

 Key Features:

• Scene Graph Architecture: Open Inventor uses a scene graph architecture, which simplifies the management and manipulation of complex 3D scenes.
• Advanced Visualization Techniques: The SDK supports advanced visualization techniques, including volume rendering, data slicing, and complex shading models.
• High Performance: Open Inventor is optimized for performance, making it suitable for applications that require real-time rendering of large datasets.
• Modular Design: Its modular design allows developers to extend the toolkit with custom components, providing great flexibility for specialized applications.

The landscape of 3D visualization SDKs in 2024 is rich with powerful tools tailored to a variety of industries and applications. Choosing the right 3D visualization SDK depends on the specific needs of your project. By understanding the strengths and features of each of these powerful tools, developers can make informed decisions that enhance their application’s capabilities and user experience in 2024 and beyond.

If you encounter any challenges while using these toolkits or others to build an app, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be delighted to assist you and expedite your web, desktop, and mobile app development!

Over the past 20+ years in operations, we have completed more than 200 small, large, and complex projects for over 2500 customers across the globe. 

ProtoTech Solutions empowers passionate innovators to develop impactful 3D visualization software for web, mobile, and desktop platforms. Our CAD/BIM customization expertise drives automation and incorporates advanced latest technologies such as AI/ML and AR/VR. This helps our clients expedite time to market and achieve their business objectives. With a proven track record in technology consulting and advisory services for the AEC and Manufacturing industry worldwide.