3DBezug

3DBezug is a term used in 3D design and digital fabrication to denote a standardized three-dimensional reference framework that anchors virtual objects to a common spatial context. It combines a defined origin, orientation, and unit system to enable consistent placement, scaling, and alignment of models across software tools and workflows. The concept has roots in German-speaking CAD and visualization communities and has since circulated in broader 3D printing, BIM, and AR/VR pipelines as a practical approach to reduce misalignment between components.

Technical characteristics include a defined coordinate system with three orthogonal axes, a chosen origin, and a unit convention. 3DBezug can be embedded as model metadata or represented as an external reference file, and it supports multiple coordinate spaces such as world, local, and component space. It is not a single universal standard, but a family of practices that vary by software ecosystem. In practice, it serves as a common reference that enables interoperability and repeatable placement across tools.

Applications and workflow widely involve attaching 3DBezug anchors to base geometry, aligning imported parts before assembly, and ensuring correct scale for 3D printing or virtual prototyping. In collaborative projects, teams share a common 3DBezug reference to maintain consistency when exchanging models or integrating them into larger environments such as BIM models or AR scenes.

Formats and compatibility are implemented in various ways, including metadata blocks within STEP, IFC, or STL-derived workflows, or as sidecar files carrying JSON or XML metadata. Because it is not governed by a single standard, practical use relies on project conventions and software support.

See also: coordinate system, 3D modeling, BIM, reference frame.