Here is one way to make 3D animations run in a PDF file with .U3D ( Universal 3D ) files

This only works with Adobe Acrobat 7 Pro full version or time limited demo ( check out Adobe)

 

Get the Instuctions how-to make .U3D animations run in a PDF HERE (PDF file 250kb)

 

Many many other possibilities with javascript programming 

for example extra menus, selections, views, etc etc...

 

here is the link to the 3D javascripting reference for Adobe Acrobat Pro 7 http://partners.adobe.com/public/developer/en/acrobat/sdk/pdf/javascript/Acro3DJS.pdf

• U3D Whitepaper http://www.hitachiconsulting.com/supportingDocs/Whitepapers/U3DWhitePaper.pdf

• Intel U3D site ( links and infos) http://www.intel.com/technology/systems/U3D/index.htm

• some official Industry organization to standardize U3D http://www.ecma-international.org/

• U3D / PDF sample files http://www.immdesign.com/3dpdf.html

• more U3D / PDF sample files http://www.kaon.com/3DPDF.html

• Bentley CAD with U3D / PDF functions http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/MicroStation/Interactive+3D+PDF.htm