Lattice Technology, which develops technical communication and digital mock-up programs for manufacturing enterprises, has released updated versions of its XVL converter programs, including CAD support and automation features. The XVL Converters are used to convert 3D CAD and design data into XVL to make it ready for process design and digital mock-up, or to insert it into manufacturing documentation.

XVL is an “ultra lightweight” 3D format that Lattice supplies for 3D compression with no loss of accuracy, so the data can be used rapidly, shared, and viewed, even on lower-specification PCs. It’s used by engineers and designers to design products, perform process review, simulate assembly processes, and create print-ready and digital work instructions, technical illustrations, and mBOMs/sBOMs direct from 3D data.

The XVL converters can be delivered as plug-ins directly into CAD software, or as server applications that can be integrated with PLM or other systems. Version 7.1 of the XVL converters supports the latest versions of NXTM CATIA V5, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Creo Elements/ProTM (Pro/ENGINEER), Creo Elements/DirectTM(CoCreate), and other CAD applications.

The new release also adds an automation capability by supporting the configuration feature of SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor Representations.

The upgraded versions of the XVL Converters are available immediately, and customers now using XVL under maintenance can download the new versions free of charge. More information is available at www.lattice3d.com.