Lattice Technology XVL Blog

Use a 3D Digital Twin for Sharing Complete Product Data Over the Web

Written by Chris Hughes | Wed, 15 Jan, 2025 @ 03:59 PM

3D Digital Twin - What Is It?

A 3D Digital Twin is graphical and includes all associated data from the product's 3D CAD files. It is distinctly different from a data-based Digital Twin.

A 3D Digital Twin, enabled with XVL, is a complete graphical representation of a product. It combines all 3D CAD files into a single file and is a complete virtual representation. All major 3D CAD formats are supported.

The conversion uses native formats (not open formats) to maintain all associated data (metadata and even PMI). It also retains CAD-level accuracy for doing real work.

A complete virtual product model is made with all of the data from all of the CAD files used in the design. We call this the 3D Digital Twin.

Perfect for Sharing

The 3D Digital Twin, a complete virtual representation of the whole product, is perfect for sharing with any stakeholder.

It contains all the data needed for stakeholders to perform their jobs, yet it is simple and easy to use. It is also free for consumers. 

Also, with XVL, there are automated mechanisms for updating the 3D Digital Twin when design changes occur.

The 3D Digital Twin can be accessed in several ways, including embedding it into Microsoft Excel. For this blog post, I want to highlight accessing the 3D Digital Twin over the web using XVL Web3D (one of our products). Web3D delivers streamed data to a web browser. Access is controlled with robust security included with XVL.

Usage is simplified because no add-ons or plugins are required for your favorite web browser. Any current generation of web browsers that support HTML5 can be used without modification.

And it's fast because of the ultralightweight nature of XVL. The next section outlines how to try it for yourself.

Interactive Web3D Demos

Below are four interactive examples of Web3D content produced by XVL Web3D Manager. They all use real XVL data and are streamed using Amazon Web Services. You can view the examples in any web browser—no download is required!

To get started, click the link in the upper left of each cell below. The example will launch in a new window. You can explore it on your own or follow the instructions on the right to get started. Each demo uses a different template to display the content uniquely. You can easily create your own templates for your company.

There are four examples below to explore:

  1. 3D Drawings
  2. 3D Parts Catalog
  3. 3D Parts List
  4. Animated Work Instructions

3D Drawing
  1. Select the first snapshot.
  2. Select one of the pistons in the 3D view.
    • The part is highlighted in the 3D view.
    • The part is also displayed in the selection view (upper right).
  3. To measure the diameter of the piston:
    • Select the diameter tool.
    • Select the top edge of the piston's top (not the face).
    • A dimension will appear; drag this dimension to the desired location for readability.
  4. To create a cross-section:
    • Select the top button in the right column.
    • Select the type of cross-section you would like to perform. Snapshot View: Browse and select interactive 3D snapshots.

3D Parts Catalog
  1. Sort the parts list by name by clicking the arrow next to Name.
  2. Select “Rear_SUS” (the rear sub-assembly).
  3. Notice the sub-assembly is now displayed in the selection view.
  4. Select “Display Child Parts” to see all of the parts in the sub-assembly.
    • Select a part on the model; the part will be highlighted in the parts list and shown in the selection view.
  5. Drill down into any part of the demo you like. If you get lost, just click the Home button to get back to the start.

3D Parts List
  1. Sort the Part Table by Part Number (ascending).
  2. Select the Bottom Case [LTC-001].  The part is:
    • Highlighted on the 3D model.
    • Displayed in the selection view.
    • Highlighted in the structured BOM.
  3. In the 3D window, select the top case and notice the same.
  4. The snapshots are preconfigured to show specific views. Select the second snapshot (Clutch) and see how the document changes.

Animated 3D Work Instructions
  1. Click the Home button to reset the view.  You can use this same button to return to the start after exploring.
  2. Select Process #1.
  3. Select Play to see the animation.
 
 

 
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