Lattice Technology releases XVL Player 9

XVL Player is a free viewer with full 3D visualization capabilities such as rotate, pan, and zoom, which allow users to view parts and assemblies in the ultra compressed XVL format that have been generated from CAD or edited with XVL Studio. XVL Player has been widely adopted throughout the manufacturing industry as an easy means for non-CAD operators to view and explore 3D models from any PC. To date, more than 500,000 copies have been downloaded since its debut in 2000.

The measurement, cross-sectioning and advanced viewing features -- in the past only available on the licensed version of XVL Player Pro -- are now included free in XVL Player 9. These functions allow users not just to view models, but also add information commonly used in the downstream processes of manufacturers. In addition to the viewing features, users can create dimensions and profiles for 3D objects or view previously defined snapshots and positions or set its properties to refer to other documents.

With the 9.1 release expected in May, additional free features will be added including animation controls to play process animations. These added amenities are expected to greatly expand the usage of XVL Player, since companies can now employ the free viewer to handle a wider variety of post-design processing tasks. Examples include the testing of an assembly’s feasibility in a manufacturing technology division, or the confirmation of part dimensions for a customer quote in a procurement division. Both tasks can be done immediately through the viewer, eliminating the need for a CAD operator to make changes or look up information.

Lattice Technology further expects an increase in the amount of collaboration using 3D data, both within a company, and among its suppliers and clients. Outside parties simply need to download the free Player. XVL-compressed 3D models are lightweight enough to be easily emailed, so suppliers, partners, and customers can participate in discussions about the details of components and assemblies without any added software costs.

“Our expansion of features in our free offering is based on the idea that XVL Player Ver.9 will expand dramatically throughout organizations that use XVL,” says General Manager Bill Barnes. “This will make the Lattice product family, including XVL Studio, XVL Web Master and Lattice3D Reporter even more valuable.”