DLV File – What is .dlv file and how to open it?


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DLV File Extension

CATIA 4 Export File – file format by Dassault Systemes

CATIA 4 Export File (DLV) is a file format developed by Dassault Systèmes for exporting data from CATIA 4, a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software. It stores 3D model geometry, including surfaces, solids, and assemblies, and can be imported into other CAD programs.

Introduction to DLV Files

A DLV (CATIA 4 Export File) is a file format created by Dassault Systemes for exporting data from CATIA version 4, a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software. It stores geometric models, including surfaces, curves, and points, in a neutral format that can be read by other CAD systems. DLV files provide a means to exchange CAD data between different software platforms and enable collaboration among engineers and designers.

Key Features and Applications

DLV files contain data related to the geometry of 3D models, such as surface coordinates, curve definitions, and point locations. They are often used for transferring models between different CAD systems or for archiving design data. DLV files support the export of various geometric entities, including free-form surfaces, B-splines, and NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines). This allows for the exchange of complex and highly accurate 3D models. In addition, DLV files can also contain information about material properties and assembly structures, further enhancing their versatility.

Opening DLV Files with CATIA V4

DLV files, or CATIA 4 Export Files, are proprietary file formats used by Dassault Systèmes’ CATIA V4 software. They contain 3D product data and geometry that have been exported from the CATIA V4 environment. To open a DLV file, you will need to have CATIA V4 installed on your computer. Once you have installed CATIA V4, you can open a DLV file by selecting “File” > “Open” and then selecting the DLV file you want to open.

Alternative Methods for Opening DLV Files

If you do not have CATIA V4 installed, you can still access the data in a DLV file using other methods. One option is to use Dassault Systèmes’ 3DXML Player, which is a free tool that allows you to view and interact with 3D data files. Another option is to use a third-party CAD software program that supports the DLV file format. Some examples of third-party CAD software programs that can open DLV files include Siemens NX, PTC Creo, and Autodesk Inventor.

Description of DLV File

A DLV file is a CATIA 4 Export File, a type of CAD (computer-aided design) file format developed by Dassault Systèmes. It stores 3D models created in CATIA, a popular software suite for product design and engineering. DLV files contain geometric data, including vertices, edges, faces, and assemblies, as well as material properties, textures, and other design-related information. They can be used for data exchange between different CAD systems or for archival purposes.

Usage of DLV File

DLV files are primarily used for collaborative design and engineering workflows. They enable designers to share 3D models with colleagues, suppliers, and manufacturers who do not have access to CATIA or other compatible software. By exporting a model to DLV format, designers can preserve the integrity and accuracy of the design data while ensuring that it can be easily viewed and edited by others. Additionally, DLV files can be used for downstream processes such as finite element analysis (FEA), rendering, and 3D printing, as they provide a standardized way to represent and exchange 3D geometry.

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