PV Elite Inventor Plugin is a bridge that allows you to import PV Elite 3D models directly into Autodesk Inventor
to create detailed fabrication drawings and General Arrangement (GA) drawings. Purpose and Functionality
The plugin is designed to streamline the workflow between engineering analysis and drafting: Model Integration
: Imports PVTP or PVDB model files from PV Elite into the Inventor environment. Drawing Creation
: Enables the generation of projection drawings (top, side, isometric) with options for different visual styles like hidden or shaded lines. Data Visibility
: Allows users to toggle model layers on/off and inspect the properties of individual components, such as flanges or nozzles. BOM Generation : Automatically adds a Bill of Materials (BOM)
that counts components and can be customized with specific Inventor properties. Installation and Usage
: The plugin is typically downloaded from the Hexagon (formerly Intergraph) Smart Support website. Permissions
: For proper installation, you may need to run both Inventor and Windows as an administrator : Once installed, a toolbar named PV Lead Data Import
becomes available in Inventor to facilitate loading model files. Compatibility
: The plugin is version-specific; for example, the PV Elite 2017 plugin was built to work with Inventor 2017. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Troubleshooting Common Issues If the plugin fails to load or function correctly: pv elite inventor plugin
Ensure both software packages are run with administrative privileges.
Reinstall the plugin before attempting a full reinstallation of Inventor.
Verify that the model file version matches the plugin version (e.g., PV Elite 2017 model with the 2017 plugin). Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum customizing the Bill of Materials PV Elite Inventor Plugin - Forums, Autodesk 7 Apr 2023 —
The PV Elite Inventor plugin is a free add-in that bridges the gap between pressure vessel analysis and 3D CAD modeling. It allows engineers to import models created in Hexagon PV Elite directly into Autodesk Inventor Professional to streamline the creation of fabrication drawings and solid models. Core Functionalities
Direct Data Transfer: Leverages vessel geometry and analysis data (like weight and dimensions) from PV Elite to generate accurate 3D solid models in Inventor.
Automated Drawing Generation: Once imported, users can easily create 2D General Arrangement (GA) drawings, projection views (top, side, bottom), and isometric views.
Bill of Materials (BOM): The plugin can automatically populate Inventor's BOM table with component counts and properties like flange classes directly from the analysis model.
Property Inspection: Engineers can toggle model layers and inspect the specific properties of individual components (e.g., nozzles, flanges) within the Inventor environment. Technical Requirements & Installation
To use the plugin effectively, specific file types and software versions are required:
Required Files: The plugin primarily reads .pbdv (database) files. To include analysis results (like weight), the .pvu intermediate file—generated after running the analysis in PV Elite—must also be present. PV Elite Inventor Plugin is a bridge that
Compression Settings: By default, newer PV Elite versions compress files into a .pv format. For the plugin to work, you may need to disable compression in the PV Elite configuration menu or use the file extraction utility.
Compatibility: While originally optimized for the 2017 versions of both PV Elite and Inventor Professional, it is generally available to all users current on Hexagon maintenance. However, users of Inventor 2025 have reported compatibility issues, with some official recommendations suggesting the use of Inventor 2023 for full plugin support. How to Access
The plugin is typically available as a free download for licensed users through the Hexagon Smart Support portal under the Freeware Tools and Utilities section. PV Elite Webinar: Autodesk Inventor Plugin
The PV Elite Inventor Plugin is an add-in developed by Hexagon PPM that bridges the gap between pressure vessel analysis and 3D CAD modeling. It allows users to import completed vessel designs directly from PV Elite into Autodesk Inventor to create detailed 3D models and production-ready drawings. Key Features and Capabilities
The plugin transforms data-driven engineering models into visual, manipulatable CAD assets:
Direct Model Import: Supports the import of .pvdb and .pvtp files from PV Elite, allowing users to leverage Inventor’s solid modeling and drawing environments without recreating the model from scratch.
Layer and Component Control: Once imported, users can toggle individual model layers on/off and inspect specific component properties, such as flange classes or material data.
Automated Drawing Generation: Facilitates the creation of General Arrangement (GA) and projection drawings. Users can easily generate side, top, and isometric views.
Intelligent Bill of Materials (BOM): Automatically populates a parts list based on the imported model. Users can add custom columns by mapping Inventor properties to PV Elite component data.
Annotation Tools: Supports the addition of dimensions, welding symbols, and automated "bubbles" for BOM items. Compatibility and System Requirements Phase 1: Modeling in Autodesk Inventor The designer
Users should note that the plugin has specific versioning requirements to ensure stability:
Optimized Versions: Originally optimized for Autodesk Inventor Professional 2017 and PV Elite 2017 SP1 or later.
Recent Compatibility: While it has been used with later versions, Autodesk has noted that Inventor 2025 may experience errors when loading PV Elite files. In such cases, reverting to Inventor 2023 is the recommended official solution.
Installation: The plugin is typically available as a freeware utility via the Hexagon Smart Support website under "Freeware Tools and Utilities". Typical Workflow
Design & Analyze: Perform the primary pressure vessel calculations and code checks (ASME, EN, etc.) in PV Elite.
Export/Save: Save the finalized vessel model in a compatible format (.pvdb).
Import to Inventor: Open Inventor and use the "PV Elite Data Import" ribbon to load the file.
Produce Deliverables: Create 3D assemblies, section views, and detailed fabrication drawings within the Inventor environment. PV Elite Inventor Plugin
The designer creates a 3D model of the pressure vessel using standard Inventor parts or sheet metal features. For the plugin to function optimally, the model generally adheres to specific modeling conventions:
Once the model is complete, the user activates the PV Elite Link add-in within Inventor.
Because your final approved model lives in Inventor, the plugin ensures that any thickness or length changes driven by PV Elite are reflected in your Inventor BOM. This means your material take-off (MTO) and drawing callouts are always correct without manual reconciliation.