SimLab: VR & AR Visualization and Simulation softwares

The digital transformation of industries presents a major challenge today: how to efficiently utilize complex CAD models in virtual reality environments? With 67% of manufacturers considering VR as strategic for their future competitiveness, interoperability between CAD systems and VR platforms becomes a crucial issue. Engineers and technical decision-makers face daily challenges of converting and optimizing 3D data for virtual reality use, without compromising accuracy or information richness.

The obstacles are numerous: overly heavy models, incompatible geometries, lost assembly hierarchies, and prohibitive conversion times. However, the benefits of an effective solution are considerable: immersive design reviews, accelerated technical training, virtual prototyping, and remote collaboration.

Table of Contents

• Fundamentals of CAD-VR Interoperability
• CAD Data Conversion and Optimization Process
• Practical Applications of CAD-VR Interoperability
• Exchange Formats and Technologies
• Professional Solutions for CAD-VR Interoperability
• Future Perspectives

Fundamentals of CAD-VR Interoperability

CAD-VR interoperability refers to the ability to transfer, convert, and use 3D models from computer-aided design systems in virtual reality environments. This transition is not trivial and requires a deep understanding of the fundamental differences between these two technical ecosystems.

CAD systems produce mathematically precise models, based on exact representations (NURBS, B-Rep) intended for manufacturing. These models often contain millions of components, with complex hierarchies and essential technical metadata. Conversely, VR platforms require optimized polygon meshes for real-time rendering, prioritizing visual performance over absolute precision.

This dichotomy creates four major interoperability challenges:

• The geometric complexity of CAD models often exceeds the real-time rendering capabilities of VR systems
• The hierarchical structure of assemblies must be preserved to allow natural interaction in VR
• Technical metadata (tolerances, materials, annotations) must remain accessible in the virtual environment
• Rendering performance must be sufficient to maintain a fluid immersive experience (minimum 72-90 FPS)

The quality of interoperability directly impacts the user experience in virtual reality. A poorly converted model can generate visual artifacts, jerky navigation, loss of critical information, or even nausea in the user. Conversely, optimal conversion creates the conditions for productive and comfortable immersion.

CAD Data Conversion and Optimization Process

Transforming a CAD model into a usable asset in virtual reality follows a structured process with several key steps. Each addresses specific objectives and requires techniques adapted to the complexity of the source model and the needs of the final VR application.

The optimal conversion process generally includes:

• Initial preparation: model analysis, cleaning of geometric defects, removal of non-essential elements
• Intelligent simplification: controlled reduction of polygon count, while preserving important visual characteristics
• Adaptive tessellation: conversion of NURBS surfaces to polygon meshes with variable density according to curvature
• Hierarchy optimization: reorganization of the assembly structure to facilitate VR interaction
• Material and texture management: conversion of CAD material properties to optimized VR shaders
• Configuration of levels of detail (LOD): generation of model variants at different resolutions

Geometric simplification is often the most critical step. Too aggressive reduction degrades visual appearance, while insufficient simplification compromises performance. Modern algorithms use artificial intelligence to identify areas where simplification can be applied without significant visual impact.

Process automation remains a major challenge for engineering departments. Advanced solutions now allow configuring conversion pipelines that automatically apply appropriate optimization rules based on component type or function within the assembly, drastically reducing model preparation time.

Practical Applications of CAD-VR Interoperability

The use of CAD data in VR environments opens up concrete application perspectives that transform traditional industrial processes. These use cases demonstrate the direct impact of effective interoperability on operational performance.

Collaborative design review is probably the most widespread application. Multidisciplinary teams, sometimes geographically dispersed, meet in a virtual space to examine a digital prototype. Natural interaction with the model accelerates problem identification and facilitates decision-making. Studies show an average 25% reduction in review time and a 35% increase in detected issues compared to conventional methods.

Technical training and maintenance also benefit from this interoperability. Complex procedures can be virtually simulated on exact CAD models of equipment. Technicians train in a secure environment, with a documented 47% reduction in errors during actual procedure execution. Knowledge retention increases by 75% compared to traditional training methods.

• Virtual prototyping: ergonomic validation, accessibility testing, and functional simulations without physical prototypes
• Factory planning: optimization of production flows and equipment layout in a digital twin
• Experiential marketing: immersive product presentation to customers before manufacturing
• Accessibility validation: simulation of maintenance operations in confined spaces

Companies report substantial gains following the adoption of these practices: 30% reduction in physical iterations, 20% decrease in design errors detected late, and 15-40% acceleration in time-to-market depending on the sector. These benefits justify investment in robust CAD-VR interoperability solutions.

Exchange Formats and Technologies

The diversity of file formats constitutes a central challenge in the CAD-VR interoperability ecosystem. Each stage of the workflow potentially involves different formats, each with inherent strengths and limitations.

Native CAD formats (.CATIA, .NX, .CREO, .SOLIDWORKS) preserve all technical information but remain closed and poorly adapted for direct use in VR. Neutral exchange formats like STEP (.stp, .step) or IGES (.igs, .iges) standardize geometric data sharing but often lose complex hierarchies and advanced metadata.

To bridge this technological gap, several intermediate formats have developed:

The glTF format (GL Transmission Format) is emerging as a promising standard for VR interoperability. Developed by the Khronos Group, it combines transmission efficiency, PBR (Physically Based Rendering) material support, and hierarchy preservation, while remaining lightweight. Its 2.0 version now integrates technical metadata, bringing it closer to a true bridge between CAD and VR worlds.

Preserving PMI (Product Manufacturing Information) metadata during conversion remains a particular challenge. These critical annotations (tolerances, surface specifications, assembly notes) must remain accessible in VR to retain the technical value of the model. Emerging technologies are developing hybrid approaches, where optimized geometric data is complemented by layers of technical information accessible on demand.

Professional Solutions for CAD-VR Interoperability

Facing the technical challenges of CAD-VR interoperability, several professional solutions stand out for their ability to address the specific needs of industrial organizations. Three complementary platforms illustrate the range of approaches available in today's market.

SimLab: Complete Suite for VR Creation and Visualization

SimLab represents an integrated end-to-end approach for transforming CAD data into interactive VR experiences. This software suite stands out for its functional completeness, covering the entire workflow from CAD import to virtual reality collaboration.

Its modular architecture includes several complementary components:

• SimLab Composer: central platform for importing, optimizing, and scripting 3D models
• SimLab Studio: environment for creating training-oriented interactive VR experiences
• SimLab VR Viewer: multi-platform visualization application (desktop, mobile, VR headsets)
• SimLab Collaboration: module for collaborative work in immersive environments
• SimLab CADVRter: standalone conversion tool supporting over 25 CAD formats

SimLab's main strength lies in its ability to preserve animations and textures during the conversion process, while offering precise tessellation control. Its standalone operation also guarantees sensitive data security, a determining criterion for aerospace and defense industries.

The intuitive user interface, requiring no programming, facilitates adoption by engineers who are not VR development specialists. Use cases particularly include creating immersive technical training, interactive commercial presentations, and collaborative design reviews.

3DViewStation VR: High-Performance Immersive Visualization

3DViewStation VR-Edition adopts a different approach by focusing on immediate visualization performance for complex CAD models. This solution stands out for its ability to directly load massive assemblies without prior preparation, offering an economical alternative to traditional immersive visualization systems like Powerwalls.

Its main technical features include:

• Ultra-fast loading of complex assemblies (documented example: 125,000 parts in one second)
• Native support for PMI (Product Manufacturing Information) metadata
• Intuitive navigation via voice and gesture commands
• Photorealistic rendering with technical materials
• Potential integration with PLM systems via API

3DViewStation VR excels in scenarios where immediate access to CAD data without prior conversion process is a priority. Engineering reviews requiring access to precise technical information (annotations, tolerances) particularly benefit from this approach. The ability to save views independently of geometry also facilitates documentation of review sessions.

CADfix VIZ: Intelligent Optimization for Immersive Environments

CADfix VIZ embodies a third approach, centered on advanced optimization of CAD models for use in high-performance immersive environments. Based on proven CADfix technology, this solution specializes in transforming complex CAD models into lightweight meshes suitable for real-time 3D engines.

Its distinctive features include:

• Intelligent decimation algorithms primarily targeting low-visibility areas
• Automated generation of multiple levels of detail (LOD)
• Tools for removing non-visible internal features (holes, ribs, assembly details)
• Structured preservation of assembly hierarchy
• Specific support for Unreal and Unity engines

CADfix VIZ particularly excels in preparing models for VR/AR applications requiring high performance on consumer or mobile hardware. Its ShrinkWrap techniques allow creating highly simplified representations while maintaining general visual appearance, ideal for factory simulations or large-scale training applications.

The choice between these solutions primarily depends on the priority use case, the volume of data to process, and the existing technical infrastructure. Prior evaluation with representative models is recommended to validate suitability for each organization's specific needs.

Future Perspectives

CAD-VR interoperability is currently undergoing rapid evolution, driven by several converging technological trends that promise to fundamentally transform this field in the coming years.

Artificial intelligence emerges as a major catalyst for this transformation. Machine learning algorithms now enable intelligent automation of CAD model optimization for VR, identifying critical geometric features to preserve and those that can be simplified. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) demonstrate remarkable efficiency for contextual simplification, where the level of detail preserved depends on the functional and visual importance of each element.

Web3D and cloud technologies are also transforming access to immersive experiences based on CAD data. Formats like WebXR and glTF now allow delivering CAD-VR experiences directly in the browser, without specific installation. This evolution towards "accessible digital twins" democratizes the use of VR in industrial processes.

Three major developments are emerging for the coming years:

• Semantic interoperability: intelligent preservation of component meaning and function during conversion, beyond mere geometry
• AI-assisted real-time conversion: dynamic model optimization during the VR session, adapted to the usage context
• Hybrid multi-platform collaboration: fluid interaction between VR, AR, mobile, and desktop users on the same CAD models

Standards evolution also plays a crucial role. Initiatives such as CAD Interchange Format (CIF) and Universal Scene Description (USD) from Apple/Pixar aim to create universal formats preserving both technical precision and visual performance. Their gradual adoption could significantly reduce the complexity of current conversion pipelines.

Aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries are actively investing in these advanced interoperability technologies, recognizing their transformative potential for concurrent engineering and intelligent manufacturing processes. The convergence between CAD, industrial IoT, and virtual reality paves the way for truly interactive digital twins, where the boundary between digital design and physical operation gradually fades.

Conclusion

Interoperability between CAD systems and virtual reality environments represents a strategic element in the digital transformation of industries. Its role goes well beyond simple technical conversion: it becomes the catalyst for a new collaborative approach to engineering, where digital models become supports for immersive interaction and decision-making.

Current challenges, particularly the faithful conversion of complex geometries, preservation of technical metadata, and performance optimization, now find answers through specialized solutions such as SimLab, 3DViewStation VR, and CADfix VIZ. Each brings a complementary approach adapted to different use cases and technical constraints.

For industrial organizations, adopting an effective CAD-VR interoperability strategy involves a methodical approach:

• Precisely identify priority use cases and their specific requirements
• Evaluate available solutions based on model complexity and existing infrastructure
• Establish standardized processes for model preparation and optimization
• Train teams in new collaborative work methodologies in immersive environments
• Concretely measure benefits: reduced development cycles, decision quality, error reduction

Rapid technological evolution in this field suggests that organizations must remain vigilant and adaptive, as standards and capabilities will continue to evolve. CAD-VR interoperability is no longer an option but a necessity for companies wishing to maintain their competitive advantage in a context of accelerated innovation and global collaboration.

Industries that effectively master this convergence between engineering precision and immersive experience will advantageously position themselves to address the complex challenges of 21st century product design: shorter cycles, increased customization, and multidisciplinary optimization.