To use the plugin effectively, specific file types and software versions are required:
Rebuilding complex vessels, especially multi-shell heat exchangers with hundreds of tubes, takes days or weeks.
Historically, the plugin was optimized for Autodesk Inventor Professional 2017 and files from PV Elite 2017 SP1 or later. However, technical reports indicate that Inventor 2023 is also a supported version for newer iterations, whereas Inventor 2025 has faced some initial compatibility challenges.
[ PV Elite Analysis ] ➔ [ Export Data File ] ➔ [ Import via Inventor Plugin ] ➔ [ Automated 3D Assembly ] Step 1: Run Analysis in PV Elite pv elite inventor plugin
Ensure that the material naming conventions in your PV Elite database align with the material properties in your Autodesk Inventor library. This avoids manual re-mapping during the import phase.
Do you work more with or complex shell-and-tube heat exchangers ?
Automatically handles complex radial, hillside, and angular nozzle orientations. To use the plugin effectively, specific file types
The PV Elite Inventor Plugin is a dedicated software bridge (often called a "live link" or "add-in") developed jointly by Hexagon (owner of PV Elite) and Autodesk. It installs directly into the Autodesk Inventor ribbon, creating a new tab or toolbar specifically for pressure vessel design.
: It can automatically generate a parts list that includes component properties like flange classes or material specs directly from the PV Elite data. Property Inspection
[ PV Elite Model (.pv) ] ──> [ Export via Plugin ] ──> [ Autodesk Inventor Assembly (.iam) ] 1. Model Completion in PV Elite [ PV Elite Analysis ] ➔ [ Export
Modern clients want a digital twin—a complete 3D model that contains both geometry and engineering attributes. The plugin embeds PV Elite's allowable stresses, corrosion allowances, and MAWP (Maximum Allowable Working Pressure) as iProperties within each Inventor part. That data can then flow into plant lifecycle management systems (like Hexagon's SmartPlant or Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle).
: For proper installation, you may need to run both Inventor and Windows as an administrator : Once installed, a toolbar named PV Lead Data Import