Part 3: Uploading a Digital Twin

Introduction

What is a Digital Twin?

A Digital Twin is a 3D representation of a real-world asset. The more accurately it reflects the physical object, the more powerful and versatile it become, especially when enhanced with metadata, materials, and interactive behaviors. These twins are the foundation for creating immersive training and support experiences in frontline.io.

Before you Begin

Make sure you have:

1. Access to your frontline.io workspace
   
2. Supported 3D model files (e.g. FBX, OBJ, GLTF2, STL).
   
1. For the full list of supported file types, see Understanding Supported 3D CAD File Formats.
   
3. A clear idea of the asset you want to digitize
   

This guide does not cover 3D Studio for upload or editing Digital Twins. For information on 3D Studio, please see Using 3D Studio.

Uploading your Digital Twin

How to Upload

frontline.io offers three upload paths:

1. Fast Track: frontline.io’s integrated digital twin import tool, ideal for quickly getting your models into your workspace via the Web application. It’s perfect for users who want a simple, browser-based way to upload and activate digital twins without needing to install anything.
2. Fast Track Pro: Import CAD files directly into the frontline.io PC app to create a Digital Twin with enhanced flexibility and control by converting models into our FLDT format, ensuring faster loading, smoother performance, and easier updates, especially useful for large or complex models.
3. 3D Studio: For advanced users, this is a Unity-based SDK that allows for deeper manipulation of the model once uploaded by leveraging Unity's engine.
   

This guide recommends using Fast Track Pro as it is the recommended path for beginners.

To upload a Digital Twin, ensure you have access to Fast Track Pro (available to advanced content creators).

1. Open the frontline.io app and navigate to the Project where you want to upload the Digital Twin.

2. Select + Create New under the Digital Twins menu on the left-hand side.

3. Upload your CAD files by either dragging and dropping them into the app or browsing your local files.

Once processing is complete, the model will load directly into the Digital Twin Editor, where it can then be immediately saved and published.

Alternatively, you can use the Digital Twin Editor's suite of tools to further customise and enhance your Digital Twin before publishing.

Visual Guide - Fast Track

Open the Web application and login. Navigate to the Project you wish to upload the twin to.

Select the 'Create New Item' button within the Project.

Select 'Digital Twin' from the dropdown menu.

Name the twin you will be creating.

(Optionally: Select which roles can view this twin from the drop-down menu).

Select the file format you will be uploading.

A blank Digital Twin page will be created within the Project.

Upload your file, ensuring the model meets the criteria specified on the upload page, and click 'Submit' once the file name is displayed.

Your file will be processed.

Once uploaded, frontline.io's internal systems will optimise your file and add it to the workspace automatically.

You will receive an email on the account's registered email once the file has been processed.

Once you have received your email confirmation, you will be able to open the Digital Twin within frontline.io.

Visual Guide - Fast Track Pro

Ensure you have access to Fast Track Pro (available to advanced content creators).

Open the frontline.io app and navigate to the Project you wish to upload the twin to.

Select '+ Create New' under the Digital Twins menu on the left hand side.

Upload your CAD files by simply dragging and dropping them into the app, or by browsing through your computer files. 

After processing, your model will be directly loaded into the Digital Twin Editor, where you can immediately start editing your model.

Real-time Digital Twin creation:
27 MB file size / STP file / 1,696 parts / 7 seconds - Digital twin creation

Your Digital Twin will not be preserved unless you save the model before quitting the Digital Twin Editor.

FLDT (Frontline Digital Twin) Format

Fast Track Pro uses a powerful proprietary file format called FLDT (frontline Digital Twin).

Here’s how it works:

• Conversion: CAD files are converted into the FLDT format during the optimization process.
• Lighter and Optimized: FLDT files are smaller in size and optimized for better performance.
• Shareability: You can share FLDT files with anyone who has access to the Fast Track Pro feature.

After optimizing your CAD file, you’ll receive a ready-to-use frontline Digital Twin (FLDT) file that’s optimized for seamless use in frontline.io. Just like CAD files, FLDT files can be uploaded directly into the app, allowing you to enjoy faster performance and smoother workflows.

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