Technology is ready for MBD, and so is SOLIDWORKS. Model-Based Definition (MBD) is the ASME Y14 series method for defining a product using its 3D model geometry as the basic dimensions in conjunction with the digitally associated 3D annotations as the geometric tolerance definition. Additional related Model-Based “X” exist (representing functional areas such as: Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality), but MBD births the product as it moves into downstream lifecycle processes.

Posts Tagged ‘ASME Y14.41’
SOLIDWORKS MBD: Maturing Capabilities Benefit the Manufacturing Workflow
Thursday, February 23rd, 2017SOLIDWORKS World 2015: Focus on MBD
Sunday, February 15th, 2015Now at home in sunny Denver, CO after attending SOLIDWORKS World in sunny Phoenix, AZ held February 8-12, 2015, I reflect on the week.
There were cookies, coffee, countless training and educational sessions, cute 2-wheeled jumping robots to drive, a mini 4-rotor helicopter to fly, methods for controlling a 3D model with just your hand in front of a 3D camera, and 1 very funny theoretical physicist. But coursing through every day in SOLIDWORKS World was a pulse focused on Model-Based Definition (MBD), and the newly released MBD Module from SOLIDWORKS.
Released on Thursday (February 12, 2015), SOLIDWORK’s new MBD Module (add-in with a cost of approximately $2,000) is a method to save presentation views, use a format-type template and translate your 3D SOLIDWORKS model into a 3D PDF. Which means, keeping the good stuff on the drawing and adding in the capability to rotate, zoom, pan, section and inspect from your product from all directions along side its geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T or PMI).
If you have an assembly, it will capture different configurations, all to be viewed, rotated and manipulated inside a single viewable and lightweight digital file. A 3D PDF is a great container to hold pertinent TDP (Technical Data Package) information that defines all the information needed to manufacture, or just communicate your product design. It can be used for both parts and assemblies.
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Native CAD to Neutral TDP Workflow
Wednesday, May 14th, 2014Generally, you create your model using a Native CAD software tool (SolidWorks, Inventor, NX, Catia, Creo). You may have the challenge that in order to share your data with a customer or manufacturer you must convert it into a “neutral” format.
What method do you use?
A neutral CAD format is informally known as a digital file format that is readily viewable on a variety of computer desk and mobile platforms without spending a large sum of money. A cost of “free” makes it even more “neutral” — as in the case with Adobe Reader.
Neutral CAD Files have benefits (Part 2) – 3D PDF and STEP
Thursday, March 20th, 2014Neutral CAD files are great, but remember the source of that neutral file.
Derivative: Data duplicated or extracted from the original. A copy of a derivative is also a derivative. (ASME Y14.41 (R2012), 3.11)
Most likely your organization is already using some form of neutral files already, what makes it more interesting and data rich, is adding in the third dimension to your product definition.
Model-Based Design (MBD): Outside or Inside the Box?
Thursday, February 13th, 2014Is model-based design a set of standards and processes that stymie creativity and jail engineers Inside the Box? Or does it create a foundation for product design, freeing engineers from the mundane, while gifting them with technology to create products that will push Outside the Box?
The Answer! MBD Standards bolster engineering innovation
If it’s possible to make Harry Potter into Darth Vader using a very prescriptive set of interfaces (LEGO studs and tubes[i]), then setting up interface organization for complicated large systems to fit together should not limit the designer’s creativity.
A properly implemented Model-Based Environment (MBE) provides foundational methods and organization to allow users to function together… and ‘snap’ together their parts. It is the manager’s responsibility to inspire users to comply with the standard, so that the parts integrate together as easily as LEGOs do. (more…)