Model-Based Definition (MBD) is more than just a buzzword; it’s a paradigm shift that is reshaping the industry.

This article delves into the revolutionary nature of MBD, as it emerges as a true game changer unlocking endless opportunities for collaboration and innovation – which are truly transforming design and manufacturing processes in ways never seen before.

The Future is No Longer 2D

First, let’s dive into the power of breaking down barriers and embracing new, innovative approaches that are shaping the future of engineering.

Engineering has come a long way since its inception, and visionary designers have always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible by refining designs using traditional 2D formats.

However, even today, many companies continue to use 2D design because it is familiar, comfortable, and has a lower initial cost.

While traditional 2D design formats have been the norm for many years, it’s essential to recognize that relying solely on these methods can have its drawbacks. There is a higher likelihood of errors, miscommunication, and inconsistencies, leading to numerous design reworks and prolonged time-to-market.

The good news is that the field of engineering has witnessed remarkable developments in recent years, offering new solutions that go beyond traditional 2D formats. By embracing cutting-edge technologies like computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing, engineers now have the ability to visualize, iterate, and perfect designs in a digital realm before bringing them to life.

With these advancements, designers can significantly minimize errors and improve precision, making the design process more efficient.

By shattering the limits of traditional 2D formats, engineers can unlock endless possibilities and transform the way designs are brought to life.

So, while traditional 2D design may be familiar and comfortable, it’s time for companies to embrace these new solutions and stay ahead of the curve.

Gone are the days of relying solely on traditional 2D formats and passing papers from design to the shop floor, hoping for a seamless transition.

Model-Based Definition (MBD) empowers engineers to go beyond these limitations and embrace a digital realm where designs are visualized, iterated, and refined with unprecedented precision.

But that’s just the beginning. MBD opens up a world of possibilities for collaboration and innovation. It enables seamless integration with cutting-edge technologies like computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing, making ideas come to life faster and more accurately.

Join us on this exhilarating journey as we uncover the potential of Model-Based Definition and explore how it is transforming the engineering landscape.

How MBD is Changing Design Processes

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry, the need for increased efficiency, accuracy, and innovation is more significant than ever before.

Yet, for countless years, 2D drawings have been the go-to deliverables for product definition.

These drawings have been used by Engineering, Manufacturing, and other users to communicate design form and fit information required to drive manufacturing processes.

But as we know today, In the realm of engineering and manufacturing, efficiency is paramount.

With the rapid advancement of technology, and the need to shorten product development cycles, 2D drawings have proven to be insufficient in some respects.

The ability to seamlessly communicate design intent and product specifications plays a critical role in achieving customer satisfaction and reducing errors. This is where Model-Based Definition (MBD) comes into the picture.

Unlike 2D models, which can be difficult to interpret and visualize, MBD enables stakeholders to better understand the design intent and product specifications.

With MBD, design iterations become faster and more efficient. Modifying the 3D model allows engineers to evaluate different design possibilities without the need to manually update multiple 2D drawings

Likewise, inherent to 2D models is the potential for errors and misinterpretation during the translation process. MBD eliminates this risk by embedding all the necessary information directly into the 3D CAD model.

Furthermore, traditional 2D models tend to require multiple drawings for comprehensive documentation, which can be time-consuming to create and maintain. MBD eases these processes by consolidating all the relevant information into a single digital model, which in-turn, simplifies the documentation process and makes it easier to update when changes are made.

While the transition to Model-Based Definition may require some initial investment and adjustment, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. MBD streamlines engineering and manufacturing processes, improves collaboration, reduces errors, and enhances overall product quality.

Model-based definition offers a new way of thinking about and creating products.

What is Model Based Definition?

So, what is MBD?

Model-Based Definition is a revolutionary approach to creating 3D models to effectively contain all the data needed to define a product.

MBD defines the source of Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) as the 3D model (Model-Based) to dictate a product’s features, tolerances, and other critical information.

MBD aims to replace traditional 2D drawings with comprehensive 3D models by incorporating everything into the product definition. This involves attaching all the necessary geometric, dimensional, and other manufacturing information directly to the 3D CAD model, eliminating the need for separate 2D drawings.

As the manufacturing industry moves towards a more digitally connected and efficient future, Model-Based Definition is at the forefront of this revolution, paving the way for more effective product development and manufacturing practices.

Functionalities of Model-Based Definition

Let’s talk about how MBD works.

With MBD, the 3D CAD model becomes the primary source of information, acting as a complete and accurate representation of the product. The embedded data not only includes the physical characteristics but also encompasses vital manufacturing instructions, such as tolerances, surface finishes, and materials specifications.

Through MBD, the design becomes the authority, encapsulating all the essential information, such as geometric dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes, and more. This eliminates the need for separate documents or drawings, streamlining communication and ensuring consistency throughout the entire product lifecycle.

MBD replaces traditional 2D drawings with 3D models that contain all the critical information needed for design, manufacturing, and inspection processes. By embracing MBD, engineers can communicate complex design concepts more effectively, eliminating confusion and reducing errors.

The benefits of Model-Based Definition

Implementing Model-Based Definition offers numerous benefits and advantages for both engineering and manufacturing processes. Some of the key benefits include:

Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

MBD enables effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders in the product development process by embedding all necessary information in the 3D model, eliminating misinterpretation and confusion that often arise from relying solely on written documents.

Reduced Errors and Rework

MBD reduces risks of errors, misinterpretation, and rework by providing an all-inclusive 3D model that enables early detection of design issues through a proactive digital approach.

Streamlined Documentation

MBD simplifies documentation by automatically generating accurate and up-to-date technical information, eliminating the need for multiple 2D drawings. This consolidation into a single digital model streamlines understanding of product requirements, facilitates easy updates, and ultimately accelerates decision-making and development cycles.

Improved Design Iterations

With MBD, engineers can quickly modify the 3D model to explore design iterations and evaluate different possibilities. Since all the associated information is directly linked to the model, modifications can be made efficiently, without the need to manually update multiple 2D drawings. This allows for faster design iterations and enhances the overall design process.

Simulation and Analysis

MBD allows for the virtual simulation and analysis of the product’s behavior under various conditions. This enables engineers to optimize designs, test different scenarios, and make informed decisions without the need for physical prototypes.

Better Supplier Integration

Model-Based Definition facilitates seamless integration between different suppliers involved in the manufacturing process. By sharing the 3D model, suppliers gain a comprehensive understanding of the design intent and can provide more accurate quotes, reducing the back-and-forth communication and improving collaboration.

All these benefits lead to less time spent on design and more time spent on making actual products, which ultimately means more time making money.

By digitally defining product characteristics and specifications, MBD eliminates ambiguity and ensures accuracy throughout the entire design and manufacturing process.

In addition, MBD eliminates errors that would otherwise be introduced at the physical stage, caused by manual processes or human error in translating data from one tool into another.

Customer Success Stories

The accomplishment of implementing MBD and achieving success is not an unattainable long-term objective, but a tangible reality that many have already experienced.

Take the case of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). They implemented MBD and saw several benefits, including an estimated $3M generated annually.

Another example is a case study from PTC, which describes how MBD was used to overcome delays in First Article Inspection (FAI). This case study found that MBD was the missing link to maximizing efficiency and reducing rework.

Additionally, a case study from Capvidia describes how MBD was used to improve process efficiency, reduce rework, create better products with faster time to market, and improve communication between departments.

Lastly, a case study from Springer describes how MBD was used to replace datasets of models and drawings, creating a “single source of truth”.

Numerous companies, among those mentioned and many others, have unveiled the advantages of MBD and have witnessed its profound impact on their manufacturing and engineering processes.

Implementing Model-Based Definition

Implementing Model-Based Definition into your enterprise can be daunting if you’re not prepared for the change. Let’s talk about how to implement MBD despite some of the challenges that may come along the way.

Some challenges you may face include:

To begin implementing MBD in a successful way, you must clearly define their objectives and identify the specific benefits they aim to achieve with MBD, such as improved communication, reduced errors, and streamlined workflows. It is important to engage key stakeholders from different departments, including design, engineering, and manufacturing, to ensure alignment and gather diverse perspectives.

The next step involves selecting the right software tools and technologies that support MBD, as well as providing comprehensive training and support to employees to enable smooth adoption. The company should establish clear standards and processes for creating and managing 3D models, including annotation, GD&T, and other product specifications.

Ongoing collaboration, regular reviews, and continuous improvement are crucial to refine and optimize the MBD implementation. By embracing MBD as a company-wide initiative and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, companies can successfully transition to a more efficient, accurate, and streamlined approach to product development.

While the transition to Model-Based Definition may require some initial investment and adjustment, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. It not only streamlines engineering and manufacturing processes but also improves collaboration, reduces errors, and enhances overall product quality.

Picture the future state of your company using Model-Based Definition with benefits such as:

Not only does MBD open a new way of executing product development, but it closes the gap between the digital and the physical world. Go from 3D model to physical product seamlessly to get your product from design to market in no time.

Model-Based Definition is undeniably an exciting advancement in the field of engineering. With its ability to enhance collaboration, unleash innovation, and redefine design and manufacturing processes, MBD is paving the way for a more efficient and effective engineering industry.

So buckle up and get ready to embrace this game-changing concept that will shape the future of engineering.

Check out this e-book to go more in-depth about all its offerings.

You can also talk to one of our experts to learn more about the benefits of MBD and what it would look like to implement it into your business.

Creo Parametric is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software that has been helping engineers and designers bring their ideas to life for over 30 years. With the release of Creo 10, users can expect a number of new features and improvements in productivity, designs, and more!

What’s New in Creo 10

Discover Creo 10’s newest improvements and enhancements.

User Interface Enhancements

PTC has made a big splash with the release of Creo 10, including an enhanced user interface.

Split & Trim Tool

Use this tool to quickly and easily split or trim a model, making it painless to work with and modify your model. Additionally, the ability to propagate appearances and references during Boolean operations makes it easier to maintain consistency throughout a project.

Stretch Tool in Warp

Utilize the Stretch Tool to select defined references to stretch models, making it easier to create complex shapes and designs. Users now have the ability to select Datum Planes, Points, Axis, Coordinate Systems, Surfaces, Curves, Facets, and more.

Freestyle and Style Tools

Both tools are enhanced with Rotational Symmetry and Smooth Normal Connection, making it easier to create organic shapes and designs. These tools are perfect for designers who want to create complex, freeform shapes that are difficult to create with traditional CAD tools.

The Model Tree

Creo’s Model Tree tool has been improved, making it easier to restructure and reorder assemblies to reduce confusion and improve the management of complex projects.

New Pattern Parameters

Finally, the pattern capability in Creo 10 enables users to drive pattern member count for nested patterns. Create complex patterns quickly and easily, saving you time and improving overall productivity.

Optimize Your Design

Take your design process to the next level with Creo 10’s newest additions.

Composites

Designing composite materials has never been easier with the new features in Creo. The software now offers a broad set of functionalities for defining ply layup, ply sections, transitions, and ply order. This allows you to create a resulting solid geometry and inner mold line (IML) quilt that meets your exact specifications.

In addition, Creo’s new Splicing and Darting operations, makes it easier to create complex composite designs. Once a design is complete, you can automatically generate a complete plybook documentation of the final layup sequence.

With new composite design features in Creo 10, you can easily create high-quality composite materials that meet your needs and specifications. Whether you’re designing for aerospace, automotive, or any other industry, Creo’s composite design tools can help you create the perfect product.

Electrification

Creo 10 presents new features that streamline and enhance the process of designing for electrification.

Split/Merge Harness Tool for Cabling

One of the most significant additions is the Split/Merge Harness Tool for Cabling. This tool allows users to split a harness into two separate pieces and later merge them back together. This feature is particularly useful when working on complex designs that require multiple harnesses.

Simultaneous Harness Design

Another key feature of Creo 10 is the ability for multiple users to work on the same harness design simultaneously. This collaborative design approach saves time and ensures that everyone is on the same page. The application-centric tree is another useful addition, which provides three different views, including Cables, Bundles, and Connectivity, to make it easier to navigate.

New ECAD Capabilities

Creo 10 includes new ECAD capabilities, such as paste masks and hole parameters. These features make it easier to create accurate designs that meet the specific needs of each project with greater precision and accuracy.

Ergonomics

Creo 10 optimizes and simplifies the design process for ergonomics.

The Visual Field

Perform Reflection Analysis to analyze the reflective properties of objects in the environment and how they impact the user’s visual experience. The reflective object orientation can be controlled by adding a rotation value around one or two axes, giving you greater control over the design process.

Creo Manikin

Another key feature of Creo 10 is the Manikin, which now support multiple reach envelopes, including the index and middle finger, thumb, and center of the palm. Creo Manikin allows designers to create more accurate models of human movement and reach, making it easier to design products that are comfortable and easy to use. Additionally, the Manikin libraries are now stored as inseparable assemblies to provide better management and user access.

Enhancing Model-Based Definition and Implementing the Digital Thread

Creo 10 introduces significant updates to Model-Based Definition (MBD) and Digital Thread capabilities, to better create, manage and access real-time product data across the entire product lifecycle.

Enhanced 3D Model Annotations

One of the most significant additions is the ability for users to relate symbols or surface finishes to other annotations in the 3D model. This feature allows designers to create more accurate and detailed models, making it easier to communicate design intent to other stakeholders and downstream activities.

Creo 10 adds the ability for annotations to inherit their annotation plane from the parent during placement. This feature ensures that annotations are placed correctly and in the right location, saving time and improving accuracy. Additionally, any movement of the related parent annotation would also be applied to related symbols, behaving as a group when being assigned to other combination states.

GD&T Advisor Updates

Creo 10 includes improvements to GD&T semantic behaviors, including general profile tolerances and enhanced compliance with detailing standards. These changes make it easier for designers to create accurate and detailed models, ensuring that the design intent is communicated effectively throughout the product lifecycle.

Furthermore, any changes made to GD&T annotations will automatically update the corresponding semantic references of general profile tolerance. Additionally, Creo 10 now supports straightness and profile of Line Geometrical Characteristics for ISO GPS models. Create more accurate and detailed models, ensuring that the design intent is communicated effectively.

Advanced Simulation and Optimization Capabilities

Creo 10 presents a range of new features that enhance and streamline the process of simulation and optimization.

Support for Non-Linear Materials

This includes Neo-Hookean hyperplasticity, linear orthotropic elasticity, and bi-linear plasticity.

Combined Thermal & Structural Analysis

Another key feature is the support for combined thermal and structural analysis. Enable your designers to easily simulate how a product will perform under both thermal and mechanical loads, ensuring that the design is optimized for real-world conditions.

Support for non-linear contact, including new contact types such as frictional and rough, helps to create more accurate simulations of real-world contact.

Expanded Contact Simulation Options

PTC included improvements to Creo Simulation Live, to improve result options for fluids and structures. Furthermore, Creo Flow Analysis and Creo Simulate now have better Animation and Multi-Body Support.

Rotational Symmetry

Allows designers to create more accurate simulations of rotational components.

Point Mass & Remote Loads

Finally, Creo 10 introduces the ability to add Point Mass and Remote Loads to create more accurate simulations of real-world loads.

Creo 10: Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing

With Creo 10’s latest features, manufacturing processes are now more efficient and effortless. One of the most significant additions is the support for additive manufacturing.

New Lattice Types

This enables your designers to create new beam-based lattice types, including rhombic, rhombic+diamond, dodecahedron, and elongated dodecahedron. For formula-driven lattices, Creo 10 supports simulation-based variable wall thickness and highly efficient I-graph-wrapped (IWP) lattice cell. Additionally, Creo 10 supports Auxetic Cells Structures for 3D printing. Auxetic Cell Lattices produce geometry that exhibit a negative Poisson ratio.

High-Speed Milling

High-Speed Milling supports barrel tools for both wall and floor 5-axis finish, reducing tool path time and improving surface finish quality. Additional control for CUTCOM and clearance has been added to Area Turning, making it easier to create accurate and efficient toolpaths for subtractive manufacturing processes.

Get started with Creo 10 Today

Creo 10 is an exciting new release from PTC that brings a plethora of new features to the design table. Whether you’re a designer or an engineer, Creo 10 is a game-changing tool that will help you create complex shapes and designs, manage projects, and improve productivity for more innovative products.

Curious to see how Creo 10’s features compare to other versions of Creo? Check out how Creo is continually enhancing its tools to provide you with the most up to date features for your design process.

To learn more about how Creo 10 can positively impact your business or to experience the new features first-hand, book a free demo now.

THE PEOPLE WHO POWER DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AT LIVEWORX 2023

Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A – 2023 EAC Product Development Solutions, an award-winning PTC Solutions Partner and Global Services Provider, returns to Boston May 15-18 for LiveWorx 2023 with seven presentations covering today’s most impactful solutions in the manufacturing space.

EAC partners with companies to help them navigate their digital transformation journey by providing extensive capabilities that span the entirety of the manufacturing process, including solutions such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Simulation, Additive Manufacturing, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Augmented Reality (AR) and more.

“We are excited to be a part of LiveWorx 2023 and to have the opportunity to showcase our latest technology solutions,” said EAC’s Chris Woerther, VP of Business Development. Our team of experts is looking forward to connecting with attendees and sharing how our solutions can help businesses succeed in the digital age.

LiveWorx 2023, the world’s premier digital transformation conference, brings together innovators, forward-thinkers, and experts to explore the latest technologies in digital transformation. EAC provides the essential services, support, and strategic expertise that manufacturing companies need to extract the maximum value from technology investments.

As such, EAC has been selected to present seven sessions at LiveWorx 2023:

[AR1088B] – Creo Illustrate for AR Developers

Monday, May 15 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM EDT | Breakout Session 102 B

Clay Helberg, EAC Solution Architect, will provide insights into Creo Illustrate, a powerful tool for creating engaging augmented reality (AR) content, and the key insights you should know to get the best use for authoring.

[PL1842B] – Minimum Windchill Implementation to Achieve Significant ROI

Monday, May 15 3:10 PM – 3:40 PM EDT | Breakout Session 105

During this session, Chris Woerther, EAC Vice President of Business Development, will present how to achieve strong ROI by expanding Windchill usage to other departments and the shop floor to share product data and create a closed-loop change process with minimum implementation. 

[AR18431] – AR and Expert Capture – How Easy it Can Really Be to Get Strong ROI

Tuesday, May 16 8:15 AM – 8:30 AM EDT | IgniteTalX Stage 1

Todd Liebenow, EAC Senior Application Engineer, will discuss the significance of Augmented Reality in capturing, standardizing, and sharing workforce knowledge, including how it improves efficiency and speeds up onboarding and training for new employees. 

[CA1179B] – Why Model-Based Definition?

Tuesday, May 16 2:50 PM – 3:20 PM EDT | Breakout Session 205 A 

During this presentation, Stephen Pralle, EAC Application Engineer, will explain what model-based definition is, why it is beneficial, and how to implement this strategy into the product development process. 

[PL18451] – Assessing Your Business Practices to Find Optimization Opportunities

Wednesday, May 17 8:15AM – 8:30AM EDT | IgniteTalX Stage 2

Scott Dufresne, EAC Business Development Manager, will discuss the significant business benefits assessments achieve and how they identify areas of improvement in design, management, operations, and service sectors. 

[CA11801] – Rapids Prototyping Made Simple with Creo Additive Manufacturing

Wednesday, May 17 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM EDT | IgniteTalX Silent Stage 

Stephen Pralle, EAC Applications Engineer, will present the power of Creo and Additive Manufacturing together for earlier design success that enables faster time-to-market. 

[CA1181I] – Simulation-Driven Design with Creo Simulation Live

Thursday, May 18 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM EDT | IgniteTalX Silent Stage 

Stephen Pralle, EAC Application Engineer, will showcase the powerful capabilities of PTC’s Creo Simulation Live (CSL) to easily leverage simulation earlier in the design process with real-time feedback to save time and boost innovation. 

Attendees will have the chance to speak with EAC industry experts and leaders to explore the best-fit solutions to drive business growth and achieve their strategic goals. 

Check out our Digital Transformation blog featured on the PTC LiveWorx page:

EAC will be available throughout the conference at Booth No. 700. 

Liveworx is happening at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on May 15-18, 2023. To plan your agenda and attend EAC’s live sessions, visit www.liveworx.com. 

For more information about EAC Product Development Solutions, visit www.eacpds.com. 

Media Contacts

EAC Senior Marketing Manager 

Jessica Magelssen – jmagelssen@eacpds.com 

PTC Senior Director, Global Corporate Communications 

Greg Payne – gpayne@ptc.com