SolidWorks MBD stands for Model-Based Drawing. Model-Based Definition (MBD) calls for adding or replacing a 2D engineering drawing with a 3D model that includes Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) as design documentation. Product Manufacturing Information(PMI) consists of several information regarding the given 3D model. It consists of all the non-geometric information from material information to geometric Dimensions and tolerances and surface finish information. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is an approach to defining tolerances that use symbolic language. Design documentation refers to the outputs that engineering provides to businesses with downstream functional responsibilities, such as production, procurement, suppliers, service, and other areas.
A drawing-free manufacturing solution integrated with SOLIDWORKS 3D design software is called SOLIDWORKS® MBD (Model Based Definition). Bypassing time-consuming 2D processes and possible issues, SOLIDWORKS MBD enables direct 3D communication of product and manufacturing information (PMI).
An organization might pursue this project for several reasons, including:
- Contractual Obligations: There are now provisions in certain Department of Defense contracts requiring the delivery of 3D models with PMI. Some people’s primary driving force behind pursuing this undertaking is contractual duty.
- Theoretically, integrating PMI onto a 3D model should take less time than describing a complete 2D engineering design, suggesting some advantages of this project. Reducing Efforts to Create and Amend Design Documentation: Additionally, 3D models with PMI frequently communicate manufacturing intent more clearly than 2D engineering drawings, saving engineers the time and effort of having to revise documentation.
Points to Clarify About Model-Based Definition
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MBD Initiatives Paperless Initiatives: Some companies are attempting to switch to electronic distribution of documents in place of hardcopy copies. It is not necessary for an MBD attempt to be paperless, although it may one day be. MBD deliverables may be printed on paper and distributed in hardcopy.
MBD Projects Drawling fewer Initiatives: A 3D model and PMI are given in place of a 2D engineering drawing in certain businesses’ drawing-less initiatives. Although MBD deliverables can support such initiatives, it is not necessary. Some businesses that have launched MBD projects combine 2D engineering drawings, 3D models, and PMI.
Streamlining and accelerating production with drawing less operation.
SOLIDWORKS MBD assists businesses in the definition, organization, and publication of 3D PMI, including 3D model data in forms that are used by the industry (such as SOLIDWORKS files, eDrawings®, and 3D PDF). It aids in streamlining production, reducing cycle time, reducing mistakes, and adhering to industry standards by providing direct 3D guidance for the manufacturing process, such as MilitaryStandard-31000A, ASME Y 14.41, ISO 16792, DIN ISO 16792, and GB/T 24734.
Within the SOLIDWORKS 3D environment in 3D PMI, SOLIDWORKS MBD sets data such as product models, dimensions, geometric tolerances, surface finishes, welding symbols, bill of materials (BOM), callouts, tables, notes, Meta properties, and other annotations. Traditional 2D drawings are no longer required because the 3D models already provide all the data required to guide the process. SOLIDWORKS MBD’s simple and interactive 3D PMI supports a variety of operational use cases, including engineering drawings for parts and assemblies, requests for quotes (RFQ), and inspection reports. Additionally, it benefits a variety of departments and operating stakeholders, including design, procurement, fabrication, assembly, quality, sales, marketing, customers, and suppliers.
SOLIDWORKS MBD expedites the manufacturing of designs.
SOLIDWORKS MBD specifies PMI directly in 3D, saving time and money from having to create 2D drawings, which may account for up to 50% of the overall development cost. Creating 3D PMI also facilitates faster communication, reduces Using its 3D data will speed up supplier quotes and decrease mistakes. Rich Meta characteristics, engagement, and questioning.
Present 3D information in a tidy, organized manner.
In addition to 3D PMI definition, SOLIDWORKS MBD aids in organizing the rich data into tidy and structured 3D presentations with a variety of views and display options. It even has an intelligence display and conceals 3D annotations while rotating the model to provide you further clarity while adhering to all the annotations that are essential to operate.
Create your own 3D output templates.
Out of the box, SOLIDWORKS MBD offers a complete collection of preconfigured templates. To address certain deliverables, such as engineering drawings, RFQs, and inspection reports, the 3D Output Template’s layout, business or department logos, 3D viewport and thumbnails, text descriptions, Meta-property linkages, and tables can all be altered. Once established, these templates can work as internal and external process standards for all divisions, including production, operations, quality, and procurement.
Distribute and output 3D data to an ongoing process
eDrawings® and 3D PDF files, which are frequently utilised in current procedures, are just two examples of the extensively used file formats that SOLIDWORKS MBD publishes. A free eDrawings viewer can be used to open eDrawings files. AdobeTM Reader is only one of the many free applications that can be used to examine 3D PDF files. You can also use 3D tools like pan, zoom, rotate, measure, and section to study the model in addition to associated information like engineering notes, BOM, and rich Meta characteristics.
Observe industry standard
SOLIDWORKS MBD assists businesses in adhering to important industry standards like GB/T 24734, ASME Y14.41, ISO 16792, DIN ISO 16792, and MIL-STD-31000A. Compliance gives you a competitive edge so you can land more contracts and complete projects in strict accordance with deadlines and budgets.
In order to save you and your suppliers time, SOLIDWORKS MBD enables you to immediately exchange, preserve, and reuse intelligent 3D data, including geometry, PMI, views, and data.
Engage internal and external stakeholders in collaboration
Need shop floor or outside vendors to provide manufacturing annotations? There is no issue with that with SOLIDWORKS MBD! In SOLIDWORKS, eDrawings, or 3D PDF format, your colleagues can quickly examine and provide comments on your design. Your 3D output includes the comments for you to evaluate, approve, modify, or archive.
Work side by side with 2D prints and drawings
Existing SOLIDWORKS 2D drawings and SOLIDWORKS MBD work together without any issues. The 3D-created PMI and Views are easily transferable to 2D. Using the integrated template editor, it is simple to construct views that include geometry and PMI.
The above mentioned are the usage of MBD in SolidWorks. You can easily access MBD using the command manager.
As soon as you click you can see all the options available in the MBD section.
Real-world examples of how SolidWorks MBD is used in different industries and applications:
“SolidWorks MBD is a versatile software tool that can be used in a wide range of industries and applications to create and share 3D models with manufacturing and inspection information. Let’s take a closer look at some real-world examples of how SolidWorks MBD is used in different industries:
- Aerospace: In the aerospace industry, SolidWorks MBD is used to create 3D models of complex aircraft components and assemblies, including detailed information about part dimensions, tolerances, and materials. By using SolidWorks MBD, engineers can reduce the time and cost associated with creating 2D drawings, while also improving the accuracy and consistency of the manufacturing and inspection process.
- Automotive: In the automotive industry, SolidWorks MBD is used to create 3D models of automotive parts and assemblies, including information about part dimensions, GD&T, and other manufacturing specifications. By using SolidWorks MBD, designers can reduce the time and cost associated with creating 2D drawings, while also improving the communication and collaboration between design and manufacturing teams.
- Medical device manufacturing: In the medical device manufacturing industry, SolidWorks MBD is used to create 3D models of medical devices and equipment, including detailed information about part dimensions, tolerances, and materials. By using SolidWorks MBD, engineers can improve the accuracy and consistency of the manufacturing process, while also reducing the risk of errors and improving the quality of the final product.
- Consumer products: In the consumer products industry, SolidWorks MBD is used to create 3D models of a wide range of products, including electronics, appliances, and other household items. By using SolidWorks MBD, designers can create more accurate and detailed product models, while also improving the communication and collaboration between design and manufacturing teams.
These are just a few examples of how SolidWorks MBD is used in different industries and applications. By providing 3D models with detailed manufacturing and inspection information, SolidWorks MBD can help to improve the accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of the manufacturing process, while also reducing the time and cost associated with creating 2D drawings.”
In addition to these case studies, many companies have provided testimonials of the benefits of using SolidWorks MBD. For example, one company stated that SolidWorks MBD “has helped us to eliminate errors in the manufacturing process and improve the quality of our products. It has also allowed us to bring products to market faster and more efficiently, which has helped us to stay competitive in our industry.”
Benefits
“SolidWorks MBD offers a number of benefits to companies that adopt this model-based approach. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits in more detail:
- Reduced errors: By eliminating the need for 2D drawings and providing 3D models with detailed manufacturing and inspection information, SolidWorks MBD can help to reduce errors in the manufacturing process. This can result in fewer design errors, reduced waste, and improved product quality.
- Increased productivity: By eliminating the time and cost associated with creating 2D drawings, SolidWorks MBD can help to increase productivity and speed up the design and manufacturing process. This can allow companies to bring products to market faster and more efficiently.
- Improved communication: By providing 3D models with detailed manufacturing and inspection information, SolidWorks MBD can help to improve communication and collaboration between design and manufacturing teams. This can reduce the risk of errors and misunderstandings, and improve the overall efficiency of the design and manufacturing process.
- Enhanced visualization: By providing 3D models, SolidWorks MBD can help to provide a more detailed and accurate representation of the product than 2D drawings. This can help designers to identify and resolve potential issues earlier in the design process, leading to improved product quality and reduced development costs.
- Better compliance: By providing a complete and accurate record of manufacturing and inspection information, SolidWorks MBD can help companies to comply with industry standards and regulations, including AS9100 and ISO 9001.
These are just a few of the many benefits that SolidWorks MBD can offer to companies that adopt this model-based approach. By improving accuracy, productivity, communication, visualization, and compliance, SolidWorks MBD can help companies to create better products, reduce costs, and stay competitive in the marketplace.”
Technical Details
“SolidWorks MBD is a powerful software tool that provides a range of features and capabilities for creating and sharing 3D models with manufacturing and inspection information. Let’s take a closer look at some of the technical details of SolidWorks MBD:
- 3D annotations: SolidWorks MBD allows users to create 3D annotations directly on the 3D model. These annotations can include dimensions, tolerances, notes, and other manufacturing and inspection information.
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T): SolidWorks MBD supports GD&T, which is a system of symbols and rules used to specify the geometry and tolerances of a product. By including GD&T information in the 3D model, SolidWorks MBD can help to improve the accuracy and consistency of the manufacturing process.
- 3D PDFs: SolidWorks MBD can generate 3D PDFs that include the 3D model and all associated annotations and GD&T information. These 3D PDFs can be easily shared with suppliers and customers, making it easy to communicate and collaborate on the design and manufacturing process.
- Model-based workflows: SolidWorks MBD supports a model-based approach to design and manufacturing, which eliminates the need for 2D drawings and streamlines the design and manufacturing process. By providing a single source of truth for the 3D model and all associated information, SolidWorks MBD can help to improve the accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of the design and manufacturing process.
- Integration with other software: SolidWorks MBD integrates seamlessly with other software tools, such as SolidWorks CAD and CAM software, as well as other third-party applications. This allows users to create and share 3D models with manufacturing and inspection information throughout the entire design and manufacturing process.
These are just a few of the many technical details of SolidWorks MBD. By providing powerful 3D annotation tools, support for GD&T, 3D PDF generation, model-based workflows, and integration with other software tools, SolidWorks MBD can help to improve the accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of the design and manufacturing process.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, SolidWorks MBD (Model-Based Definition) is a powerful software tool for creating and sharing 3D models with manufacturing and inspection information. By providing 3D models with detailed information, SolidWorks MBD can help to improve accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in the design and manufacturing process. The benefits of using SolidWorks MBD include reduced errors, increased productivity, improved communication, enhanced visualization, and better compliance with industry standards and regulations. With its many benefits and capabilities, SolidWorks MBD is a valuable investment for companies that want to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing marketplace.
