In most cases, a “Model-Based Enterprise” is going to include multiple CAD platforms. You could be a large corporation that uses multiple CAD applications or a smaller company that only uses one but has suppliers that use other CAD platforms. This reality means CAD interoperability challenges cannot be ignored. While each CAD system has strengths and weaknesses, the big five are capable of: modeling geometry, creating 3D annotations, defining attributes (metadata), and creating “presentation states.” We call these four items Model-Based Definition (MBD).
To realize the plethora of MBD benefits, you must standardize how to generate 3D CAD models for MBD. Just as 2D drawing standards are defined agnostic of any tools used to create 2D engineering drawings, 3D MBD standards should persist without dependence on a particular CAD system.
Action Engineering has been part of MBD implementations across multiple industries and CAD systems. Making some of that expertise readily available is one of the central goals of our new OSCAR knowledgebase. OSCAR’s “CAD Toolkit” includes Gold Standard, real-world examples of MBD models presented consistently in Creo, SOLIDWORKS, and NX. These models comply with agnostic MBD CAD standards and Action Engineering recommended best practices established over decades of CAD, MBD, and GD&T expertise. They can be used to facilitate learning initiatives around:
- proper usage of CAD tools
- optimized application of GD&T in the context of 3D CAD
- understanding the application of the latest ASME standards
In addition to the native CAD models, our CAD Toolkit includes derivative and viewable formats that you can use to drive downstream digital manufacturing quality and supply chain initiatives while ensuring that a common data model persists across a digital thread. These initiatives can include both machine-readable and human-readable 3D design data that enable consumption use cases.
OSCAR also includes:
- CAD Setting recommendations
- CAD “how to” walkthrough videos from our experts
- On-demand training modules to explain the four parts of MBD, and the broader Model-Based Enterprise needs
It could take you years to develop similar content. While you’ll eventually need “Gold Standard” models representing your products, it will be much easier to build your expertise with our proven models. Give your engineers a safe space to practice, discuss, and understand how to create good MBD CAD models, regardless of CAD system, while ensuring a more painless transition to your Model-Based Enterprise.
