Supply Chain Analysis for YOUR Organization - Learn More!

Action Engineering

Model-Based Enterprise Experts

MBD Using Modern GD&T

Our GD&T and MBD experts will guide you through the What, Why, and How of Model-Based Definition.

For good Model-Based Definition, you need proper Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. And if you’ve dipped your toes into MBD, then you know the devil is in the details (and since we have been training on this topic since 2018 we are really good at knowing the details).

Our MBD Using Modern GD&T is live instruction with hands-on practical exercises. Use your own CAD system! Our experts will guide you through building MBD examples in your preferred 3D CAD software program. The “pick-and-click” steps for applying annotations in your preferred CAD system will be taught as part of the course. Just ensure that you have your 3D CAD system’s MBD solution enabled and ready for use. Our instructors will walk you through the rest.​

During this course we will cover:

  • The fundamentals of model-based business practices.
  • Clearly defined MBD/MBE terms and definitions.
  • An overview of relevant standards.
  • An understanding of the expanse of the MBE infrastructure.
  • Current industry benefits and important factors for understanding MBD’s return on investment.

Additional Materials & Support Included:

“MBD is the forward direction of many industries. The sooner you can get on board, the better.”

Jonathan Sanders, United Launch Alliance

We are proud of our courses and leaders! Since 2018 we have had:

Did you miss registration for our recent training? Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen again.

*The registration deadline is 2 weeks prior to the course start date in order to prepare instruction and ship materials to our students. Public courses may be rescheduled if they do not meet attendance by the registration deadline.
*additional charges may apply for shipping to international addresses

CAD Systems Currently Supported for Public Training Courses

  • Creo Parametric: 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 (models provided in Creo 5.0)*​
  • Inventor: 2020, 2021, 2022 (models provided in Inventor 2020)​
  • NX (Continuous Release): 1953** (models provided in NX 11)*​
  • SOLIDWORKS: 2020, 2021, 2022 (models provided in SOLIDWORKS 2020)*​

STEP files can be provided for practitioners using earlier versions.​
** Other versions of NX Continuous Release can be supported for private training engagements.

Topics We Cover Together

What is MBD/MBE?

ANSI, ASME, DEDMWG, DMSC, DOD, DRF, FCF, ISO, JT, LOTAR, MBD, MBE, MIL-STD, PMI, PRC, QIF, STEP, TDP… Confused already?

We will review basic terminology to ground everyone’s language around this topic, to facilitate meaningful discussion throughout the course. You also have trial access to Action Engineering’s on-demand video courses as a refresher (following the first day of the course).

  • Explanation of Model-Based Definition and Model-Based Enterprise
  • The Four Parts of MBD
  • What it means to leverage a closed-loop digital manufacturing technique
  • Types of MBD Data Sets
  • Why CAD is the fundamental foundation

Not Your Grandparents’ GD&T (aka GD&T for the Modern World)

You may be familiar with GD&T, but are your practices up to date? The tolerancing definitions in ASME Y14.5 haven’t changed much in recent years, but the way we apply Geometric Tolerancing has improved! The move away from traditional dimension-based (aka plus/minus) tolerancing into full feature-based tolerancing is needed for simpler and clearer design intent. Join us in the modern age to learn how to implement the latest methods of using the GD&T standard. We’ll demonstrate unambiguous product definition with GD&T through a variety of examples.

  • Review of GD&T principles to reset your base understanding and application
  • Why plus/minus tolerancing cannot be trusted
  • Full GD&T is necessary for better MBD
  • Hands-on exercises

A More Functional Datum Reference Frame

Learn the differences between Datums and Datum Features through examples. Simpler and more functional Datum Reference Frames are the key to better part control.

  • Datum Reference Frames created from actual Datum Features

Learn how to differentiate Design, Manufacturing, and Inspection requirements using 3D digital data documentation.

Getting Started with Model-Based Definition

Learn what it takes to move your Model-Based efforts forward. Leverage your rich 3D data by understanding how to bundle data together for Design, Manufacturing, and Inspection

  • Understand how to apply ASME Y14 series standards to construct a “complete” digital product definition
  • Learn variations between model+drawing and model-only MBD
  • Learn a methodical approach to applying MBD in any 3D CAD system

Hands-on Exercises

Putting pencil to paper is the best way to learn proper Geometric Tolerancing for MBD (Why did we drop the D? Find out in the course!). Work through examples together, both on paper and using 3D CAD software, with the focus on functional design requirements guiding your Datum Reference Frame selection and constraints

Why MBE?

Understand the purpose and benefits of MBE for organizations leveraging 3D annotated models. Spoiler: MBE is not one size fits all.

  • Enterprise-wide business value
  • Standards adoption – why and which ones
  • Model-based philosophies

Data Packages: Flavors, Buckets, and Bundles

Understand the importance and functionality of Data Packages throughout the product lifecycle to capture Design, Manufacturing, and Quality (Inspection) intent. Expand Product Information into a unique 3-plan system.

  • Geometric Tolerancing for Design (modeling), Manufacturing (work instructions), and Inspection (quality plans)
  • Technical Data Package components
  • Data Package interoperability

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Work with simple and complex model examples to understand the functional relationships and requirements of authoring geometric tolerances in the context of the assembly and mating parts.

  • Visualize tolerance zones in 3D
  • Learn how assembly constraints interplay with Geometric Tolerancing definition

Who is this for? 

Action Engineering’s Training Course is for anyone that will author or consume Model-Based Definition (MBD) data packages, with extra benefits for CAD users. Design Engineers, Product Definition Specialists, Checkers, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, and tooling designers benefit from attending this training. 

What kind of experience do I need? 

CAD: Minimal CAD proficiency is required. Attendees should understand how to create basic geometry features and build assemblies, but do not create solid models during this training. Attendees will apply annotations to Action Engineering-provided CAD models on the last day of the course.  

GD&T: No prior experience is needed with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T). 

MBD: No prior experience is needed with Model-Based Definition (MBD). Let us introduce you to the wide and versatile model-based landscape. 

What kind of technology do I need? 

CAD: To participate in hands-on exercises, attendees will need access to their CAD tool of choice along with that CAD tool’s MBD module. If you are unsure if you have access to your CAD tool’s MBD module, contact Action Engineering and let us confirm for you. CAD systems supported by Action Engineering during course instruction are: Creo, Inventor, NX, and SOLIDWORKS.  

Conferencing: Classes are conducted in Zoom. Please confirm with your organizational IT that you can access this platform. You can also contact us for a direct check.

  • We highly encourage all attendees to have their webcam turned on and a microphone to interact with the instructor.
  • We recommend that attendees have a second screen.
  • Exercises can be marked digitally using Adobe Acrobat, Paint, Illustrator, PowerPoint, etc. A PDF is also provided for the option to print exercises and physically mark them on paper.

Other: We will use an online whiteboard tool throughout the course. If you have concerns about access, let us know and we can test it in advance. 

Course Registration Includes:

  • A 100% LIVE, Instructor-Led Course
  • Trial access to Action Engineering’s learning & training platform OSCAR (including foundational video courses on MBD and MBE). Access will be provided following the first day of the course.
  • 30-minute follow-up consultation with an Action Engineering expert – for all of those extra questions!
    • Dan Feighery: GD&T Follow-Up and Next Steps, Implementation Roadmap, Supply Chain Readiness, MBD Tools and Interoperability
    • Jennifer Herron: MBD Standards
  • GeoTol Pro 2020 Workbook by GeoTol Inc.
  • Additional course materials, including the latest edition of Re-Use Your CAD: The Model-Based CAD Handbook by J. B. Herron.

Full course details and course materials will be sent the week prior to the first day of the course.

Are You Interested in MBD Using Modern GD&T Customized for Your Company? Let’s Talk.

Do you have a special program request or circumstance?

We can create virtual or on-site training just for your company and team. Priced per Group

Contact Us to Schedule

Meet Your Expert GD&T and MBD Instructor

Dan Feighery

Action Engineering
MBD Trainer

Dan Feighery is an MBD Trainer with Action Engineering. He develops and teaches courses on Geometric Tolerancing for MBD and coaches teams to achieve a Model-Based Enterprise. His career began as a tooling engineer for a Fortune 500 company’s aerospace group where he was exposed to design for manufacturability/assembly and quality control. Prior to coming to Action Engineering, he worked for an emerging leader in impact mitigation and cushioning solutions and served as a change agent and champion of business process improvements. Dan holds a B.S. in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science & Technology with a Management of Technology emphasis. Growing up in a bilingual home, Dan speaks Brazilian Portuguese. When not working, he can be found climbing and volunteering as an instructor with the Colorado Mountain Club.

Experience
  • Multi-CAD MBD and GD&T Training and Coaching (Lead Trainer)
  • MBD Modeling Standards and Best Practices
  • Multi-CAD MBD Authoring and Publishing
  • 3D CAD, MBD, CAD Interoperability Software Configuration and Assessment
  • Product Development, Quality, and Manufacturing Planning & Implementation
  • Tooling Design Guidelines
  • Roadmap Development
Credentials
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) MBE Terms Working Group 
  • American Society of Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Inspector

Supporting Instructors

Jennifer Herron

Founder & CEO

Jennifer Herron is the CEO of Action Engineering, a registered Women-Owned Small Business specializing in guiding organizations through their transformation into a Model-Based Enterprise (MBE) using Model-Based Definition (MBD). She serves on the Digital Metrology Standards Consortium (DMSC) Board of Directors, which maintains the QIF and DMIS standards. Ms. Herron has extensive experience with the hardware design for spaceflight and military systems, and as such, is an expert in multiple CAD packages (e.g., Creo, NX, SOLIDWORKS, Inventor). She holds a patent for a snake propulsion mechanism and is the author of Re-Use Your CAD: The Model-Based CAD Handbook. Because standards are the lynchpin to a digital transformation, she serves on the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) to write standards that empower all industries to do business differently.

Testimonials

“This is an incredibly affordable way of learning the concepts… I got a lot more understanding, I had a little bit of fun with it, and I learned it much faster.

– Ben Kassel, LMI

“Best GD&T class I’ve taken, the MBD focus makes it more relevant and easier to apply… The class was well done, the content was great, the instructor knew the material very well and was very good at instructing.”
– Zachary Miller, TE Connectivity

“It is important for people to realize that the future is MBD. It is important for people to realize that GD&T is the only way to completely define a product… MBD is the perfect opportunity to get people on board with GD&T. Also, and maybe mostly, having Scott explain GD&T is like magic!”

“The instructors were knowledgeable, animated and made what can easily be a very dull subject, fun and interesting. I learned a lot and had fun doing it. Well done.”
– Rick Frederickson, MIT Lincoln Laboratory

“I highly recommend this course if one wants to learn GD&T of the future and leverage digital technology fully.”
– Anthony Jenkins, Manufacturing Technology Centre

“MBD is the forward direction of most industries. The sooner you can get on board, the better.”
– Jonathan Sanders, United Launch Alliance

“The course was engineered to emphasize the important concepts of MBD, software and GD&T in an efficient and engaging way, helping you learn vital skills for the implementation of MBD very quickly.”
– Toby Maw, Manufacturing Technology Centre

“This class taught me a more efficient way to communicate design intent with vital stakeholders.”
– Kieran Breitner, Colorado School of Mines

“This course put the topic in perspective and reinforced the value beyond just eliminating paper. Seeing the value and efficiencies that can be realized with this evolution of engineering communication through MBD and how it plays into downstream processes from manufacturing, quality, inspection to end-user experience.”

“Very accessible and very informative training. The instructors present the material very clearly, and are able to answer all student questions thoroughly. The training clearly demonstrates the benefits of GD&T vs. linear dimensioning, the fundamentals of applying good GD&T, and why MBD (model based definition) should be adopted.”
– Trevor Davis, Sierra Nevada Corporation

“This training was a very thorough review of GD&T, and I learned a lot about how to best apply basic GD&T principles to MBD. The instructor was very knowledgeable and the course materials will be very helpful as I implement MBD into my work in the future.”

“I gained more from this course than much of my engineering coursework. I see the value in MBD and proper GD&T for all engineers and corporations in order to increase productivity and decrease scrap. It just makes sense. All engineering students should learn this material before they enter the workforce and inherit the bad practices used at many companies.”
– Connor Banks, Colorado School of Mines