Model-Based Definition (MBD)
In today’s product development landscape, numerous departments, external parties, and communication channels are involved in the manufacturing process. From design to production and inspection, errors can arise at any stage. Traditionally, 2D drawings are used to convey information, often leading to misinterpretations and adjustments that are not referenced back to the original data. The result? Longer lead times, increased requirements, and costly corrections.
MBD - The Future Standard for Efficient Product Development
Model-Based Definition offers a solution. All geometric and non-geometric information is captured in a 3D model, which acts as the "single source of truth." This streamlines the process by reducing the need for multiple documents and drawings. The outcome? Enhanced efficiency, improved quality, and shorter lead times. Changes can be made directly in the model, with automatic updates to all related documentation. Save time and increase accuracy!
The Steps in Transitioning from PMI to Design Automation
- 1
Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI)
Product information that defines a part or assembly for production.
- 2
Model-Based Definition (MBD)
Geometric and non-geometric information that fully defines a part or assembly.
- 3
Model-Based Enterprise (MBE)
An organization-wide strategy where an annotated digital 3D model of a product serves as the authoritative source of information.
- 4
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
A systems engineering methodology to create a digital model of a system used by all engineering disciplines and other functional organizations within a company.
Model-Based Enterprise: A Strategic Choice
A Model-Based Enterprise offers significant advantages for manufacturers in the defense, aerospace, automotive, and semiconductor industries that are working on complex, high-performance machinery or processes. They require a digital enterprise for product and process management, requirements management, data management, design through simulation and/or Digital Twin, and the realization of the digital factory.
Start with Model-Based Definition
MBD is the first step in the digital transformation of product development. (Opens in new window) It lays the groundwork for the next step: Model-Based Enterprise (MBE). MBE expands the principles of MBD across the entire organization, using a digitally annotated 3D model as the central source of information. The final step is Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), where a digital model of a system is created that is used by all engineering disciplines and other functional organizations within a company.
MBD is thus an essential component of MBE, and MBE, in turn, is crucial for MBSE.
Five key benefits of implementing Model-Based Definition (MBD)
- 1
Shortened Design and Production Time Cycle
By utilizing MBD, companies can automate many processes in design, production, and inspection. This leads to faster production cycles and a shorter time to market.
- 2
First Time Right
Minimize waste and rework by virtually validating and optimizing designs before physical production. This results in significant cost savings through fewer prototypes and tests while avoiding material waste and costly production errors.
- 3
Reduction of Material Waste
MBD ensures that all product and manufacturing information is embedded directly within the 3D model. This reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry and interpretation, leading to higher quality products and fewer mistakes.
- 4
Improved Collaboration
MBD provides a single point of truth for all stakeholders, both internally and externally, from design to production. This unified approach enhances communication and collaboration across departments, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals.
- 5
Increased Quality Control
By streamlining processes and improving data accuracy, MBD provides more room and time for innovation. Quality control goes hand in hand with increased automation and advisory tools (AI-supported "copilots"). Companies can focus more on developing new products and improving existing ones, helping them grow and remain competitive in the market.
Save Costs Across Multiple Areas
MBD helps companies achieve substantial cost savings by increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving quality throughout the entire design and production process.
Efficient Design Creations and Changes
MBD makes it easier and faster to implement design changes. Since all information resides within the 3D model, updates can be executed quickly and accurately, reducing the time and costs associated with traditional methods of updating 2D drawings.
Predicted Performance
By virtually validating and optimizing designs, MBD helps identify potential issues before physical production begins. This reduces the chance of errors and rework, saving on prototypes, materials, and associated costs.
Minimized Rework and Scrap
With accurate and detailed Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) embedded in the 3D model, the chances of miscommunication and errors during production are significantly reduced. This leads to fewer instances of rework and scrap, resulting in cost savings.
Rapid Problem Solving and Fewer Reviews
MBD streamlines the manufacturing process by capturing accurate and comprehensive Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) directly within the 3D model. This reduces the need for manual data entry and interpretation, leading to faster and more efficient production cycles.
Quality to Specification
By utilizing MBD, companies can perform inspections and quality controls more thoroughly and accurately. This ensures products meet specifications and standards, reducing costs associated with defects and non-conformance.
How to Stay Compliant with Future Demands in Product Design?
Product design is becoming increasingly complex, quality requirements are becoming stricter, and the need to market faster is growing. How can you ensure you continue to meet these demands in a way that is both flexible and future-proof?
In our view, design engineering automation plays a crucial role in reducing the design and production time cycle:
- Reduce the hours needed for processes such as model creation, reviews, analyses, and seeking out and recording requirements.
- Predict the performance of designs at an early stage of development to reduce the number of iterations required. This results in fewer prototypes, tests, problem-solving, and design changes.
Maximize the Benefits of Design Engineering Automation
- Utilize software tools for efficient processes and 3D visibility.
- Reuse product data through digital storage and connections.
- Reuse manufacturing, simulation, and analysis data.
Conclusion
Model-Based Definition is an essential step toward efficient product development. With MBD, manufacturers can streamline their processes, save costs and time, while improving product quality. Start your digital transformation today and discover how your organization can benefit from this innovative technique!
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