Added value with 3D CAD data

Great potential in many areas

In development departments, 3D CAD data is often still prepared as 2D drawings for internal and external use. However, this process is not only time-consuming, but information is also lost. More and more manufacturing companies therefore want to make better use of the potential of their 3D CAD data for optimisation and cost savings.

A wide variety of applications show how much-added value can be realized in different areas on the basis of 3D CAD data. Here are seven examples:

3D models as the basis for the digital twin

Digital twins are used in various areas. In product development, for example, it is particularly important to virtually validate prototypes at an early stage and to optimize individual components or even entire systems accordingly with the help of a digital simulation model. To do this, the 3D model is linked with simulation data from the digital twin. It is crucial that the various interfaces and exchange formats can exchange and link the simulation and geometry data correctly.

3D models in sales and marketing

3D models make it as easy as possible for interested parties to make a purchase decision during the sales process: potential buyers receive a lot of relevant information about the product or service simply and convincingly via the model. Depending on requirements, a real view of the product can also be created using rendering. Configuration and/or personalization is also possible using 3D models. The aim is to convey the best possible image of the product to the customer and offer a good user experience.

3D models in logistics

In the field of logistics, 3D models make it possible to simulate complex movement sequences and material flows in work cells, for example. Production simulations can also be modeled well and throughput simulations based on movements and cycle times (e.g. of robots) as well as material flow components facilitate layout planning and enable the early identification of process problems. In addition to the interface issue - the models are often created in different applications - the question of the optimum level of detail also arises here.

Rapid prototyping in engineering

The aim here is to create physical prototypes quickly and economically on the basis of 3D CAD data using 3D printing. It is not only the actual 3D printing that is important here but in particular, optimally set up, cost- and time-efficient process chains that ensure faster implementation of design concepts.

Model Based Definition (MBD)

The aim of MBD is to increasingly dispense with drawings throughout the entire production process and to integrate the information from the drawings directly into the 3D model so that downstream processes such as CAM/Quality can adopt this information directly. This simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces errors and ambiguities. However, optimised interfaces that guarantee the correct transfer and interpretation of PMI information are also important here. External suppliers must also be able to process PMI information.

Monitoring and support of assembly processes

Assembly processes can be realistically visualised using 3D CAD data that is realistically represented and available in various positions. These visualisations can be used in training sessions with new components, for example, to support employees in correct assembly. The manual assembly process can also be monitored and documented on the basis of 3D data that is transferred to a machine learning process. If the specified sequence is not adhered to, a message is sent to the responsible specialist personnel. In future, the necessary training data will probably be delivered directly with the product.

Parts recognition in service

After a service order, various components and parts that have not been used can be automatically reorganised in the warehouse. To enable a machine learning application to recognise the parts, various synthetic images and spatial arrangements of the individual components are created in a rendering process based on 3D CAD data. The fitter can then simply place the components in a "recognition box", the application identifies the photo of the component and it is stored correctly again.

Conclusion: Interfaces and formats are crucial

3D CAD models are increasingly being used in downstream (development) process steps. In order to benefit from the added value and optimally utilise the potential of these models, a continuous flow of information from the source to the target is crucial. Accordingly, the interfaces between the various applications and process steps are of central importance. Depending on the case, it may also make sense to set up proprietary formats or to use them between the individual use cases.

PLM Open Hour

Mehrwert aus CAD-Daten generieren

In this PLM Open Hour, we showed examples and highlighted relevant aspects such as:

• Potentials and opportunities in the application of 3D CAD data.
• What does the use of 3D CAD data in other departments mean for product development?

Click through the presentation here (in German):

Watch the webinar recording «Added value with 3D CAD data» an. Register here: