There is an expression: a picture’s worth a thousand words, meaning that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a simple image. It also describes the goal of visualization; making it possible to absorb large amounts of complex data very quickly.

This idea also works when it comes to understanding complex design and manufacturing data. Using static, 2D drawings of manufacturing information only goes so far in communicating information and can lead to costly mistakes and rework. Drawings are also expensive to produce and maintain and are incompatible with other 3D applications, such as 3D printing and simulation.

In the era of Engineering 4.0, technical communication between design and manufacturing is vastly improved by sharing Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) data in 3D. SOLIDWORKS Model-Based Definition (MBD) software is an integrated drawingless manufacturing solution for SOLIDWORKS.

SOLIDWORKS MBD was created to eliminate the error-prone, manual conversion of 3D data to 2D documents, perhaps one of the most notable pain points for engineers and designers, saving them valuable time and cutting down on errors that can lead to rework.

By implementing SOLIDWORKS MBD, companies can easily define, organize, and publish 3D PMI including 3D model data in industry-standard file formats such as 3D PDF and eDrawings®. Unlike traditional 2D drawings, SOLIDWORKS MBD guides the manufacturing process directly in 3D, which helps streamline production, cut cycle time, reduce errors, and supports industry standards such as Military-Standard-31000A, ASME Y14.41, ISO 16792, and DIN ISO 16792.

Watch this SOLIDWORKS Shorts video to hear SOLIDWORKS MBD Product Manager Oboe Wu explain how you can fully leverage 3D design data throughout your organization and with partners to reduce redundant tasks and eliminate the need to convert 3D data to 2D documents.

To learn more about SOLIDWORKS MBD, please visit the product page, or discuss with me at Twitter (@OboeWu) or LinkedIn (OboeWu).