In the realm of design and mechanical engineering, achieving efficiency and precision is crucial. With the recent launch of Creo 11, PTC has introduced a suite of enhancements focused on revolutionizing Model-Based Definition (MBD) functionalities.

If you’re already familiar with Creo, you might be curious about the process and impact of upgrading, especially concerning your current use of Windchill versions. But if you’re new to Creo and eager to witness these enhancements in action, don’t hesitate to request a demo!

These upgrades promise an exciting new experience for engineers and designers. Now, let’s delve into their impact on MBD and uncover how design and mechanical engineers can reap the benefits.

Quick and Easy Annotation Collection with MBD Enhancements

Creo 11 offers quick and easy ways to collect multiple semantic annotation references. The new box selection feature allows engineers to toggle between selecting only visible surfaces or selecting through them, offering enhanced control and flexibility in annotation workflows.

The lasso and trace selection methods also simplify the collection process, making annotation management more efficient. A cool new feature auto-collects the 2nd half of a cylindrical surface as a semantic reference, specifically for cylindrical features like holes or shafts.

It’s a breeze to create and maintain annotations for cylindrical features with this enhancement. Creo 11 now allows users to query annotations and surfaces of an inheritance model for their semantic associativity in the target model.

User-defined layer states can be assigned to the “Default All” combination state, making it easier to capture design intent and ensuring improved clarity and organization of annotations.

Simplified Table Creation and Management in Creo 11

The new table creation capabilities in Creo 11 provide an entirely new way to easily create simple tables. There are options for using formatting and editing options to customize the presentation of data to their specific needs.

The introduction of a dedicated node for tables in the model/detail trees also makes table management more structured and organized. Various file formats support table export/import, including Excel (*.xlsx) with basic formatting.

This allows engineers to integrate and manipulate tabular data seamlessly. Additionally, the support for Excel tables in 2D drawings streamlines the documentation process and ensures consistency across different design stages.

These MBD enhancements in Creo support parameter callouts for tables or cells and enable flat-to-screen tables to be set as security markings. This enhancement ensures that important data and design information are easily distinguished and appropriately assigned to all combination states, boosting efficiency and reinforcing data organization.

Driving Compliance and Efficiency with GD&T Advisor

With the added MBD functionalities, the GD&T Advisor in Creo 11 now supports ISO GPS 22081 for general tolerances, simplified hole callouts for ISO models, and enriched support for slab/slot features. These enhancements ensure improved compliance with the ISO standard and significantly reduce the clutter of annotations, leading to a more streamlined and efficient design process.

By tapping into the capabilities of Creo 11 and its amazing MBD features, design and mechanical engineers can unlock new levels of potential, efficiency, and clarity in their workflows.

While there is always room to grow, the improvement in the latest Creo launch to Model-based Definition functionalities proves that this is becoming the new normal for design engineers.

Let’s step into the future of MBD with Creo 11, enhancing the design and manufacturing landscape with increased efficiency and precision.

Just like fine wine, Creo keeps getting better with time! Creo 11 by PTC offers numerous enhancements to improve the productivity, usability, and functionality of frequently used tools. In this blog post, we will explore the key updates in Creo 11 that aim to streamline workflows, enhance user experience, and boost efficiency in product design.

Usability Enhancements

Easily Access Creo Options

One of the standout features in Creo 11 is the ability to search and find settings in the options dialog easily. That being said, this enhancement enables you to locate relevant Creo options more quickly, reducing time spent navigating through menus and improving overall efficiency.

Improved Model Tree

Creo 11 introduces improved collapse/expand behavior and renaming capabilities in the model tree. Specifically, these enhancements enhance the user experience by making navigating and managing complex assemblies and parts within the software easier.

Enhanced Drag Handles

Due to popular demand, the software now offers improved drag handles for feature dimensions, simplifying identification and manipulation controls for complex features. This improvement simplifies the editing process and ensures a smoother user experience.

Selection Enhancements

Flexible Selection Options

Creo 11 introduces box, lasso, and trace selection support, providing you with more flexibility in selecting multiple surfaces and entities. You can now toggle between selecting all surfaces or only visible surfaces, improving the precision and speed of selection workflows.

Multi-Body Design for Sheetmetal

With the introduction of multi-body design capabilities for sheet metal parts, Creo 11 simplifies single-part design workflows and enables you to split single sheet metal parts into multiple parts. As a result, this feature allows for greater control over manufacturing and design costs and facilitates the design of multi-thickness sheet metal parts in context.

Simplification Features

Shrinkwrap and Merge Options

A new shrinkwrap option in Creo 11 allows you to collect bodies from referenced assemblies into a single part, streamlining the creation of simplified models. So, merge options for bodies in assemblies offer flexibility to keep separate objects, merge into single bodies, or merge all bodies for efficient design workflows.

Modeling and Design Enhancements

Enhanced Features

Creo 11 enhances modeling capabilities with features such as enclosure volume and new options for point patterns, for increased flexibility, and faster regeneration. These improvements aid in the creation of bounding boxes for optimization purposes and streamline pattern referencing workflows.

Welding and Surfacing Improvements

Welding Capabilities

Creo 11 provides a faster and more flexible definition of spot welds through improvements in spot welding functionality, joint members, and XMCF features. These enhancements increase productivity and eliminate additional steps in the welding process.

Surfacing Enhancements

Surfacing with freestyle and style features, including rotational pattern support, new bevel operations, and improved curve editing controls are new enhancements. These updates offer greater control over curves and surfaces, improved usability, and streamlined workflows for working with multi-level subdivisions.

Design for Electrification

Routed Systems

Creo 11 introduces improvements to routed systems, allowing for easier design and creation of electrical systems within the software. These enhancements include cabling, removal locations capability, dynamic previews in the graphics area, expandable filtering, and undo/redo functionality. These enhancements increase productivity and make designing and managing electrical systems easier within Creo.

ECAD

In addition to the improvements in routed systems, Creo 11 also includes enhancements to ECAD (Electronic Computer-Aided Design) functionality. Users of Solidworks and Inventor might know this as electrical-mechanical integration and compatibility enhancements. Enhanced ECAD visibility simplifies control and understanding of ECAD layer presentation through data visibility. These enhancements improve usability and provide more flexibility in the design of electrical systems.

Design for Composites

In addition, Creo 11 introduces expanded functionality for designing composite materials. This includes the ability to modify transitions in graphics, improved usability for laminate sections, and enhanced draping simulation. These enhancements make it easier to manage and visualize composites, improving usability and productivity. Additional improvements include zone-based design, enabling faster creation of large-scale composite products, and a conceptual top-down approach to composite design.

Model-Based Definition

As for Model-Based Definition (MBD), Creo 11 also includes enhancements to make it easier to organize and manipulate data in a tabular form. MBD enhancements in Creo 11 include creating tables, adding semantic references, and supporting parameter callouts. Also, Creo 11 introduces support for STEP AP242, allowing for the export of PMI (Product and Manufacturing Information) information in a machine-readable format.

Simulation Driven Design

In simulation-driven design, Creo 11 introduces enhancements to improve accuracy and productivity in time-based motion analysis. These include updates to solvers, expanded structural and fluid results, and a new conjugate heat transfer capability. These enhancements allow for faster and more accurate predictions of heat transfer and structural optimization based on simulation results.

Design for Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing

Connection Lattices

In response to the rise in additive manufacturing demands, Creo 11 introduces a new lattice command to connect two or more separate lattices, giving you more flexibility to create complex lattices. This workflow is straightforward and can be performed inside the same familiar Lattice UX. Additional enhancements include beam lattices, stochastic lattices, randomization value, and defining pore size. Moreover, you can also adjust simplified lattices using warp and export in 3MF/STL format. Finally, Creo 11 has added a penetration option for simplified lattices, providing additional flexibility to prepare parts for 3D printing, particularly in medical implants.

Subtractive Manufacturing

High-Speed Machining

Creo 11 introduces new 4-axis rotary roughing and finishing toolpaths, which can pass 360 degrees and be used for crew-type parts. Also, Creo 11 supports end mill, ball mill, and bull nose mill. These enhancements provide automated roughing and finishing sequences, which will be applicable for automotive and oil field crankshafts, camshafts, and drill heads.

Milling

Another enhancement is trajectory milling or CAM Programming, which allows you to define entry and exit movement along the direction of the cut, reducing the possibility of breaking small tools. This method is also more efficient, saving time spent on retracts. Additionally, Creo 11 supports curves not on the surface and trim retract motion to a plane. You can now easily manage the display of manufacturing geometry in the graphics toolbar.

Turning

Creo 11 has modernized 4-axis area-turning user interfaces, providing a streamlined and consistent user interface across all toolpaths. Improved material removal cut functionality for profile turning and additional area turning capabilities have also been added to the 4-axis. Creo 11 now supports user_output_point, CUTCOM support at each slice, clear distance, and turn profile start and end driving the cut direction.

These enhancements in Creo 11 provide you with greater flexibility, productivity, and efficiency in all areas of your product design. By incorporating these new features, Creo 11 continues to lead the industry in product design and manufacturing. You can watch the Creo 11 Webinar to learn more at your convenience or reach out to one of our experts to see which enhancements would benefit you the most!

Model-Based Definition (MBD) is more than just a buzzword; it’s a paradigm shift that is reshaping the industry.

This article delves into the revolutionary nature of MBD, as it emerges as a true game changer unlocking endless opportunities for collaboration and innovation – which are truly transforming design and manufacturing processes in ways never seen before.

The Future is No Longer 2D

First, let’s dive into the power of breaking down barriers and embracing new, innovative approaches that are shaping the future of engineering.

Engineering has come a long way since its inception, and visionary designers have always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible by refining designs using traditional 2D formats.

However, even today, many companies continue to use 2D design because it is familiar, comfortable, and has a lower initial cost.

While traditional 2D design formats have been the norm for many years, it’s essential to recognize that relying solely on these methods can have its drawbacks. There is a higher likelihood of errors, miscommunication, and inconsistencies, leading to numerous design reworks and prolonged time-to-market.

The good news is that the field of engineering has witnessed remarkable developments in recent years, offering new solutions that go beyond traditional 2D formats. By embracing cutting-edge technologies like computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing, engineers now have the ability to visualize, iterate, and perfect designs in a digital realm before bringing them to life.

With these advancements, designers can significantly minimize errors and improve precision, making the design process more efficient.

By shattering the limits of traditional 2D formats, engineers can unlock endless possibilities and transform the way designs are brought to life.

So, while traditional 2D design may be familiar and comfortable, it’s time for companies to embrace these new solutions and stay ahead of the curve.

Gone are the days of relying solely on traditional 2D formats and passing papers from design to the shop floor, hoping for a seamless transition.

Model-Based Definition (MBD) empowers engineers to go beyond these limitations and embrace a digital realm where designs are visualized, iterated, and refined with unprecedented precision.

But that’s just the beginning. MBD opens up a world of possibilities for collaboration and innovation. It enables seamless integration with cutting-edge technologies like computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing, making ideas come to life faster and more accurately.

Join us on this exhilarating journey as we uncover the potential of Model-Based Definition and explore how it is transforming the engineering landscape.

How MBD is Changing Design Processes

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry, the need for increased efficiency, accuracy, and innovation is more significant than ever before.

Yet, for countless years, 2D drawings have been the go-to deliverables for product definition.

These drawings have been used by Engineering, Manufacturing, and other users to communicate design form and fit information required to drive manufacturing processes.

But as we know today, In the realm of engineering and manufacturing, efficiency is paramount.

With the rapid advancement of technology, and the need to shorten product development cycles, 2D drawings have proven to be insufficient in some respects.

The ability to seamlessly communicate design intent and product specifications plays a critical role in achieving customer satisfaction and reducing errors. This is where Model-Based Definition (MBD) comes into the picture.

Unlike 2D models, which can be difficult to interpret and visualize, MBD enables stakeholders to better understand the design intent and product specifications.

With MBD, design iterations become faster and more efficient. Modifying the 3D model allows engineers to evaluate different design possibilities without the need to manually update multiple 2D drawings

Likewise, inherent to 2D models is the potential for errors and misinterpretation during the translation process. MBD eliminates this risk by embedding all the necessary information directly into the 3D CAD model.

Furthermore, traditional 2D models tend to require multiple drawings for comprehensive documentation, which can be time-consuming to create and maintain. MBD eases these processes by consolidating all the relevant information into a single digital model, which in-turn, simplifies the documentation process and makes it easier to update when changes are made.

While the transition to Model-Based Definition may require some initial investment and adjustment, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. MBD streamlines engineering and manufacturing processes, improves collaboration, reduces errors, and enhances overall product quality.

Model-based definition offers a new way of thinking about and creating products.

What is Model Based Definition?

So, what is MBD?

Model-Based Definition is a revolutionary approach to creating 3D models to effectively contain all the data needed to define a product.

MBD defines the source of Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) as the 3D model (Model-Based) to dictate a product’s features, tolerances, and other critical information.

MBD aims to replace traditional 2D drawings with comprehensive 3D models by incorporating everything into the product definition. This involves attaching all the necessary geometric, dimensional, and other manufacturing information directly to the 3D CAD model, eliminating the need for separate 2D drawings.

As the manufacturing industry moves towards a more digitally connected and efficient future, Model-Based Definition is at the forefront of this revolution, paving the way for more effective product development and manufacturing practices.

Functionalities of Model-Based Definition

Let’s talk about how MBD works.

With MBD, the 3D CAD model becomes the primary source of information, acting as a complete and accurate representation of the product. The embedded data not only includes the physical characteristics but also encompasses vital manufacturing instructions, such as tolerances, surface finishes, and materials specifications.

Through MBD, the design becomes the authority, encapsulating all the essential information, such as geometric dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes, and more. This eliminates the need for separate documents or drawings, streamlining communication and ensuring consistency throughout the entire product lifecycle.

MBD replaces traditional 2D drawings with 3D models that contain all the critical information needed for design, manufacturing, and inspection processes. By embracing MBD, engineers can communicate complex design concepts more effectively, eliminating confusion and reducing errors.

The benefits of Model-Based Definition

Implementing Model-Based Definition offers numerous benefits and advantages for both engineering and manufacturing processes. Some of the key benefits include:

Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

MBD enables effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders in the product development process by embedding all necessary information in the 3D model, eliminating misinterpretation and confusion that often arise from relying solely on written documents.

Reduced Errors and Rework

MBD reduces risks of errors, misinterpretation, and rework by providing an all-inclusive 3D model that enables early detection of design issues through a proactive digital approach.

Streamlined Documentation

MBD simplifies documentation by automatically generating accurate and up-to-date technical information, eliminating the need for multiple 2D drawings. This consolidation into a single digital model streamlines understanding of product requirements, facilitates easy updates, and ultimately accelerates decision-making and development cycles.

Improved Design Iterations

With MBD, engineers can quickly modify the 3D model to explore design iterations and evaluate different possibilities. Since all the associated information is directly linked to the model, modifications can be made efficiently, without the need to manually update multiple 2D drawings. This allows for faster design iterations and enhances the overall design process.

Simulation and Analysis

MBD allows for the virtual simulation and analysis of the product’s behavior under various conditions. This enables engineers to optimize designs, test different scenarios, and make informed decisions without the need for physical prototypes.

Better Supplier Integration

Model-Based Definition facilitates seamless integration between different suppliers involved in the manufacturing process. By sharing the 3D model, suppliers gain a comprehensive understanding of the design intent and can provide more accurate quotes, reducing the back-and-forth communication and improving collaboration.

All these benefits lead to less time spent on design and more time spent on making actual products, which ultimately means more time making money.

By digitally defining product characteristics and specifications, MBD eliminates ambiguity and ensures accuracy throughout the entire design and manufacturing process.

In addition, MBD eliminates errors that would otherwise be introduced at the physical stage, caused by manual processes or human error in translating data from one tool into another.

Customer Success Stories

The accomplishment of implementing MBD and achieving success is not an unattainable long-term objective, but a tangible reality that many have already experienced.

Take the case of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). They implemented MBD and saw several benefits, including an estimated $3M generated annually.

Another example is a case study from PTC, which describes how MBD was used to overcome delays in First Article Inspection (FAI). This case study found that MBD was the missing link to maximizing efficiency and reducing rework.

Additionally, a case study from Capvidia describes how MBD was used to improve process efficiency, reduce rework, create better products with faster time to market, and improve communication between departments.

Lastly, a case study from Springer describes how MBD was used to replace datasets of models and drawings, creating a “single source of truth”.

Numerous companies, among those mentioned and many others, have unveiled the advantages of MBD and have witnessed its profound impact on their manufacturing and engineering processes.

Implementing Model-Based Definition

Implementing Model-Based Definition into your enterprise can be daunting if you’re not prepared for the change. Let’s talk about how to implement MBD despite some of the challenges that may come along the way.

Some challenges you may face include:

To begin implementing MBD in a successful way, you must clearly define their objectives and identify the specific benefits they aim to achieve with MBD, such as improved communication, reduced errors, and streamlined workflows. It is important to engage key stakeholders from different departments, including design, engineering, and manufacturing, to ensure alignment and gather diverse perspectives.

The next step involves selecting the right software tools and technologies that support MBD, as well as providing comprehensive training and support to employees to enable smooth adoption. The company should establish clear standards and processes for creating and managing 3D models, including annotation, GD&T, and other product specifications.

Ongoing collaboration, regular reviews, and continuous improvement are crucial to refine and optimize the MBD implementation. By embracing MBD as a company-wide initiative and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, companies can successfully transition to a more efficient, accurate, and streamlined approach to product development.

While the transition to Model-Based Definition may require some initial investment and adjustment, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. It not only streamlines engineering and manufacturing processes but also improves collaboration, reduces errors, and enhances overall product quality.

Picture the future state of your company using Model-Based Definition with benefits such as:

Not only does MBD open a new way of executing product development, but it closes the gap between the digital and the physical world. Go from 3D model to physical product seamlessly to get your product from design to market in no time.

Model-Based Definition is undeniably an exciting advancement in the field of engineering. With its ability to enhance collaboration, unleash innovation, and redefine design and manufacturing processes, MBD is paving the way for a more efficient and effective engineering industry.

So buckle up and get ready to embrace this game-changing concept that will shape the future of engineering.

Check out this e-book to go more in-depth about all its offerings.

You can also talk to one of our experts to learn more about the benefits of MBD and what it would look like to implement it into your business.

How EZ Tolerance Analysis Makes Your Workflow Less Stressful

Intuitive User Interface

Achieve your goals efficiently with minimal frustration. The EZ Tolerance Analysis extension’s user-friendly UI enables you to maintain a flow and continue work without disruptions as it is integrated into the familiar Creo environment. This mitigates any steep learning curve and helps with productivity to get new users up and running quickly and confidently. If you need help getting set up with the technology, give us a shout. We can help maximize your workforce capabilities and your technology investment.

Complexity Management

The EZ Tolerance Analysis software provides tools and features to manage complex designs efficiently. It offers intuitive interfaces and workflows that simplify processes regarding defining tolerance features. The extension extracts relevant information directly from your CAD models, reducing manual effort and potential errors. Visual dashboards: say goodbye to tedious spreadsheets.

Problem Identification and Resolution

No more flying blind, EZ Tolerance Analysis provides visualizations and statistical outputs that enable engineers to identify potential issues and bottlenecks in the assembly or system. After pinpointing problematic areas, engineers can devise effective solutions – such as adjusting tolerances, redesigning components, or modifying manufacturing processes.

Quick Iterative Design Refinement

Perform your “what-if” scenarios quickly and accurately. Using Sigmetrix technology, get immediate feedback on the effects of tolerance adjustments and trade-off analysis. Engineers can quickly refine and optimize tolerances based on the analysis results, reducing the time required for iterations.

Improved Collaboration

The software facilitates collaboration among multidisciplinary teams involved in the design and manufacturing process. Easily share tolerance analysis data, models, and reports via HTML reports to ensure everyone comprehensively understands design intent and can make informed decisions. Visual and data-backed reports can be shared with the shop floor, suppliers, or other stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and collaboration. Providing clear documentation helps to minimize misunderstandings and costly mistakes, saving time and effort in the design and manufacturing process.

Standards and Specifications Compliance

Ensure compliance with built-in libraries of industry standards and specifications. Engineers can access these libraries to ensure that defined tolerances comply with the relevant standards. Ensure compliance with ASME and ISO standards for your designs and create products that align precisely with customer requirements while operating within acceptable tolerances. This feature helps streamline the process of defining tolerance features by providing pre-defined templates and guidelines that match industry requirements.

Overall, EZ Tolerance Analysis empowers engineers to make data-driven decisions, reduce uncertainty, and enhance the efficiency and quality of the design and manufacturing process. It aids in achieving design objectives, meeting customer requirements, and delivering reliable and cost-effective products.

Back-Up Your cad Designs with Stack-Up Analysis

The technology performs comprehensive tolerance stack-up analysis by applying two methods for increased accuracy and precision- worst-case analysis and statistical analysis.

Worst-Case Analysis: Worst-case analysis, commonly employed for critical components, examines the scenario where each component in the stack-up attains its maximum acceptable measurement.

Statistical Analysis: On the other hand, statistical analysis utilizes statistical distribution models to represent the variation of each component. These distributions are then combined to predict the overall distribution of the assembly measurement.