By Brian P. MathewsThe latest 3D modeling tools leverage not only geometric specifications but also a wealth of engineering and other data to produce sophisticated models that represent much more than product shape and size.
But the way engineers share that information may dull the advantages of 3D models. Manufacturers have invested in technology such as document management tools and EDI systems expressly to aid collaboration. Gone are the days of printing, then distributing hard copies of designs. Now these documents are distributed electronically, and then printed by suppliers, customers, and other recipients.
The above diagram illustrates the typical workflow of a purpose-built publishing system. | |
Nevertheless, the general-purpose publishing tools engineers may use often produce drawings that practically require CAD expertise of the purchasing staff, suppliers, and even customers who receive them. And that’s just one problem with conventional means of publishing design information. More important, the output amounts to a picture: Supporting data appears in 2D drawings at the discretion of the engineer, or it may be sent in spreadsheets (or not at all).
For the lathe operator or the purchasing manager, this digital documentation isn’t any more helpful than the old-fashioned way of distributing information — that is, printing, then distributing hard copies. Published in all-purpose formats, drawings don’t communicate to extended project team members the depth of information captured in 3D models.
That’s why forward-thinking manufacturers are using technology that’s purpose-built for publishing and distributing designs to users who can print them later, when, where, and how they are needed. Purpose-built publishing technology makes the most of the engineering data comprising the product design. Created specifically for data-intensive design files, it’s possible to save high-fidelity versions of drawings and 3D models that are compact enough to e-mail directly to anyone on the project team, for a wealth of advantages.
Because this type of publishing platform captures the data that a 3D model represents, product engineers can more thoroughly document their designs. They can author multiple views because the computer can render any view or section. And they gain the flexibility to supply as many 2D drawings and as much engineering and 3D model data as they choose — or as little as they choose when it’s better to protect data, as when a component design is sent out to bid
In turn, recipients can print the views they’d like from a 3D model, rather than only the 2D drawings and 3D views specified by the engineering team. Even the lathe operator and the customer who doesn’t use CAD can visualize products’ function.
Recipients also can query the data comprising the design, and select the data they need to display and print, such as measurements and properties, rather than just printing the data that might be specified in 2D drawings. In addition to extracting precisely the information they need to complete tasks, users have the ability to search designs for that information and re-use them. While difficult to quantify, it’s not hard to imagine the boost to productivity and quality over the long term.
Finally, more comprehensive and intuitive documentation improves communication of product information all the way to the consumer. From bills of materials to assembly instructions, design information can be made much clearer and more useful to project team members outside of the design department.
Manufacturers are finding significant “soft” benefits from publishing and distributing digital models rather than pictures for their trading partners to print. Siemens Logistics and Assembly Systems Inc. is one firm that has upgraded to this model for sharing information.The company designs factory and automation solutions for applications such as postal automation, distribution and industry, airport logistics, and electronic assembly systems. Its teams are using the Autodesk DWF platform to support “distribute, then print” workflow that lets users print what they need, when they need it, with especially big returns on the review cycle. Where approval sketches required three days for shipment, mark-up, and return, designs now circulate electronically and digital feedback is returned in as little as an hour.In addition to efficient distribution, project team members need to be able to understand and manipulate designs intuitively, without the extra time and expense of CAD software training and licenses. About 1,700 people — from Siemens Logistics and Assembly shop floor and management personnel to customers — routinely require access to visual detail and the engineering data used to generate 2D and 3D representations.
Users have found that a purpose-built publishing platform delivered these capabilities, while all-purpose formats such as PDF stranded workflow with insufficient detail and usability. For Siemens, accurate communication of data has improved the quality of collaboration as well, reducing the risk of errors during manufacturing, or production to the wrong specifications.
Last but not least, Siemens teams benefit from the instant printing capability on Hewlett-Packard large-format printers. The feature lets users click an icon in their desktop tool bar to print DWF documents that have been automatically optimized and formatted for their printer model. The combination of DWF and instant printing has allowed Siemens to simplify large prints jobs.
A new generation of printers designed to produce 3D models on a special resin could bring interesting possibilities to companies such as Siemens. As these technologies, powerful servers and viewing devices expressly for visualization of 3D designs become more affordable, they will complement manufacturers’ ability to communicate design ideas to their customers.
In the meantime, the right publishing platform goes a long way toward more comprehensive and universal communication that empowers those who use design data to get precisely the accurate information they need, instantly. When you think about it, manufacturers that are strategic about their digital publishing platform are making the world a flatter place by leveling the obstacles to productive global teamwork. They’re also doing it without flattening the rich data of life-like 3D models.
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Brian P. Mathews is a DWF technical evangelist at Autodesk, 111 McInnis Pkwy., San Rafael, CA 94903. He is best known as the inventor of a unique graphics compression algorithm which he developed into the DWF file format. He has served as senior software architect for the DWF family of products; chief architect for Autodesk Buzzsaw collaboration technology; and managed the development of 2D and 3D graphics engines for Autodesk products. More information is available at www.autodesk.com or by calling 415-507-5000.ADVERTISEMENT