The 3D modeling process is prone to common input errors if the proper protocols are not followed. 

Rather than wasting hours manually tagging models, drawings, and documents, and typing the requirements into various forms, DISCUS gives you a tool that enables you to easily identify and balloon these requirements, and generate a consolidated master list of requirements known as the “Bill of Characteristics”.

There is tremendous value in manipulating the 3D model of a part in order to examine its inherent features and design, and today’s platform technology provides users an experience akin to handling an object with their bare hands. Navigating 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software offers substantial benefits for a large number of industries if the user knows how to make the most of the platform.

Let’s examine how implementing a comprehensive 3D CAD modeling platform can improve the efficiencies associated with CAD format while troubleshooting the common pitfalls facing master list creation.

The DISCUS 3D Difference

DISCUS 3D adds to DISCUS Desktop the additional support for 3D CAD models. The addition of the DISCUS 3D add-on allows you to significantly reduce the time it takes to balloon CAD models and create the Bill of Characteristics. With DISCUS 3D, you can save even more time using the DISCUS characteristic identification.

DISCUS 3D has the special capability to automatically balloon models that contain Product Manufacturing Information (PMI). For example, if the model already contains GD&T, welding symbols, surface finishes, coordinate dimensions, etc., DISCUS will automatically add balloons to the model and create the pertinent rows in the Bill of Characteristics.  

Additionally, DISCUS 3D will automatically create illustration views with all of the balloons. Thus, while DISCUS Desktop can reduce the time to create a Bill of Characteristics for a drawing from 4 hours to 1 hour: With an annotated model, DISCUS 3D can further reduce that time to just a few minutes.

DISCUS 3D enables you to easily interrogate the model and provides you with automatic detailing information. DISCUS 3D also allows you to measure model features and generate characteristics for the Bill of Characteristics. This streamlined process for working with 3D models, as well as 2D drawing files, offers a unique approach for enriching the TDP for downstream operations.

DISCUS 3D adds capabilities to the DISCUS user interface to support the native CAD format and models.  For example, the panel where the drawing is displayed now supports the opening of both models and drawings. There is an additional model menu, which contains many of the commands for manipulating and displaying a CAD model.  

The process flow of 3D

The 3D modeling process is made significantly easier when the proper steps are executed in order.

The process flow with 3D is straightforward:

  • You start DISCUS in the way you are already familiar with, and you open the native 3D CAD model (e.g., Pro/E and NX files will have a .prt file extension) in the model/drawing panel.
  • DISCUS will automatically review the model and its associated PMI and add the balloons to the model and the rows in the Bill of Characteristics. DISCUS will also generate the illustration views for the ballooned model to enable exportable 2D images.
  • As needed, you can click on various model features and choose to have DISCUS provide you with information about that feature (e.g., associated characteristics, dimensions, etc.).
  • As needed, you can click to add a balloon in 3D space and have a characteristic added to the Bill of Characteristics (no typing required, the nominals and tolerances come from the model or defaults).
  • When you’ve completed the analysis of the model, you simply export the 2D illustration views to a PDF file and export the Bill of Characteristics to an Excel report.

The DISCUS Guarantee

CAD modeling with DISCUS solutions simplifies and streamlines the process, allowing you to manipulate and observe an object in ways that mirror a hands-on experience. By leveraging the features of DISCUS 3D, you’ll be able to interrogate the native 3D model and annotations to automatically identify the characteristics and illustrations you’re looking for.

If you’re a manufacturer looking to increase the efficiency of your 3D CAD efforts, DISCUS 3D is an incredibly versatile solution. When added to the DISCUS Desktop platform, not only will you be able to standardize the processing tools for all of your customers, but you’ll also be able to handle customer-specific formatting requirements and upload your own internal inspection sheets.

DISCUS guarantees that the implementation of these tools will result in increased clarity regarding the 3D CAD process. By augmenting your current CAD strategy with DISCUS 3D, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

  • Reduced time and labor. By assisting the process required to understand 3D CAD models, users can easily identify parts and their associated characteristics. Enabling the ability to identify common characteristics that are not specifically addressed by PMI, such as thickness.
  • Increased design clarity and a universal perspective. The classic top, front and side views that were once relegated to individual prints can easily be generated from a single 3D CAD drawing.
  • Fewer required steps to complete a task. Enjoy a reduction in the potential for error by eliminating the unnecessary and potentially error-prone tasks associated with cross-referencing and model information. Thanks to DISCUS 3D automation and guided processes, the hard work is done for you.
  • Consistency in design. 3D CAD files offer the highest level of consistency when contrasted against other drawings. They contain more data about the part and have room for misinterpretation. As long as the file extensions are supported between viewers, this platform allows near-universal functionality.
  • Integration for users accustomed to 2D drawings. The 3D rendering capabilities of our platform translate wonderfully to viewers who have previously utilized simple inspection renderings. DISCUS 3D also provides means for sharing characteristic requirements in the 3D model-based enterprise.
  • Effortless prototyping. A simple sketch or rendering – even an un-illustrated concept – can be transformed into a fully-formed 3D model in a concise amount of time. Your designers will appreciate the ability to conceptualize with ease.

DISCUS is proud to partner with manufacturing companies by offering data-driven 3D modeling software that drives productivity while accelerating the design process. To learn more about how DISCUS Desktop and DISCUS 3D can expedite and augment your modeling strategy, visit our website.

We’re so confident that you’ll agree with our claims that we’re offering a 30-day free trial of our DISCUS solutions. Experience the DISCUS Guarantee by implementing our customizable, effortless DISCUS 3D CAD modeling software today!