Communication is key. That’s the saying isn’t it? And it’s never more important than when you are working with 3D data on large and complex engineering projects which involve numerous departments, partners and suppliers, both internal and external.
We recently ran a webinar that focused on users of Dassault’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and the options available to them to ensure seamless collaboration between them and their partners, and extend the use of their 3D data for internal and external communication.
So what were the key points we highlighted?
1. It’s a challenge
Designers could be in one country, engineers in another, manufacturers over here and suppliers over there. And all could be speaking different languages, using different software, and not having access to systems being used by others.
But they all have a need and a desire to work with 3DEXPERIENCE data on complicated projects, and to effectively communicate that data, both internally as well as externally.
All the more reason why 3D data is instrumental to the success of those projects.
The probability of mistakes being made because of communication issues is high. But so is the need to share 3D data and other important information.
“… 3DEXPERIENCE is more database driven, and therefore getting that information out to your suppliers is more challenging than rather just a file based system.”So how do you work in a common way and how do you overcome those challenges?
2. Go from A to B
When there’s a number of different companies working on the same project, chances are they aren’t using the same CAD design programmes. One might design their part in 3DEXPERIENCE, and someone else might use NX. But they still need to see each other’s data.
One way is to just simply translate the data from one format to the other. And Theorem CADverter’s do just that.
They will take the 3DEXPERIENCE data and export it to NX, Creo, Creo View and JT. And vice versa- the CADverter’s are bi-directional.
“And we translate assembly structure, geometry, attributes, and metadata from both the CAD solutions as well as the PLM solutions, and more importantly, your 3D PMI information, or FTA, or GD and T etc."
3. Just email it?
Sound like the obvious option doesn’t it. So why isn’t it done? Because of file size- large 3DEXPERIENCE assemblies are too big to attach to a regular email. And often you need to send additional information alongside the CAD file.
So what about using 3D PDF? 3D PDF takes a normal .pdf document and embeds the 3D CAD model into it, allowing it to become an interactive document that can be viewed, manipulated and marked up. This means a 12.6mb 3DEXPERIENCE model can be compressed down into a 1.4mb 3D PDF and then attached to an email.
You can even attach external data such as spreadsheets to the 3D PDF document, and password protect the document to secure your IP. And all you need to access it is Adobe Reader. No CAD system or specialist knowledge required- we all know how to use a PDF right?
“Knowing that a number of engineers don’t have access to that data, Theorem came out with our 3D PDF publisher that creates a lightweight format that allows a 3D model to be shared with anyone…we can take a 3D model exactly as it stands in your CAD system, with its assembly structure, with the geometry, with the attribute information, with the bill of materials and even the PMI and we can include them into a pdf”
4. Get together, remotely.
The latest innovative XR technologies are taking ways of collaborating with 3DEXPERIENCE data to the next level.
By using Augmented, Mixed or Virtual Reality, users interact with their 3DEXPERIENCE data how it was meant to be interacted with- in context and at full scale.
“This is a very immersive technology where we’ve taken our background in data translation and taken that to display data in a new immersive 3D design technology.”But the technology has other benefits when it comes to enabling dispersed teams to work on a project together. The remote capabilities of the XR devices let teams join the same sessions, from wherever they are. So as long as someone has access to a tablet, VR headset (such as HTC Vive or Oculus Rift) or a MR headset like the Microsoft HoloLens (and an internet connection) sessions such as design reviews, can be held remotely, which is great in the current climate!
So no matter how, why, where or who you need to share your 3DEXPERIENCE data with, Theorem has a solution for you. Don’t limit access to 3DEXPERIENCE data-and what you can do with it- to yourself and your machine- share your creativity!
Watch the webinar
