Model-Based Definition

Model-Based Definition (MBD), is a powerful new set of tools for adding annotations, GD&T, and other manufacturing information directly to a 3D part.
Tip: Be sure to check out the guided tutorial in the gallery to help you get started using the new commands.

3D Annotation

To access the 3D annotation commands, use the new Annotate tab in a part file and add the manufacturing information directly to the 3D model.

Use the Tolerance Feature command to attach GD&T annotations, Feature Control Frames, and Datum Identifiers to part faces or features. Enable the Tolerance Advisor browser to check the health of your tolerance scheme and display information such as the following:
  • List of potentially problematic datums and Datum Reference Frames (DRF's).
  • Information about which features are not fully controlled.
  • Errors in a tolerance feature.
  • Tip: Right-click an entry and select More Information to open a help page specific to the message.

Use the General Annotation and Text commands to fully document your model.

Note: 3D annotations and view representations are displayed when you create a 3D PDF file.

Retrieve Annotations in Drawings

A new 3D Annotations tab in the retrieve dialog box lets you recover the MBD information from a part and use it in a drawing. Use the Design View and filter options to see the information you want.

Export MBD

Step AP 242 support is added. You can now export a fully annotated 3D model that can be used in downstream manufacturing operations. You can also attach a STEP file when you export a 3D PDF.

For more information, see About 3D Annotation and Model-Based Definition.