Model-Based Engineering (MBE)

• Many downstream applications (such as programming CNC milling machines) already use 3D models or STEP files, where tolerances and other product information must be entered manually.
• In Model-Based Engineering information currently found on 2D drawings is embedded in 3D models.
• Because this information (also known as "Product and Manufacturing Information" (PMI)) is machine-readable, programming CNC machines (CAM) and measuring equipment (CAI) can be extensively automated.
• This is not possible with information on 2D drawings!
• MBE supports and forces engineers to deliver high-quality and reviewed technical product documentation.
• Artificial Intelligence ("AI") will accelerate digitization but requires complete and standardized data: MBE provides this.
• In Europe the implementation of MBE is proceeding slowly, partly because most suppliers still require 2D drawings.
• Further development of MBE requires feedback from CAD, CAM, and CAI users.
• For manufacturing companies to evaluate and to process 3D PMI, 3D CAD software is overkill. 
• Free 3D viewers are not user-friendly and have limited functionality. Advanced 3D viewers such as Kisters 3DViewStation fill this gap.

The benefits of MBE.

• Faster time-to-market: 20-50% reduction in lead time from engineering to production.
• Lower costs: fewer design changes, fewer iterations, less rework, fewer errors on the shop floor.
• Automated checks regarding Design for Manufacturing improve the quality of the designs.
• Suppliers receive better designs (reviewed 3D models incl. PMI).
• More efficient workflows for downstream applications (minimal manual data entry required).

The future of MBE (in combination with a.o. AI and rule-based software).

• Automatically generate PMI, a.o. by comparing with comparable parts.
• Check whether the PMI can be read and processed by CAM and CAI systems.
• Automatically review manufacturability (using PMI as additional input alongside geometries). 
• Automated generation FMEAs during product development, and 8D reports in case of problems.
• Predictive process control during production (a.o. based on current and historical measurements).
• Streamlining / repairing data exchange between various CAD, CAM, and CAI formats (internally, between sites, with customers and suppliers)