MBE strategy: View & analyze complex 3D CAD models

New developments in KISTERS 3DViewStation offer more functionality for model-based engineering (MBE). In addition to flexible yet secure access to 3D CAD models across boundaries, CAD data viewers are now capable of doing much more than viewing complex assemblies before approving plans. They can analyze models via intuitive selection and filtering of components.

“These are no longer extra features. Selection and filtering tools are essential to managing large amounts of design and manufacturing data,” remarked Craig Impastato, BU ITX sales director at KISTERS North America.

Viewing select components

3DViewStation offers more than CAD visualization. The software is developed for customers as they respond to prevailing changes in the industry. To ease management of large assemblies, the KISTERS application provides many options to select, isolate or group components.

The following is a list of favorite capabilities among end-users:

• Selecting an object form the 3D view and immediately seeing it highlighted
• Selecting multiple objects using a polygon
• Reverse-selecting in complex scenarios

Users can customize the color of the selected object as well as use a white outline to quickly recognized the selection(s). Furthermore, selected objects can be rendered over the rest of the assembly. These options are helpful when the user’s selections are hidden or partially visible within an assembly.

Filtering CAD data

Instead of manually selecting an object or multiple objects in proximity, 3DViewStation provides several filtering options. The following preset filters offer significant convenience to CAD data viewers:

• Filter by attributes such as object type, material, color, status, name, or any metadata property.
• Filter by manufacturing information (PMI)
• Filter by change date or version

The software also supports advanced searches. For instance, Boolean expressions or logic can filter for a particular object type that was changed on a specific date.

Subsequently, 3DViewStation users can perform highly interactive analysis with the combination of selection and filtering. Result can be saved and later reused for more efficiency. Impastato added, “Even in larger assemblies, users never lose track of the big picture. In seconds, they can find, isolate and analyze specific objects or groups of objects.”

Other benefits include more effective communication among teams, which avoids misunderstanding and reduces errors. KISTERS manufacturing application, 3DViewStation is versatile for controls engineers and assembly managers as well as sales and after-sales service teams.