Quick Start Guide: MBDVidia - MBD Workflows

What is MBDVidia, and what is an MBD Workflow?

MBDVidia is used for working with three-dimensional models, designed to support the Model-Based Definition (MBD) methodology and leverage Product Manufacturing Information (PMI). It provides an interactive environment for analyzing, visualizing, and structurally representing 3D models created in various CAD systems and stored either in their native formats or in CAD neutral formats (such as STEP AP242, QIF).

Key capabilities of MBDVidia include:

• 3D visualization

• Saved Views support

• PMI support

• MBD-driven workflow

Typical workflows include:

• Import of MBD CAD models

• Data quality validation

• Inspection planning

• Reporting and publishing

• Inspection data analysis

• Extended digital workflows

This quick start guide provides a brief overview of the 3D MBD capabilities of MBDVidia.

MBDVidia can also use ISO QIF to automatically balloon your 2D PDF and create your BoC and inspection documents.

For more info on these workflows, see the quick start guide here: Quick Start Guide: MBDVidia - Balloon 2D

Loading a Part

MBDVidia supports a variety of neutral and native CAD formats, but for optimal results, it’s best to use an MBD standard like QIF or STEP AP242.

To load a part, click the “Open” button located in the top-left corner of the MDBVidia window. Browse for the desired file, select it, and click “Open”.

The part file opens in the Model window. Use the middle mouse button to orbit around the model, hold Ctrl and the middle mouse button to pan, and scroll the middle mouse wheel to zoom in or out.

Viewing and modifying geometry, annotations, and features

The Model Tree on the left side of the window functions similarly to most model tree navigators in CAD software. It allows you to access and view all your CAD geometry, 3D annotation characteristics and features, as well as your Saved Views.

The checkbox beside each model entity lets you control its visibility in the 3D view. To hide an entity, simply uncheck the box. (Keep in mind, this doesn’t remove the entity; it just makes it invisible!) Additionally, you can access your Saved View and Annotation View.

Saved Views

If your model was exported with saved views, you can find them in the Model Tree under the Saved Views section.

Double-clicking a Saved View will display the model in corresponding view state.

Viewing and customizing the BoC

If the BoC feature is not enabled by default, you can activate it by selecting the Bill of Characteristics button in the View tab, positioned on the far-right side.

All characteristics are automatically recognized and assigned to appropriate tab in the BoC:

• Main tab - Contains toleranced dimensions and GD&T

• Datums - Contains all datums defined with PMI in the model

• Non-measurable - Contains Notes, symbols

• Basic/Reference Dimensions - Contains basic dimensions and reference dimensions

• General notes and tables - Contains general notes, flag notes

• Welds - Contains welds and welding information

Exporting data to an inspection report

From the BoC, we can export detailed reports, including:

• AS9102 FAIR (First Article Inspection Reports)

• Welding reports

• ISIR Reports

• Custom reports tailored to your company's needs

For this example, we’ll export an AS9102 report into Excel. All reportable characteristics will be exported to the AS9102. When you're ready to generate your AS9102 FAI report, simply click the Export button at the top of the BoC.

Importing Inspection Data

When you add measurement results and save it to the Excel report, you are ready to import it back to MBDVidia, click the Import button and choose the already exported excel spreadsheet.  

Now, you can view the model and BoC results columns displaying the results from the AS9102 report.

Visualizing the data collected from measured parts

You can explore a wide range of chart types to visualize your results data:

• Thermometers

• Individuals

• Moving Ranges

• Cpk

• Ppk

FAQ