Hello everyone! "Teremon", Shoki Ohara. In this series, "Teruemon's 3D Monozukuri Consultation Center", I will focus on "common problems" that I face in practicing 3D monozukuri, and share my experience and knowledge about their solutions and necessary ways of thinking. We will explain the basics in detail.
⇒Click here for serial back number
Let's take a look at this theme.
Today's theme: Consultation file (9)
I would like to share the 3D data created by the design department with 3D CAD with other departments in the company and make good use of it... What kind of tools and methods are available?
Teremon's response
Despite the introduction of 3D CAD and designing in 3D in the department that carries out design work, post-process work is progressing mainly with 2D drawings. There are many cases where If the 3D data created with much effort can be used by people other than the design department in their work, we should be able to expect further improvements in work efficiency and quality.
This time, we will explain in detail how the design department shares 3D data created by 3D CAD with other departments and utilizes the 3D data throughout the company.
Using a viewer to share/utilize 3D data
When checking (viewing) 3D data in other departments, it is necessary to introduce the same 3D CAD used in the design department. there is no. Of course, if the purpose is to create 3D data, it is necessary to introduce 3D CAD (a mechanical one can cost more than 1 million yen), but if you just want to check the 3D data, you need a "Viewer" )” can be used.
There are viewers that come with 3D CAD, and others that allow you to view 3D data on a web browser, both free and paid.
A famous one is "3D PDF". 3D PDF can be viewed with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is also used in general office work, but in order to use it, 3D data created with 3D CAD must be exported to 3D PDF format data. Depending on the type of 3D CAD, there are some that support exporting as 3D PDF, but if not, you need to purchase a converter separately or consider another method.
Figure 1 Left: Example of viewing 3D PDF with "Adobe Acrobat Reader"/Right: Example of viewing 3D data with iPad app "eDrawings" [Click to enlarge]The 3D data that can be viewed in the viewer is generally in polygon format or manufacturer-specific format data, and the data volume is lighter than that created with 3D CAD. In addition, the viewer is equipped with functions other than shape modification, such as functions specialized for shape confirmation, such as checking dimensions (size), cutting cross-sections, and adding notes. Because the data is light, even if you don't have a high-spec PC or workstation, you can check the shape from various angles while rotating the 3D data lightly in a general PC environment.
However, since the viewer is only for viewing 3D data (confirmation of shape), it is necessary to exchange data with 3D CAD when performing work such as CAM or CAE. For troubles related to data exchange and how to solve them, please refer to Part 7 of the series, "When I imported the received 3D CAD data, the shape was damaged...".
Figure 2 An example of converting 3D data created with 3D CAD "SOLIDWORKS" and displaying it with the viewer "eDrawings". The 3D data imported into the viewer is lighter in data volume [click to enlarge]Recently, there have been many applications that allow you to check 3D data on tablet terminals, and the person in charge With a tablet terminal in one hand, it can be used in a variety of situations, such as performing assembly work while checking 3D data at a manufacturing site, or having a meeting while viewing 3D data at a sales office. Above all, it's a big advantage to avoid carrying heavy and bulky mobile workstations and laptops.
There is also a viewer that allows you to view 3D data on a web browser. It does not depend on the usage environment such as PC specifications, does not require installation, and can be used from anywhere as long as there is an Internet connection environment. Some of them allow you to set passwords and permissions, so you can use them with peace of mind in terms of security.
In addition, when design studies and design reviews are conducted between multiple stakeholders in remote locations, they are connected in real time via a common platform, etc., and can hold meetings while checking 3D data, make comments, etc. Some of them can exchange information.
Promoting operational reforms by utilizing 3D data/viewers throughout the company 1|2|3Next page
