CADIQ is ITI TranscenData's innovative 3D CAD model validation and product data quality product. CADIQ identifies potential shape and fit problems and compares differences between 3D CAD parts and assemblies. These quality issues and introduced changes often affect reusability of engineering data in downstream processes such as analysis, manufacturing and data migration. CADIQ's production tested validation functionality allows users to accurately compare geometry, topology, feature definitions and assembly product structure. Validation can be performed between up to four CAD models and leads to a deeper understanding of a company's CAD system revision, data exchange, legacy CAD data remastering, feature based translation or product configuration processes. If a company is creating products based on 3D CAD Parts or Assemblies and must avoid quality issues and unexpected change, CADIQ is an invaluable part of an effective design and manufacturing strategy.
For more information, visit the CADIQ Product Page.
MBD Validation
Model-Based Design (MBD) System Validation
Model Based Design (MBD) System Validation includes Model-Based Engineering, Model-Based Manufacturing and Model-Based Sustainability. With the objective of the model being the master, you can minimize the use of drawings, and integrate into all phases of the product lifecycle. A model-based Definition (MBD) Model includes:
- Structure
- Geometry
- Annotations (aka 3D PMI, GD&T, FT&A, etc.)
- Model attributes
- Domain-specific data
Why MBD Model Validation?
If “the model is the master” then downstream modifications must be reconciled with the product design model. If you “integrate all phases of the product lifecycle” then the design model must be reusable in simulation, manufacturing, support, etc. There is a need for MBD validation in the following scenarios:
- Simulation Validation - Unacceptable differences and unsynchronized changes undermine MBD integration of design and simulation
- Design Change Validation - Clearly communicate geometry and feature parameter changes to downstream users
- Manufacturing Validation - Defects and translation differences undermine MBD integration of engineering and manufacturing
- Legacy Migration Validation - Unacceptable differences introduced during migration undermine MBD reuse of legacy data.
- Product Lifecycle Transition Validation - MBD processes are undermined if the model is not validated at critical transitions in the product lifecycle.
Long Term Data Archival
Document any quality defects in the design model to set appropriate expectations for the reusability of the archive data. Verify that any derived forms of the design model, e.g. STEP, are equivalent in quality and shape to the master model. If using STEP, add validation properties to the STEP model which can be used by a future recipient to validate that a future translated (imported STEP) CAD model is equivalent to the master model. These validation properties could also be used to verify the equivalence of any archive data format conversions which are required to maintain the archive over time.
Data Delivery Certification
CADIQ verifies that the design model has no quality defects which will impede anticipated downstream use of the model. It will also verify that any derived forms of the design model (IGES, STEP, CAD translations…) are equivalent in quality and shape to the master model. When using STEP, you can add validation properties to the STEP model which can be used by the recipient to validate that a translated (imported STEP) CAD model is equivalent to the master model.
While CADIQ has always promoted Native System Interfaces as the most robust approach for validation, not all scenarios allow access to native CAD systems. This is especially the case with smaller suppliers that must adhere to typical OEM partner mandates or quality specifications. These procedures often specify that converted forms of original CAD Master Models be properly validated to confirm that the original product design intent was not altered.
Validation Scenarios
Design for Manufacturing Reuse Verification
Identify quality defects in the design model that impede reuse for manufacturing, e.g. tooling design. Identify the design features that cause each defect to help the designer effectively remove it. Identify shape changes between the design and manufacturing models to verify that they are acceptable within manufacturing requirements. Compare design revisions to identify shape changes to guide manual updating of the manufacturing model (rather than rebuilding it for each design revision).
Design Revision Documentation
Identify quality and shape changes between revisions of a design model. Verify that any previous quality defects have been resolved. Determine if any unintentional changes have been introduced.
Legacy Design Migration Validation
Identify quality and shape changes introduced while migrating a CAD model from a legacy system into your current design system. The migration method can be BREP translation, feature translation or manual remastering. When using neutral file exchange (IGES, STEP, Parasolid), identify if any changes are introduced during export or import. Compare migration methods to identify the best options.
Translation Validation
Identify quality and shape changes introduced while translating a CAD model from a supplier or partner’s design system into your design system. The translation method can be BREP translation, feature translation or manual remastering. When using neutral file exchange (IGES, STEP, Parasolid), identify if any changes are introduced during export or import. After manually remastering a model, compare design revisions to identify shape changes to guide manual updating of the remastered model (to avoid divergence). Compare translation methods to identify the best options.
Design for Simulation Validation
Identify quality defects in the design model that impede reuse for simulation modeling. Identify the design features that cause each defect to help the designer effectively remove it. Identify shape changes between the design and simulation models to verify that they are acceptable within simulation objectives. Compare design revisions to identify shape changes to guide manual updating of the simulation model (rather than rebuilding it for each design revision).
Engineering Change Validation
Identify quality and shape changes introduced during modification of a design model for an engineering change request. Verify that the modified model has no quality defects which will impede anticipated downstream use of the model. Verify that all required changes were made as specified and that no unintentional changes were introduced. Use this to verify that the change documentation is complete and accurate. Complement the documentation with static and/or dynamic 3D graphics which highlight and quantify the changes.
