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Kisters 3DViewStation is designed precisely for this purpose: as a powerful visualization tool, it supports companies in exploiting the full potential of the Model Based Enterprise. It is extremely fast, flexible, and CAD system-independent.

MBE in practice and why the 3D model is becoming the linchpin

In traditional engineering, 2D drawings contain product information such as sectional views with dimensions, surface finishes, and tolerances. This is a hindrance when this information needs to be machine-readable so that it can be processed automatically in subsequent processes such as manufacturing or quality assurance. MBE, on the other hand, takes a consistent approach: All product-related information such as dimensions, tolerances, parts lists, annotations, and metadata are contained directly in the 3D CAD model as PMIs (Product Manufacturing Information).

Kisters 3DViewStation provides exactly this access for all users in the company, from design, sales, and purchasing to manufacturing and quality assurance to after-sales and service. This makes the 3D model the central medium along the entire value chain.

“The Model Based Enterprise needs a powerful, universal visualization solution with many functionalities and PMI support. 3DViewStation ensures that information from the 3D model is available in real time to every employee, regardless of CAD licenses or CAD know-how,” explains a spokesperson for KISTERS.

Functionalities of 3DViewStation for the MBE

3DViewStation is much more than a viewer. It is an active tool for implementing the MBE approach. Key functions include:

• PMI support: Display and evaluate dimensional, tolerance, and manufacturing information directly in the 3D model.
• Multi-CAD support: Over 60 3D and 2D CAD formats, including native CAD systems such as CATIA, NX, Creo, SolidWorks, or neutral standards such as JT and STEP AP242.
• Measurement and analysis functions: Various measurement functions, sections, wall thickness and collision checks, undercut and curvature analyses.
• Version and structure comparison: Immediately detect changes to geometries, PMIs, attributes, properties, etc. in individual parts and assemblies. Important for change management.
• Markups, annotations, views: Comment on and document reviews in views, forward them by email, or transfer them to PLM/PDM systems.
• Integration & automation: Seamlessly integrable via API into PLM, ERP, or MES systems, as well as after-sales and service systems and spare parts solutions, including batch processes for conversion or checks.

With these functions, Kisters 3DViewStation ensures that the 3D CAD model can be used consistently as the “single source of truth” for MBE.

Enterprise-ready, as it can be used in all processes

MBE means not only a change in development, but in the entire organization. 3DViewStation can be used in a role- and process-oriented manner. Here are a few examples:

• In manufacturing: derive digital assembly and work instructions directly from the 3D model.
• In quality assurance: perform dimensional inspections and acceptance processes with machine-readable PMI information.
• In purchasing: evaluate supplier data using neutral CAD formats.
• In service: interactive spare parts catalogs and maintenance instructions in 3D.

Thanks to different product variants such as desktop, WebViewer (HTML5, without local installation), VR, or embedded in company portals, your own employees as well as customers and suppliers can access identical data.

Our contribution to digital transformation

The Model Based Enterprise is a key concept for implementing the digital twin. The availability of all relevant product information in the 3D CAD model enables a consistent, error-free data chain.

Kisters 3DViewStation contributes significantly to this:

• Support for both 3D model and 2D drawing-based processes
• Shortening of development and production cycles
• Faster decision-making processes thanks to company-wide and intuitive visualization
• Minimization of errors through interactive and machine-based PMI use (using semantic PMIs)
• Cost savings through CAD-independent use throughout the company

“MBE is more than a trend, it is a paradigm shift. With 3DViewStation, we ensure that companies can take this step successfully and cost-effectively,” a spokesperson continues.

About 3DViewStation

KISTERS 3DViewStation is continuously enhanced in response to customer needs and requirements. It is available as a Desktop, HTML5 WebViewer and VR Edition product versions plus the online collaboration tool VisShare. All product offerings can be integrated with a PLM, ERP or other leading management system as well as service and spare part applications. KISTERS 3DViewStation provides all necessary APIs for your development team. For cloud, portal and web solutions, there is a HTML5-based WebViewer solution available, which does not require client installation. All file formats can be used in combination with the intelligent navigation and hyperlinking features to address the needs of complex integration scenarios.