3DEXPERIENCE Model-Based Definition and 2D Drawings

Like the other browser-based modeling tools available through the SOLIDWORKS xDesign bundle, the xDrawing app enables users to design and collaborate with their team anywhere and anytime. Whether you have been modeling for years or are new to 3D CAD environments, xDrawing provides intuitive tools to help your designs come to life. Part three of our SOLIDWORKS xDesign Beginner Guide showed how to create features in xDesign and access component properties. In part five of our SOLIDWORKS xDesign Beginner Guide, we’ll discuss using xDesign parts and assemblies to leverage 3DEXPERIENCE model-based definition and 2D drawings.

Setting Up Your xDrawing Project

When working with xDesign you can easily, switch to other xApps by clicking the “Switch App” button under the Standard tab on the Action Bar. This opens a selection window where you can choose xDrawing to begin your annotation process. Alternatively, the X key on your keyboard will bring up the app switcher as well.

When launching xDrawing, a window will appear prompting you to define:

• Project Name – Specify the name of your xDrawing project.
• Location – Choose which Collaborative Space to save the files.
• Annotation Set – Select predefined settings that control the appearance and functionality of your annotations so that they can conform to the requirements of different standards such as ISO or ASME.

For more information on annotation sets, you can visit the official documentation here.

3DEXPERIENCE Model-Based Definition vs 2D Drawing Annotations

Annotations, including dimensions, tolerance information, and GD&T symbols can be added in two ways. The first way is directly in the 3D model using 3DEXPERIENCE model-based definition (MBD). The alternative way is the more traditional method of creating a 2D drawing view and then defining dimensions on that view. In recent years, the industry has shifted away from having a 100% 2D drawing for manufacturing and production instead focusing on having all the product manufacturing information shared on the 3D model, reducing the ambiguity that is introduced with traditional drawing packages.

To generate a 2D drawing, click the Add a New Sheet command and define the sheet’s parameters or load them from a template.

Adding a new sheet to a 3DEXPERIENCE drawing

Placing and Customizing Views

Once your sheet is set up, you can insert:

• 2D Views – Standard drawing views.
• Projected Views – Additional perspectives derived from existing views.
• 3D Views – For more comprehensive visualization.

Creating additional drawing views in xDrawing

Each placed view will have a circular handle that allows you to position it freely. When clicking on a view, a context menu provides additional customization options for adjusting scale, display settings, and annotation preferences.

Context menu when selecting a view

Enhancing Your Drawings with Annotations

To add annotations, navigate to the Annotations tab on the Action Bar and create the annotation you require from the options provided. After this, you can display a context menu by selecting the annotation that allows you to further refine your annotations by adding tolerances, datums, GD&T symbols, and more.

xDrawing annotation context menu

Creating Additional Views

Auxiliary views are created within the xDrawing 3D environment. Clicking the MBD Environment command under the Drawing tab of the Action Bar will switch back to 3D mode. Here, you can generate section views, auxiliary views, and more under the Views Creation tab. Once a section view is created, you can return to the 2D environment and drag it from the left panel onto your drawing.

Once you accept the section view, it becomes accessible in the left panel of the 2D environment. You can then drag it into the drawing to finalize your documentation. One of the major advantages of xDrawing over traditional tools is its bi-directional integration between 2D and 3D. Any dimensions created in the 2D environment are automatically added to the 3D model, ensuring consistency between both representations. Similarly, any views created in the 3D environment can be transferred directly to the 2D environment. This seamless transition enables greater accuracy and completeness across both design spaces. This can make it incredibly easy to start leveraging 3DEXPERIENCE model-based definition while still using your typical workflow.

Dragging a section view into the drawing

Exporting and Sharing Your Drawings

Once your views and annotations are finalized, xDrawing allows you to:

• Download your drawing or MBD file in multiple formats.
• Save the file to a designated Collaborative Space within 3DEXPERIENCE.
• Share your work with teams and communities through 3DSwym.

Exporting a drawing from xDrawing

The xDrawing app on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform streamlines the creation of both 3D MBD files and 2D drawings, offering an efficient workflow for engineers and designers. By utilizing its robust annotation tools and seamless integration with other xApps, you can ensure your designs are thoroughly documented and prepared for manufacturing. Discover xDrawings today and elevate your 3DEXPERIENCE workflow! Be sure to tune in for part five of our SOLIDWORKS xDesign Beginner Guide to learn how to leverage the 3DEXPERIENCE web-based design apps for assembly modeling and efficiently create mates.

To learn more about the powerful, browser-based design apps, read our blog here.