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MBD and 3D dimensioning · Lesson 1: Discover MBD and DimXpert

The MBD workflow end to end, then DimXpert basics: datums, geometric tolerances, size and location dimensions.

Lesson goal

Understand the complete MBD workflow and add the first DimXpert annotations to a part.

▶

2 videos

✎

1 exercise

Intermediate

↳

No prerequisite

1. Watch the videos

Dassault Systèmes videos hosted on MySolidWorks: they open in a new tab and a free account is enough. Watch them in order.

SOLIDWORKS MBD OverviewVideo 1▶SOLIDWORKS MBD OverviewDefine the model in 3D, capture 3D views and publish a 3D PDF and an eDrawings file.↗ DimXpert FundamentalsVideo 2▶DimXpert FundamentalsThe DimXpertManager, the Auto Dimension Scheme and the different types of annotations.↗

2. Key takeaways

1

MBD (Model Based Definition) places manufacturing information, the PMI, directly on the 3D model.

2

The DimXpertManager groups all the part's DimXpert annotations in a dedicated tab.

3

The basic annotations: datums, geometric tolerances, Size and Location dimensions.

4

The Pattern Feature tool creates a Collection Pattern to dimension a group of holes in one go.

Tip

Start with a simple prismatic part you know well: you can compare the 3D annotations with the existing drawing.

3. Do the exercise

On a machined plate with four holes:

  • define three datums on the main faces
  • dimension the size of one hole and create a Collection Pattern for all four
  • add a position tolerance to the pattern
✓To check: The DimXpertManager lists the datums, the pattern and the tolerance, and every hole is covered by the annotation.

Stuck on the exercise or on a real part?

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