How to communicate 3d CAD with complex surfacing?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the communication of complex 3D CAD designs, particularly those involving intricate surfacing, to professionals in manufacturing, such as mold or tool makers. Participants explore methods for sharing CAD files, dimensioning complex geometries in 2D drafting, and representing designs in documentation for quality control purposes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to effectively communicate complex CAD designs to professionals, particularly regarding file formats like IGES and STEP.
  • Another participant mentions that STEP files are widely recognized and can facilitate feature recognition, while expressing difficulties with IGES files.
  • It is noted that non-geometric surfaces are typically not dimensioned, as this can lead to confusion due to the interpretability of reference points.
  • Participants discuss the importance of inspection data and documentation for compliance with standards like FDA or ISO, suggesting that referencing inspection drawings may suffice.
  • One participant seeks clarification on the term "non-geometric surfaces," suggesting it may refer to cosmetic features lacking engineering significance.
  • Another participant shares insights from their experience in metrology, describing the process of sending CAD files to manufacturing departments and the use of coordinate measurement machines (CMM) for real-time inspection.
  • There is a mention of laser scanners as an additional inspection method, with a participant expressing concern about the costs associated with such technology for hobbyists.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the best practices for communicating complex CAD designs, with no clear consensus on a single method or approach. The discussion includes differing opinions on file formats, dimensioning practices, and the role of inspection documentation.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the audience's familiarity with CAD terminology and processes are present. The discussion does not resolve the complexities involved in dimensioning non-geometric surfaces or the best practices for documentation in compliance contexts.

RKD89
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Hello everyone

I am sure the answer to this would be on the internet but I can't seem to find much.

When we create a complex 3d cad (examples include Aerodynamic Helmet of a cycle biker, computer mouse, exhaust fan blades etc) that includes complex surfacing in cad, how does one communicate the designs to others in the PROFESSIONAL world? Example to mold or tool makers?
Is it by directly by sending the relevant 3d cad files in iges/step files?
How does one dimension such complex geometries on 2d drafting (autocad or pdf)?

Also how does one represent it in company documentations (say for ISO type quality control )
 
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Step is well recognized by most CAD software, some with good feature recognition capabilities can actually recreate the build path. I had personal issues with IGES.
Non-geometric surfaces are not usually dimensioned as it makes no sense, and would generally lead to confusion as reference points/geometries are interpret-able.
In documentation, sometimes you just refer to a CAD file.
 
As Lok said you might refer to a CAD file.

Alternatively, you will (I assume) need to inspect the manufactured part. The inspection data will be described on a separate drawing or an inspection sheet. For FDA or ISO compliance, a reference to that inspection drawing/sheet is sufficient.
 
@ Lok: Thanks for the reply.
What does non-geometric surface mean? Cosmetic features with no engineering importance?

@Bandit127: Thanks for the reply
I have heard about this. Try to quanitify certain features such as mating parts, box dimensions, certain ratios etc
Can you give an example? Some you have worked on (that you are comfortable to share with) ? Or something online. It'll be great
 
I have sold metrology instruments and equipment since 1980. Your question is typical in my sales world. CAD computer assisted design. The CAD file is typically sent to the CAD ( computer assisted manufacturer) department where the tool path is programmed to actually mill, shape, drill the part. Next, the part is placed on a CMM (coordinate Measurement machine ) and the production part is inspected and compared to the CAD model in real time. I can go into minute detail if you like but this is the general process in the chip cutting world.
 
@Ranger Mike:
I forgot about CMM. I guess there are laser scanners too.
Of course it'll be expensive for hobbyist like me.

Thanks
 

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