To overcome these challenges, KISTERS 3DViewStation supports Model Based Definition (MBD) processes – which means that all production-relevant product information is stored in the digital 3D model right from the start. MBD makes the 3D CAD model the source authority, also called 3D master. 3DViewStation supports the use of annotated 3D CAD models and visualizes annotations on the source file quickly and easily. For all processes downstream of design – from sales and work preparation to quality assurance. “A good 3D viewer can semantically read and display the 3D annotations in the CAD model,” explained Jim Eardly, U.S. Sales Director for KISTERS. “The 3DViewStation visualizes these as an alternative to the drawing in a particularly clear and efficient way. These can be, for example, annotations, exploded views, parts lists, sections, surface information or tolerances.” The KISTERS viewer also supports the reading of PMI (Product Manufacturing Information) from numerous sources such as Catia, Creo, NX, JT, STEP as well as 2D PDFs with attached JT. In addition, you can create your own 3D annotations or markups and save them again in 3DVS, JT, STEP (AP242), 3D-PDF, 2D-PDF. Different revision levels can be easily compared/ Own markups such as lines, texts or position number graphics can be added and these can be saved again as PMI in KISTERS' own format 3DVS or neutral formats such as STEP or JT. All capabilities of 3DViewStation can be used either independently or in conjunction with a leading system.
With the 3DViewStation, it is possible to involve more employees in the collaborative working environment of manufacturing companies, which was previously only reserved for engineers with expensive CAD systems, Eardly noted. “By using MBD and the corresponding visualization with the KISTERS 3DViewStation, it is possible to map an efficient documentation process without having to generate additional drawings,” he said. “In this way, work processes can be accelerated, accuracy improved, and the manufacture of complex products made more efficient. Minimizing the risk of errors leads to increased productivity and reduced costs.”
Known for its modern user-interface, high performance viewing, advanced analysis and integration capabilities into leading systems, 3DViewStation ships with current and mature importers for a broad range of 3D and 2D formats including Catia, NX, Creo, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, Inventor, Revit, JT, 3D-PDF, STEP, DWG, DXF, DWF, MS Office and many more.
The latest developments of 3DViewStation can be reviewed in more detail at:
https://www.3dviewstation.com/news/blog.html
According to Eardly, KISTERS 3DViewStation is continuously enhanced in response to customer needs and requirements. It is available as Desktop, VR-Edition and HTML5 WebViewer product versions plus the online collaboration tool VisShare. All product flavors are intended to be used together with a PLM, ERP or other management system product configuration or service and spare part applications, providing all necessary APIs. For cloud, portal and web solutions, there is an 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.