CASE STUDY
This article explores the practical implementation of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) according to the ISO GPS standards, focusing on the functional definition and consistent application of Datum Reference Frames (DRFs). DRFs, derived from a component’s functional geometry and assembly sequence, constrain six degrees of freedom to ensure stable alignment and reproducibility during production and assembly.
tolerances mbdvidia comparevidia gdtadvisor cetol
CASE STUDY
The development of medical devices presents unique technical, regulatory, and economic challenges, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to ensure patient safety, reliability, and market competitiveness. Medical devices span a wide spectrum—from drug delivery systems to surgical robots—and must meet stringent functional, material, and regulatory requirements. A critical and often underestimated factor influencing their performance and manufacturability is mechanical variation, the inevitable deviation from nominal design that occurs during production.
biomechanics
CASE STUDY
Dimensional management in modern manufacturing demands more than just accurate geometric tolerances—it requires data consistency, traceability, and automation across the entire product lifecycle. Traditional practices like annotated PDFs and Excel-based inspection plans introduce risk and inefficiency by detaching product and manufacturing information (PMI) from the 3D model. Siemens’ NX Inspector addresses this challenge through the introduction of Model-Based Characteristics (MBC)—standards-compliant, machine-readable data objects that convert each PMI requirement into a uniquely identified, traceable element within the CAD environment.
mbdvidia tolerances
CASE STUDY
A collaborative project between Nissan Technical Centre Europe, RBF Morph, and the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” showcases how multi-physics optimization is revolutionizing automotive wheel design, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs). By integrating styling, structural analysis, and aerodynamics within a unified workflow enabled by advanced mesh morphing technology (rbfCAE), designers can optimize wheels for lightweight, strength, and aerodynamic efficiency without compromising aesthetics.
automotive optimization
CASE STUDY
Designing efficient, grease-lubricated gearboxes—particularly for high-load applications like steering drives—presents unique engineering challenges. SPN Schwaben Präzision, in collaboration with EnginSoft GmbH, uses advanced simulation tools to optimize gearbox lubrication, focusing on lifetime performance and minimal maintenance. Grease offers advantages such as long-term stability and effective adhesion but requires precise control of quantity and targeted distribution to prevent wear or overheating.
particleworks cfd
CASE STUDY
Fatigue design of large welded structures presents significant challenges due to complex geometries and variable loading conditions, especially in industries such as offshore engineering. While nominal stress-based methods remain widely used, they often fall short when applied to intricate welded details. This study investigates the use of MAGNA FEMFAT, a commercial fatigue analysis tool, to evaluate the fatigue strength of large welded K-nodes typically found in small offshore platforms.
marine
CASE STUDY
ECM Technologies has significantly streamlined the design, installation, and commissioning of its large-scale heat treatment systems for the automotive industry by using digital twin technology and Rockwell Automation’s Emulate3D software. Faced with tight timelines and software compatibility challenges during a major project in Mexico, ECM used virtual models to simulate and test their systems in parallel with production. This approach reduced commissioning time by 50%.
digital-manufacturing emulate3d industry4 rockwell
CASE STUDY
This article is the first part of a four-part mini-series exploring key aspects of modern tolerance management in product development. It focuses on Dimensional Management (DM) — a simulation-based engineering methodology essential for ensuring dimensional quality across a product’s lifecycle.
tolerances mbdvidia comparevidia gdtadvisor cetol
CASE STUDY
This study by Hitachi Rail investigates how various designs of energy absorbers perform under offset collision conditions in railway vehicles. Using finite element simulations (240 in total), the research explores different absorber geometries—such as thin-walled multi-cell and bi-tubular structures—and analyses how factors like thickness, shape, and cross-sectional dimensions affect energy dissipation.
automotive rail-transport
CASE STUDY
The aerospace industry is embracing a cutting-edge workflow that combines virtual reality (VR), reduced order models (ROMs), and mesh morphing to revolutionize aerodynamic design. Developed through a collaboration between the University of Rome Tor Vergata and RBF Morph, this approach allows engineers to explore and adjust designs in real time within an immersive 3D VR environment
aerospace rbf-morph vrd
CASE STUDY
This paper explores the transformative potential of Extended Reality (XR)—encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—when integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in industrial and engineering applications. XR technologies enable businesses to visualize, interact, and optimize product designs, training processes, and customer support functions.
digital-manufacturing optimization artificial-intelligence