Rule-based color coding for 3D
Models
Agenda
• Introduction
• Motivation for tolerance annotation within a 3D model
– Current challenges
• Alternate techniques
– Color coding
• Examples
– General tolerances
– Injection mold tools
• Summary and future
E-Mail [email protected]
Telefon +49 9131 – 53387 02
Adresse Weisse Herzstr. 2a
D-91054 Erlangen
1989 Studies of Mechanical
engineering, Erlangen
1994 Design support and CAD
administration at Braun
GmbH, Kronberg
2014 CEO at B&W Software
GmbH, Erlangen
Jan Stothfang
B&W Software GmbH
• Add-ons for 3D CAD System
PTC Creo Parametric
• Since 1997 at Erlangen
• 13 employees
• Development partner from PTC
• 10+ Standard Software Products
• 40+ Resellers worldwide
• 200+ Customer projects
Motivation
• On the roadmap to IoT or Industry 4.0‚Model-Based-
Definition‘ (MBD) is an essential requirement.
– Transfer of Product Manufacturing Information (PMI)
into 3D Model
– Semantic (machine readable) definition of surface properties and
permitted manufacturing tolerances
• Traditional 2D-drawing is a show stopper when trying to
unlock automation potential.
Realization - Objective
• Transfer from 2D drawing information into 3D model– Geometry and geometry referencing information
– Unrelated informationen
– Version history and process informationen
– Trend to GD&T (ISO GPS system) instead of 2-point dimensions
Notes
Attributs
GD&T
Dimensions
Symbols
Datums
NotesSurface Finish
Tables
Tolerance information in 3D model
• Challenges while displaying and communicating GD&T
within the 3D model
– Clarity in complex models
– Manual selection and placement process
– Type of consumption
• Presentation – Representation
– Human expertise
– Data transfer through interfaces
Requirements
• Tolerance information
– Directly tied to respective surface
– Without any offset ‚symbols‘ related to geometry
– Application in a rule-based or automated manner
– Machine and human readable and understandable
Alternate Approach
• Color coding
– Direct at surface
– RGB values machine readable
– Assoziative legend information
– Useful for surface profile tolerance, position tolerance and
surface properties.
Realization - Objective
• Transfer from 2D drawing information into 3D model
Notes
Attributs
GD&T
Dimensions
Symbols
Datums
NotesSurface Finish
Tables
Example General tolerances
• ISO 20457:2018 for plastic parts
Example General tolerances
• Calculation of tolerance grade
Pg = P1+P2+P3+P4+P5
• Definition of tolerance value
• Surface profile tolerance– By table 9
• Position tolerance– By table 10
Example General tolerances
Example General tolerances
• Finding the Dp ‘dimension’
– ‘The furthest distance of the toleranced element to the origin of
the datum system used for the position tolerance or profile form
(Dp) shall be applied to determine the tolerance.’
Example General tolerances
• Visualization in 3D model
Beispiel Allgemeintoleranzen
Beispiel Allgemeintoleranzen
Beispiel Allgemeintoleranzen
Beispiel Allgemeintoleranzen
Beispiel Allgemeintoleranzen
Beispiel Allgemeintoleranzen
Beispiel Allgemeintoleranzen
Beispiel Allgemeintoleranzen
Beispiel Allgemeintoleranzen
Example Injection Mold Plate
• Color palette from VDWF (The Association of German
Tool and Moldmakers)
Example Injection Mold Plate
• Preparing and using the color table within rules
– Rule-based / automatic application of colors and legend
– Manufacturing according to color coding
Assessment of the approach
• Benefits of color coding
– Very easy visualization for humans
– Possibility for automation through rules
– Reliable transfer of RGB-values through neutral interfaces
• Disadvantages
– Stacked tolerances or difficult tolerance situations are not
covered yet by color coding
– Limited color codes distinguishable for human eye
Summary
• Color coding to communicate tolerance information
already used in real world
• Currently not useable for difficult tolerance situations
• A hybrid approach combining traditional tolerance
display and colors covers even more situations.
Future
• Master thesis at University of Erlangen to explore
techniques to use color coding for even more
sophisticated tolerance situations.
Thanks for your attention!
Top Related