What are some of the latest trends and developments in GD&T software and tools?

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is a system of symbols, rules, and definitions that specify the size, shape, orientation, and location of features on a part. GD&T helps engineers, designers, manufacturers, and inspectors communicate and verify the design intent and quality of products. GD&T software and tools are essential for creating, analyzing, and validating GD&T specifications on 2D drawings and 3D models. In this article, we will explore some of the latest trends and developments in GD&T software and tools that can enhance your productivity, accuracy, and efficiency.

1 3D Model-Based Definition

One of the major trends in GD&T software and tools is the adoption of 3D model-based definition (MBD) as the primary source of product information. MBD is the practice of embedding GD&T and other annotations directly into the 3D model, eliminating the need for separate 2D drawings. MBD can improve clarity, consistency, and completeness of GD&T specifications, as well as facilitate data exchange, automation, and digital inspection. Many GD&T software and tools now support MBD standards, such as ASME Y14.41 and ISO 16792, and enable users to create, view, edit, and validate MBD data on various platforms and formats.

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Wahyudin P. Syam

Technical project manager | Content creator
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one trend in 3D modelling trend for GD&T is 3d skin-model. This 3D modelling techniques tries to model part surfaces with real surface conditions, that is a surface is not perfectly smooth, there are some texture on it. Especially, the surface produced from additive manufacturing processes usually have unique traces of how the building process parameters have been selected, such as layer thickness that causes stair-case effect on the surfaces (depending the part building orientations. These surface texture variations directly affect the GD&T verification process as the texture (reconstructed from probed points captured by an instrument) will directly affect the tolerance zone calculations in GD&T verification.

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2 GD&T Advisor

Another trend in GD&T software and tools is the integration of GD&T advisor functions that can assist users in applying GD&T correctly and efficiently. GD&T advisor functions can provide guidance, feedback, suggestions, and validation for GD&T specifications, based on the design intent, functional requirements, manufacturing processes, and inspection methods. GD&T advisor functions can also help users avoid common errors, ambiguities, and inconsistencies in GD&T application, as well as optimize the tolerance allocation and analysis. GD&T advisor functions can be embedded in CAD software, standalone applications, or web-based platforms.

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3 GD&T Simulation

A third trend in GD&T software and tools is the use of GD&T simulation techniques that can simulate the effects of GD&T variations on the part geometry, assembly, and performance. GD&T simulation techniques can help users visualize, quantify, and evaluate the impact of GD&T tolerances on the dimensional and functional quality of products, as well as identify potential issues, risks, and opportunities for improvement. GD&T simulation techniques can include tolerance analysis, tolerance stack-up analysis, Monte Carlo analysis, statistical analysis, and worst-case analysis. GD&T simulation techniques can be performed on 2D drawings or 3D models, using dedicated software or integrated modules.

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Wahyudin P. Syam

Technical project manager | Content creator
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One of the current trend in GD&T is the applications on non-rigid parts or parts with compliances. these type of parts are different with rigid parts. Because, these part has properties which rigid parts do not have, such as spring-back property, shrinkage and deformations due to their weight (gravity effect). These shape deformations need to be consider with respect to the current GD&T rules that initially are designed by considering parts are rigid. For non-rigid parts, the assigned value for the GD&T should consider the part weight, the part handling during manufacturing process, the force for the fixture. These deformations may cause difficulties for profile (2d/3d) tolerances, flatness and perpendicularity and others.

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4 GD&T Inspection

A fourth trend in GD&T software and tools is the advancement of GD&T inspection methods that can measure and verify the conformance of parts and assemblies to GD&T specifications. GD&T inspection methods can involve various types of measurement devices, such as coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), laser scanners, optical comparators, vision systems, and handheld gauges. GD&T inspection methods can also utilize various software and tools that can automate the inspection process, generate inspection reports, compare actual measurements with nominal values, and calculate the deviation and uncertainty of results. GD&T inspection methods can be based on 2D drawings or 3D models, depending on the availability and accuracy of data.

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Wahyudin P. Syam

Technical project manager | Content creator
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There is challenges is verifying the current GD&T to parts manufactured by additive manufacturing technologies (AM) and also by composite manufacturing. - For AM parts, very common, the surface finish is rougher than conventional milling or turning process. Hence, this roughness will affect the tolerance zone reconstruction (make it larger than a smooth surface). Also, there is a challenge to verify the GD&T for internal features of AM parts. the only option at the moment is by X-CT measurements. - For composite manufactured parts, there is a shrinkage effect due to the nature of some composite manufacturing (in addition to spring-back effect due to thin-walled effect) on the parts that should be consider in inspection strategy.

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5 GD&T Education

A fifth trend in GD&T software and tools is the proliferation of GD&T education resources that can help users learn and master GD&T concepts, principles, and applications. GD&T education resources can include online courses, webinars, videos, podcasts, books, articles, blogs, forums, and quizzes. GD&T education resources can cover various topics, such as GD&T fundamentals, GD&T standards, GD&T interpretation, GD&T application, GD&T analysis, GD&T inspection, and GD&T best practices. GD&T education resources can also provide users with GD&T examples and solutions that can illustrate how to apply GD&T in different scenarios and industries.

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6 GD&T Innovation

A sixth trend in GD&T software and tools is the innovation of new GD&T features, functions, and formats that can address the emerging needs and challenges of the industry. GD&T innovation can involve the development of new GD&T symbols, rules, and definitions that can capture the complex geometry and functionality of modern products. GD&T innovation can also involve the enhancement of existing GD&T software and tools that can improve their usability, compatibility, interoperability, and scalability. GD&T innovation can also involve the exploration of new GD&T applications that can expand the scope and value of GD&T in different domains and disciplines.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some of the latest trends and developments in GD&T software and tools?

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1 3D Model-Based Definition

2 GD&T Advisor

3 GD&T Simulation

4 GD&T Inspection

5 GD&T Education

6 GD&T Innovation

7 Here’s what else to consider

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing

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