MBE Standardization and Validation

Published

July 6, 2011

Author(s)

Joshua Lubell, Nathan W. Hartman, Doug Cheney

Abstract

3D Model-Based Engineering (MBE) is an approach to product design, manufacturing, and support where a digital three-dimensional representation of the product serves as the normative source for information communicated throughout the product’s lifecycle and supply chain. MBE simplifies data management and provides a more powerful communication medium than 2D-based environments. Lightweight formats, offering a low-cost way for humans to view and potentially for applications to consume geometry and Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), are a critical component of MBE and enable collaboration without requiring that business partners buy expensive Computer-aided Design (CAD) systems. These formats are becoming increasingly popular and increasingly complex as their representational capabilities grow. Their value to industry is driving a push for standardization. We discuss the advent of MBE, the standards and technologies that make it possible, and the importance and challenges of product data validation.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 7796

Report Number

7796

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7796

Keywords

MBE, STEP, JT, PDF, PRC, visualization, CAD, PLM, PMI, 3D

Citation

Lubell, J. , Hartman, N. and Cheney, D. (2011), MBE Standardization and Validation, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7796 (Accessed October 9, 2025)