# Model-Based Definition: Revolutionizing Product Design & Manufacturing Transform product development by leveraging 3D models as the authoritative source for engineering specifications, streamlining collaboration and enhancing efficiency across the entire product lifecycle. What is Model-Based Definition? Model-Based Definition (MBD) is a groundbreaking approach to product design and manufacturing that utilizes 3D models as the primary source of information for defining product specifications. Unlike traditional methods that rely on 2D drawings, MBD incorporates all necessary data directly into the 3D model, including **Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing** (GD&T), **materials**, **Bills of Materials**, **engineering configurations** and **design intent**. How does MBD Revolutionize Product Design? MBD's revolutionary approach eliminates the need for separate 2D engineering drawings, streamlining the entire product development process. By centralizing all product information within a single 3D digital data set, MBD enables seamless collaboration between **engineering**, **manufacturing**, **quality control** and **supply chain partners**. This not only enhances accuracy and reduces errors but also facilitates rapid prototyping and direct manufacturing from the 3D model, ultimately revolutionizing how products are designed, developed and brought to market. Key Benefits of Model-Based Definition Enhanced Collaboration & Communication ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2020-07/icon-417-multi-discipline.png) Improved Accuracy & Reduced Errors ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2023-09/icon-072a-positionning.png) Streamlined Manufacturing Processes ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2020-12/icon-362-virtual-production.png) Cost & Time Savings ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2023-10/icon-433b-time-budget.png) MBD & Sustainability in Product Development & Manufacturing Model-Based Definition (MBD) enhances sustainability by reducing the need for physical prototypes, cutting material waste and energy use. It improves manufacturing accuracy, leading to fewer errors and less scrap, while **enabling the design of optimized**, **energy-efficient products**. MBD also supports **better end-of-life management**, **promoting recycling and reuse**. Overall, MBD streamlines product development, contributing to more sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing practices. [model-based-definition-sustainability](/media/21769) [ Learn more about sustainable production & manufacturing ](/sustainability/circular-economy/sustainable-production) Model-Based Definition Across Industries Discover how electrical design transforms various industries through specialized solutions and applications. Aerospace & Defense MBD enables aerospace and defense companies to manage complex designs with greater precision by embedding all manufacturing and inspection information directly within the 3D model. This approach improves regulatory compliance, enhances traceability and supports long lifecycle product maintenance. [Dassault Systemes Solutions Aerospace and Defense](/media/19030) [Go to Aerospace & Defense](/industries/aerospace-defense) Industrial Equipment Industrial equipment manufacturers use Model-Based Definition to improve production efficiency and quality by providing detailed 3D data that drives automated manufacturing processes. MBD eliminates the ambiguities of 2D drawings, minimizing rework and accelerating time-to-delivery. [Dassault Systemes Solutions Industrial Equipment](/media/19492) [Go to Industrial Equipment](/industries/industrial-equipment) Life Sciences & Healthcare MBD streamlines the development of medical devices by embedding critical compliance and manufacturing data within 3D models. This ensures faster regulatory approvals, improves product quality and accelerates the time-to-market for life-saving technologies. [Dassault Systemes Solutions Life Sciences & Healthcare](/media/19027) [Go to Life Sciences & Healthcare](/industries/life-sciences-healthcare) Marine & Offshore In the marine and offshore industry, MBD helps manage the complexity of large-scale structures by delivering precise 3D specifications. It improves collaboration between design, engineering and fabrication teams, supporting the construction of safer, more sustainable vessels and platforms. [Dassault Systemes Solutions Marine & Offshore](/media/19493) [Go to Marine & Offshore](/industries/marine-offshore) Transportation & Mobility In the automotive sector, Model-Based Definition replaces traditional 2D drawings with comprehensive 3D annotated models. This streamlines communication across design, engineering and manufacturing teams, accelerating the development of innovative vehicles and reducing errors. [Dassault Systemes Solutions Automotive](/media/19026) [Go to Transportation & Mobility](/industries/transportation-mobility) Dassault Systèmes' Approach to MBD: Empowering Digital Transformation Empowering innovation and efficiency, CATIA and ENOVIA, powered by the **3D**EXPERIENCE platform, deliver cutting-edge Model-Based Definition (MBD) capabilities. This connected approach embeds product information directly into 3D models, streamlining collaboration, enhancing manufacturing precision and accelerating time-to-market. Advanced 3D Modeling and Annotation CATIA offers powerful 3D modeling and annotation capabilities, enabling designers to embed comprehensive product information directly within digital models. Supporting the MBD approach, CATIA drives greater design precision and manufacturing readiness from the earliest stages of development. [ Explore CATIA's MBD Capabilities ](/products/catia/engineering) SOLUTIONS Collaborative PLM for Model-Based Definition ENOVIA connects teams across the enterprise by managing and sharing MBD data in real time. It ensures that stakeholders always access the latest 3D product definitions - improving collaboration, accelerating approvals and strengthening decision-making throughout the product lifecycle. [ Explore ENOVIA for MBD Collaboration ](/products/enovia) SOLUTIONS Collaborative Engineering & Manufacturing Cloud-based MBD solutions enable real-time collaboration, enhance cross-functional communication and streamline global workflows. Dassault Systèmes’ cloud-based solutions ensure secure access to up-to-date product data anytime, anywhere. [ Explore cloud collaboration for MBD ](/cloud/collaborative-engineering-manufacturing-model-based-definition) SOLUTIONS 3DEXPERIENCE Platform: Unified MBD Solution The **3D**EXPERIENCE platform provides a fully integrated environment for implementing Model-Based Definition across design, engineering and manufacturing. It connects every stage of the product lifecycle, ensuring data continuity, reducing development cycles and fostering innovation at scale. [ Discover the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform ](/3dexperience) SOLUTIONS ## Experience the Real-World Value of MBD Solutions Explore how companies of various sizes have benefited from implementing Model-based definition. [ Explore more customer stories ](/insights/customer-stories) Use Cases: Key Business Functions of MBD Software Product Design and Engineering MBD revolutionizes product design by allowing designers and engineers to work directly with 3D models containing all necessary information. This approach enables quick iterations, **virtual testing** and **performance simulations**, **reducing the time and cost of physical prototyping**. Engineers can also ensure that all components fit together perfectly in the digital environment before production. Manufacturing and Quality Control MBD enhances manufacturing and quality control by allowing teams to use 3D models directly for **programming CNC machines**, **tooling** and **production setup**, eliminating the need for 2D drawings. Quality control benefits from embedded 3D measurements and tolerances, enabling automated inspections and ensuring consistent product quality. Supply Chain Management MBD streamlines supply chain management by enabling seamless communication with suppliers through shared 3D models containing all necessary product information. This approach reduces miscommunication, minimizes errors in part production and facilitates efficient change management, **ensuring all parties work with the latest product version**. Dassault Systèmes' Key Values: Driving Innovation with MBD Digital continuity ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2020-12/icon-362-virtual-production.png) Collaborative innovation ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2020-07/icon-417-multi-discipline.png) Virtual twin experience ![](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2022-08/icon-423-augmented-reality.png) Get in Touch with Our Experts Fill in the form to have a Dassault Systèmes expert contact you to answer your questions and discuss any of your needs. Let’s transform your MBD journey together — contact us today! [Contact us](/how-to-buy) Model-Based Definition FAQs What is MBD using PMI? Model-Based Definition using **Product and Manufacturing Information** (PMI) is a method of embedding detailed product data directly within a 3D CAD model. PMI includes critical information such as geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), material specifications, surface finishes and other annotations that define the product’s characteristics and manufacturing requirements. What is an example of model-based definition? An example of Model-Based Definition (MBD) is the use of a fully annotated **3D CAD model in the aerospace industry for designing and manufacturing aircraft components**. In this scenario, instead of creating separate 2D drawings, engineers embed all necessary information, such as dimensions, tolerances, material specifications and assembly instructions, directly into the 3D model. This model then serves as the authoritative source throughout the entire product lifecycle. Manufacturing teams can directly use the 3D model to program CNC machines, perform inspections and assemble parts, ensuring that all stakeholders are working from the same up-to-date and accurate data. This approach reduces errors, streamlines processes and enhances collaboration across teams. What are the main differences between MBD and traditional 2D drawings? **Aspect****Model-Based Definition (MBD)****Traditional 2D Drawings****Primary Data Source**3D digital model with embedded Product Manufacturing Information (PMI)2D drawings derived from 3D models or created manually**Information Conveyed**Comprehensive product data including geometry, dimensions, tolerances, materials, and annotationsLimited to visual representations with separate documents for additional information**Data Consistency**Single source of truth reduces discrepancies and misinterpretationsMultiple documents can lead to inconsistencies and errors**Collaboration**Enhanced collaboration through centralized, up-to-date 3D modelsCollaboration can be hindered by fragmented and outdated documents**Manufacturing Integration**Facilitates direct integration with Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systemsRequires manual interpretation and input into manufacturing systems**Revision Management**Streamlined updates with changes reflected in the 3D modelTime-consuming updates requiring changes across multiple documents**Visualization**Interactive 3D models provide better spatial understandingStatic 2D views may not effectively convey complex geometries**Regulatory Compliance**Easier to maintain compliance with embedded standards and specificationsCompliance tracking can be challenging with dispersed documentation**Time and Cost Efficiency**Reduces time-to-market and associated costs by streamlining processesLonger development cycles with increased potential for costly errors**Adoption Challenges**Requires investment in technology and trainingWidely adopted with established practices and tools How does MBD improve product quality and reduce errors? MBD improves product quality and reduces errors by providing a single, authoritative source of product information. By embedding all specifications directly in the 3D model, it eliminates discrepancies **between drawings and models, reduces misinterpretations and enables more accurate manufacturing processes**. This integrated approach ensures consistency across all stages of product development, from design to production, resulting in higher quality products with fewer errors. What standards support model-based definition? Several standards support model-based definition, including [**ASME Y14.41**](/newsroom/press-releases/asme-y1441-2003-standard-reinforces-dassault-systemes-drive-establish-3d-plm-work-environment-extended-enterprise "ASME Y14.41-2003 Standard Reinforces Dassault Systèmes’ Drive to Establish 3D as PLM Work Environment for Extended Enterprise") **Digital Product Definition Data Practices**, [**ISO 16792**](/newsroom/press-releases/asme-y1441-2003-standard-reinforces-dassault-systemes-drive-establish-3d-plm-work-environment-extended-enterprise "ASME Y14.41-2003 Standard Reinforces Dassault Systèmes’ Drive to Establish 3D as PLM Work Environment for Extended Enterprise") **for technical product documentation** and [**MIL-STD-31000**](/newsroom/press-releases/asme-y1441-2003-standard-reinforces-dassault-systemes-drive-establish-3d-plm-work-environment-extended-enterprise "ASME Y14.41-2003 Standard Reinforces Dassault Systèmes’ Drive to Establish 3D as PLM Work Environment for Extended Enterprise") **Revision A for technical data packages**. These standards provide guidelines for implementing MBD, ensuring consistency and interoperability across different systems and industries. Additionally, other standards like **ISO 1101 and AS9100** incorporate aspects of MBD in their specifications. Can MBD completely replace 2D drawings in all industries? While MBD has the potential to replace 2D drawings in many industries, complete replacement may not be feasible or desirable in all cases. Some industries, particularly those with long-established processes or regulatory requirements, may continue to use 2D drawings alongside MBD. However, the trend is moving towards increased adoption of MBD, with many industries transitioning to a hybrid approach before potentially phasing out 2D drawings entirely. What are the challenges in implementing model-based definition? Implementing MBD faces several challenges, including the need for significant cultural and process changes within organizations. It requires **investment in new software tools and training for employees**. Ensuring compatibility with existing systems and workflows can be complex. Additionally, managing the transition from 2D to 3D-based processes, particularly in industries with established practices, can be challenging. Overcoming these hurdles requires **careful planning**, **strong leadership support** and a **phased implementation approach**. ![Model-Based Definition: Revolutionizing Product Design & Manufacturing](https://www.3ds.com/assets/invest/2025-06/cad-software-hero-banner-technologies-1920x856.jpg) Explore our MBD Solutions [ Contact us ](/how-to-buy) Model-Based Definition