SOLIDWORKS MBD is a model-based definition solution that helps users define product and manufacturing information directly within the 3D model. Instead of relying only on separate 2D drawings, teams can use the 3D model to communicate dimensions, tolerances, annotations, notes and manufacturing details.
This helps engineering, manufacturing, quality and supplier teams work from more complete product information. SOLIDWORKS MBD supports clearer communication, more consistent documentation and a stronger foundation for model-based workflows.
Highlights:
Traditional 2D drawings can still be useful, but many businesses need a clearer way to communicate design and manufacturing information from the 3D model itself. SOLIDWORKS MBD helps teams move towards a model-based approach by keeping key manufacturing details closer to the product definition.
SOLIDWORKS MBD helps teams communicate dimensions, tolerances, annotations and manufacturing notes directly through the 3D model. This gives downstream teams a clearer view of the design intent and product requirements.
Key points:
Model-based definition can help reduce the need to create and maintain separate 2D drawings for every design. By placing key product manufacturing information in the 3D model, teams can simplify documentation and reduce duplicated effort.
Key points:
Manufacturing and quality teams need clear product information to make, inspect and verify parts. SOLIDWORKS MBD helps provide that information in a structured model-based format, supporting better communication across departments.
Key points:
SOLIDWORKS MBD gives users tools to add, organise and publish product manufacturing information from the 3D model. These capabilities help teams communicate design requirements more clearly across engineering, manufacturing, quality and supply chain workflows.
Add product manufacturing information such as dimensions, tolerances, datum features, notes and annotations directly to the 3D model. This helps teams keep important manufacturing details connected to the design.
Key points:
Publish product information in formats that can be shared with downstream teams, suppliers or manufacturing departments. 3D PDF outputs can help communicate product requirements without depending only on native CAD access.
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Organise annotations, dimensions and notes into clear views that help users understand the model from different manufacturing or inspection perspectives. This helps reduce clutter and makes model-based information easier to interpret.
Key points:
SOLIDWORKS MBD supports teams moving towards model-based engineering and manufacturing workflows. By making the 3D model a more complete source of product definition, teams can improve clarity across the product development process.
Key points:
SOLIDWORKS MBD is useful for teams that need to communicate design intent, manufacturing requirements and inspection information directly through the 3D model. It supports applications where clear product definition and downstream communication are important.
Define dimensions, tolerances and manufacturing notes directly in the 3D model for clearer downstream use.
Share model-based information with suppliers so they can better understand design and manufacturing requirements.
Support inspection planning and quality review by communicating product requirements through structured 3D information.
Help teams release product information in a format that is easier to review, understand and reuse across departments.
Support businesses that want to reduce reliance on 2D drawings and move towards model-based definition.
Define 3D Annotations
Organize 3D Annotations
Publish 3D Data with Annotations and Views
Minimize Scrap and Rework
Eliminate Time-to-market Delays
Reduce Service Costs
SOLIDWORKS MBD is a tool that lets you add manufacturing information directly to a 3D model.
This includes dimensions, tolerances, notes, and annotations, all stored in the model instead of on separate 2D drawings.
MBD stands for Model-Based Definition. It means the 3D model becomes the main source of manufacturing information, rather than relying on traditional 2D drawings.
With standard drawings, dimensions and notes live on 2D sheets.
With SOLIDWORKS MBD, that same information is attached directly to the 3D model.
This makes it easier to understand the design intent and reduces the need to create and maintain drawings.
SOLIDWORKS MBD supports dimensions, geometric tolerances (GD&T), surface finish symbols, notes, and other manufacturing annotations.
All of this information stays linked to the 3D model.
Yes. The annotated 3D model can be shared with manufacturing, quality, and inspection teams. This helps ensure everyone works from the same source of information without reinterpreting drawings.
Yes. SOLIDWORKS MBD works directly with native SOLIDWORKS part and assembly files. It builds on existing SOLIDWORKS workflows rather than replacing them.
No. For users familiar with SOLIDWORKS, SOLIDWORKS MBD is straightforward to learn. It uses familiar annotation and dimensioning tools, just applied directly to the 3D model.
Yes. Cadmes offers SOLIDWORKS MBD training to help teams understand how to apply model-based definition correctly, including best practices for annotations, GD&T, and sharing MBD data with downstream teams.
Yes. Cadmes assists organisations in adopting SOLIDWORKS MBD by guiding the transition from drawing-based workflows to model-based definition, at a pace that suits the business.
Yes. Cadmes provides local technical support to help with setup, best practices, and questions related to using SOLIDWORKS MBD in real production environments.
Buying SOLIDWORKS MBD through Cadmes gives you access to local expertise, training, and support.
This helps ensure model-based definition is applied correctly and delivers practical value across your design and manufacturing process.
SOLIDWORKS MBD helps teams define and communicate product manufacturing information directly through the 3D model. Cadmes can help you choose the right licence, request pricing and implement SOLIDWORKS MBD in a way that supports your documentation and manufacturing workflows.
