PTC Onshape Adds MBSE-Focused Tools
PTC's Onshape has rolled out an update adding Model-Based Definition (MBD) tools. The new features aim to streamline the design-to-manufacturing workflow, a key tenet of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). This move reflects the growing demand for integrated digital engineering toolchains in the aerospace industry.
The move to embed Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) directly into a 3D model, known as Model-Based Definition (MBD), is a core component of creating a "digital thread." This single source of truth eliminates the data silos and inconsistencies that arise from managing separate 2D drawings and specification documents, a frequent source of errors in complex aerospace supply chains. Onshape's new cloud-native MBD tools, released on February 26, 2026, are built directly into the core CAD and PDM platform hosted on Amazon Web Services. This integration means there are no extra licenses or add-ons required, making MBD accessible to all users on a project, from design engineers to quality inspectors on the shop floor. Key features of the update include integrated 3D annotations for embedding Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and weld symbols directly on the model. A smart inspection panel automatically organizes all PMI into a filterable list, with changes to the geometry immediately highlighting their impact on associated tolerances. For downstream use, the platform supports the export of STEP AP242 files, a critical standard for digital manufacturing data. This enables seamless integration with inspection and compliance software like PC-DMIS and simplifies the generation of AS9102 First Article Inspection reports, a key quality assurance process in the aerospace industry. This shift is crucial for Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), a methodology that uses digital models to manage the entire lifecycle of a complex system. By providing a machine-readable single source of data, MBD fuels automation in CAM, quality inspection, and other manufacturing processes, reducing manual data entry and interpretation errors. Early adopter Aura Aero, an aircraft manufacturer, noted that embedding certification and manufacturing requirements directly within the model is already reducing rework and review cycles. This aligns with findings from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which found that full MBD adoption can cut design-to-production cycles by as much as 75%.
