3D-MBD Integration:
Revolutionize
Inspection Planning

High QA’s 3D Model-Based Definition (MBD) feature transforms how you approach inspection planning by leveraging 3D CAD models as the single source of truth. Integrated into IM/360 CORE, this tool works within Inspection Manager to seamlessly connect Part & Job Planning, Production & Data Collection, and Reporting & Submissions into a unified workflow. By automating PMI data extraction, High QA ensures alignment across design, manufacturing, and quality processes.

Overview

The 3D-MBD Integration module enables users to extract GD&T and PMI data directly from 3D CAD models, creating a “Golden Record” that drives inspection planning and eliminates data silos. Supporting a wide range 
of native and neutral CAD file formats, this tool ensures data accuracy, improves collaboration, and accelerates workflows while meeting industry standards like AS9100 and APQP.

Key Benefits

Automated Data Recognition

  • Extract GD&T and PMI data directly from native CAD models, saving time and reducing the probability 
of human error.

Versatile File Support

  • Compatible with most major CAD formats, from CATIA to SolidWorks, helping to ensure flexibility for any manufacturing workflow.

Integrated Workflow

  • Convert 3D views into 2D inspection plans  that integrate seamlessly with the Bill of Characteristics (BoC).

Customizable Views

  • Manage CAD views, rearrange dimensions, 
and create customized inspection sheets for streamlined processes.
Simplify and automate manufacturing quality processes with High QA software
Simplify and automate manufacturing quality processes with High QA software
Simplify and automate manufacturing quality processes with High QA software
Simplify and automate manufacturing quality processes with High QA software

Supported CAD Files for 3D MBD

Inspection Manager supports a wide variety of neutral and native CAD formats, enabling automated 3D PMI data extraction for formats capable of carrying out 3D PMI. The table below provides the complete list of supported data formats and their respective 3D PMI capabilities.

High QA's supported CAD file types
FORMAT VERSION EXTENSIONS PMI
3MF 1.2.3 3MF File type(s) do not support PMI data
ACIS Up to 2020 SAT, SAB File type(s) do not support PMI data
Autodesk 3DS Any 3DS File type(s) do not support PMI data
Autodesk DWF Any DWF, DWFx File type(s) do not support PMI data
Autodesk Inventor Up to 2021 IPT, IAM MBD/PMI data is not supported
CATIA V4 Up to 4.2.5 MODEL, SESSION, DLV, EXP MBD/PMI data is not supported
CATIA V5 Up to V5-R2020 CATDrawing, CATPart, CATProduct, CGR MBD/PMI data is supported
CATIA V6 Up to V5-6 R2019 (R29) 3DXML MBD/PMI data is supported
COLLADA Any DAE File type(s) do not support PMI data
AutoCAD 2D Up to AutoCAD 2019 DWG, DXF MBD/PMI data is not supported
AutoCAD 3D Up to AutoCAD 2019 DWG, DXF MBD/PMI data is not supported
Creo - Pro/E Pro/Engineer 19.0 to Creo 7.0 ASM, NEU, PRT, XAS, XPR MBD/PMI data is supported
FBX ASCII: 7100 to 7400 FBX File type(s) do not support PMI data
IGES 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 IGS, IGES MBD/PMI data is not supported
JT Up to v10.5 JT MBD/PMI data is supported
NX - Unigraphics V11.0 to NX 12.0 and 1953 PRT MBD/PMI data is supported
Parasolid Up to 33 X_B, X_T, XMT_TXT MBD/PMI data is supported
PDF All Versions, Specific formats PDF MBD/PMI data is supported

Simplify the Process

With High QA’s 3D MBD tools, you can:

  • Quickly load 3D models and extract PMI data automatically.
  • Rearrange dimensions using drag-and-drop functionality for clarity.
  • Generate 2D inspection plans and populate the BoC for further analysis.
Simplify and automate manufacturing quality processes with High QA software

Discover More

Transform your inspection planning with HighQA’s 3D MBD Integration tool. Discover how it extracts PMI data from 3D CAD models, enabling seamless alignment across design, manufacturing, and quality processes. Schedule a demo today to see how this tool can revolutionize your workflows.