Industry asks for a code to guide
3-D modeling; ASME answers

Emily M. Smith
ASME NEWS

ASME's Codes and Standards Department is getting ready to release a new standard, which will be the first global guide to modeling on computer in 3-D.

The new code — designated ASME Y14.41, Digital Product Definition Data Practices — will be used by the aerospace, automotive and defense industries, as well as by the design engineering community at-large.

Because Y14.41 will be the only code available for 3-D modeling at the time of its release later this summer, the ASME standard is expected to help advance the process by which products will be designed, manufactured and inspected.

3-D modeling is rapidly becoming the design tool of choice among engineers. Responding to requests from industry and the U.S. Department of Defense, ASME initiated the development of this standard in the fall of 1997.

ASME Y14.41 establishes requirements and references documents applicable to the preparation and revision of digital product definition data, or data sets. This standard defines the exceptions and additional requirements to existing ASME standards for using product definition data sets or drawings in 3-D digital format.

The 3-D standard supports the model-only application and the digital format applications for modeling and drawing that are used in instances where "print" or "paper drawing" are still required. The structure of 14.41 begins with the requirements common to both methods, and then branches into sections that have different requirements for each method.

The standard also provides a guide for the many computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to develop better modeling and annotation practices for CAD and engineering disciplines.

With Y14.41, the documented 3-D models can be used instead of, or in addition to, conventional 2-D drawings.

The areas of industry that are expected to gain the greatest benefit from the Y14.41 standard include tolerance analysis, inspection machine programming, machine tool programming, preparation of installation manuals and cost estimation.

For additional information or to order ASME Y14.41, contact ASME directly at (973) 882-1167 or (800) 843-2763.

 

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