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DESIGN & MANUFACTURING FEATURE faCturing data gap
interoperability Challenges aCross engineering systems Another challenge is interoperability between the many software systems used in modern manufacturing. A typical engineering workflow may involve:
• CAD platforms used for product design • CAM software for generating machining strategies
• Metrology software for inspection programming • PLM systems used to manage product data. Each system may use its own data
structures and formats. While geometry can often be transferred between platforms, the semantic meaning of the data, such as tolerances, datum references or feature definitions may not always translate reliably. For inspection processes in particular, this
information is critical. Metrology software must understand not only the shape of a part, but also the tolerances that define acceptable variation. If these details are lost during data
transfer, engineers must recreate them manually when building inspection routines. This slows programming and increases the likelihood of errors. Traditional neutral formats such as STEP
support model exchange but may not always preserve the full richness of model-based product information required for automated workflows. To address this, manufacturers are increasingly
adopting standards-based data exchange frameworks designed specifically for quality and manufacturing processes.
enabling ConneCted workflows with mbd and Qif One of the most effective ways to reduce data translation issues is through Model-Based Definition (MBD). In an MBD workflow, the 3D CAD model
becomes the main source of product definition. Instead of relying on separate drawings, the model itself contains: • GD&T definitions • Annotations and notes • Feature requirements • Material information. This approach ensures that design intent is
embedded directly within the digital model and accessible throughout the manufacturing process. However, to maintain this information across
different software platforms, organisations also require a reliable way to exchange model-based data. This is where the Quality Information Framework (QIF) plays a key role. Developed by the Dimensional Metrology
Standards Consortium, QIF is an open, XML-based standard designed to support the exchange of quality and metrology data across the product lifecycle. QIF acts as a structured container for
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model-based product information. It preserves GD&T definitions, feature characteristics, coordinate systems and measurement requirements in a machine-readable format. This allows multiple systems to access
the same dataset. CAM software can use the information to inform manufacturing strategies, while metrology software can automatically generate inspection routines aligned with the original design intent. Inspection systems can then record
measurement results against the defined characteristics, maintaining traceability between design requirements and measured outcomes.
towards zero-error data transfer By combining Model-Based Definition with QIF- based data exchange, manufacturers can begin to establish a continuous flow of product information across design, manufacturing and inspection. This connected approach offers several
practical benefits. It reduces manual data entry, which in turn accelerates engineering workflows, while also improving accuracy because design intent is interpreted directly by downstream systems. In addition, it enhances traceability by linking inspection results to the original product characteristic and enables faster feedback loops between quality and engineering teams. For design engineers, the ability to embed and
preserve product manufacturing information directly within the CAD model means that critical tolerances and inspection requirements no longer need to be recreated downstream. In essence, these technologies help
establish the foundations of a digital thread – a continuous flow of information that connects the entire manufacturing lifecycle.
building the digital thread in praCtiCe Implementing connected workflows does not require organisations to replace their existing software environments. Many manufacturers are instead adopting incremental approaches based on open standards. Early steps often include introducing
model-based definition within CAD systems, adopting standards such as QIF for data exchange, and integrating inspection software with model-based product data. By building workflows around open
standards, manufacturers can connect existing tools rather than replacing them entirely. Over time, this allows organisations to strengthen the digital continuity between design, production and inspection. As products and manufacturing systems
become more complex, maintaining reliable product data across the lifecycle will become increasingly important. For design engineers and
Ian Mottashed JUNE 2026 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 47
uCtion and inspeCtion
manufacturing teams alike, ensuring that critical product information flows seamlessly across systems may be key to improving both efficiency and quality in modern production environments.
Hexagon
https://hexagon.com/
“For design engineers, the ability to embed
and preserve product manufacturing
information directly
within the CAD model means that critical tolerances and inspection
requirements no longer need to be
recreated downstream. In essence, these
technologies help establish the
foundations of a digital thread”
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