SolidWorks MBD
Product data management (PDM) software
Specification management software
Environmental, quality and safety management software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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What is SolidWorks MBD
SOLIDWORKS MBD (Model-Based Definition) is an add-in for SOLIDWORKS that publishes 3D models with embedded product and manufacturing information (PMI) such as dimensions, tolerances, and annotations to support downstream manufacturing and inspection. It is used by mechanical design and manufacturing engineering teams to reduce reliance on 2D drawings and standardize how specifications are communicated. The product focuses on creating and distributing 3D-based definition packages (for example, 3D PDFs and eDrawings) rather than providing full product data management or enterprise quality/EHS management capabilities.
3D PMI-based specifications
It supports adding and organizing PMI (dimensions, tolerances, notes, GD&T) directly on the 3D model within SOLIDWORKS. This helps teams keep specification intent tied to geometry and view states rather than separate 2D drawings. It can improve consistency of manufacturing and inspection interpretation when downstream users consume the published 3D definition.
Standardized publishable outputs
It publishes MBD deliverables such as 3D PDF and eDrawings that package model views and annotations for broader consumption. These formats are commonly used for sharing with suppliers, shop-floor personnel, and quality teams without requiring full CAD authoring access. The publishing workflow is designed to create repeatable, template-driven outputs for internal release processes.
Tight SOLIDWORKS integration
As a SOLIDWORKS add-in, it works inside the same CAD environment used to create the models and drawings. This reduces context switching and leverages existing SOLIDWORKS configurations, display states, and annotation tools. It fits well for organizations already standardized on SOLIDWORKS for mechanical design.
Not a PDM system
It does not provide core PDM functions such as check-in/check-out, revision-controlled vaulting, lifecycle workflows, or multi-user change control. Organizations typically need a separate PDM/PLM system to manage released files, approvals, and audit trails. This can add integration and licensing complexity when teams expect a single system for both authoring and data governance.
Limited enterprise specification governance
It focuses on model-level PMI and published packages, not enterprise-wide specification management such as requirements traceability, cross-product specification libraries, or formal change impact analysis. Managing specifications across multiple products, plants, or regulated documentation sets generally requires additional systems and processes. As a result, it may not meet broader specification governance needs on its own.
Not EHS or QMS software
It does not provide dedicated environmental, health and safety management features such as incident management, risk assessments, compliance registers, or corrective/preventive action workflows. Quality management capabilities are limited to communicating inspection-relevant annotations rather than managing nonconformances, audits, or supplier quality processes. Companies seeking EHS/QMS functionality typically deploy specialized platforms alongside CAD tools.
Seller details
Dassault Systèmes SE
Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
1981
Public
https://www.3ds.com/
https://x.com/3DS
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dassaultsystemes/
