Introduction

In 3DEXPERIENCE Works, design and detailing workflows are streamlined through powerful web-based applications. While xShape and xDesign enable 3D part and assembly creation, xDrawing plays a critical role in accelerating drawing release by supporting 2D drawings and Model-Based Definition (MBD) in a single environment.

What is xDrawing?

xDrawing is a 2D Drawing and MBD application that helps define, organize, and communicate manufacturing information directly from 3D models using annotations.

Manufacturing Definition Creator Role

The Manufacturing Definition Creator role enables users to detail product information by combining 2D drawings and MBD functionalities within xDrawing.

Key capabilities:

• Create and manage 3D model geometry information

• Add annotations for tolerances, datums, and machining details

• Generate detailed 2D drawings with dimensions

Note: Only the 3DXML file format is supported.

Creating Model-Based Definitions (MBD)

• Import or Open 3DXML File
  Open the 3DXML file directly from 3D Space in xDrawing.

• Create Drawing Views
  Use the View Creation tools to generate required views:

  

  3D Views

  • Isometric

  • Dimetric

  • Trimetric

  2D Views

  • Front, Rear

  • Top, Bottom

  • Right, Left

  Special Views

  • Auxiliary View (using inclined faces)

  • Flatten View (Sheet Metal only)

  • Section View (internal structure using planes)

2. Add Views to Model Definition Manager

Select the required views and add them for detailing.

Adding Annotations

Annotations are created directly on specific views using tools from the Annotation tab.

You can add:

• Dimensions

• Geometric tolerances

• Datums

• Manufacturing notes

Front View

Right View

Section view

Once completed, all annotation data can be copied directly into the drawing sheet.

Creating 2D Drawings

1. Open Drawings Environment or use Create Sheet

2. Define:

   • Sheet name

   • Sheet format

   • Layout

   • Projection angle

3. Default model attributes automatically link to the sheet

4. Drag and drop annotated views from 3D Views into the drawing sheet

All annotations remain associative and update automatically.

Adding BOM Table and Ballooning

A Bill of Materials (BOM) is essential for manufacturing.

Steps to add BOM:

• Go to Annotations > BOM Table

• Choose from:

  • BOM Table

  • General Table

  • Cut List

  • Bend Table

• Customize columns based on manufacturing requirements

After creating the BOM, use Auto Ballooning to add balloons to drawing views for easy part identification.

Generating Output

Once the 2D drawing is complete:

• Save the file

• Release 3D and 2D data using Tools > 2D Output

Supported formats:

• 3D Views: PDF

• 2D Views: PDF, DWG, DXF 

Conclusion

xDrawings in 3DEXPERIENCE Works enables faster and more reliable drawing release by combining 3D annotations, Model-Based Definition, and associative 2D drawings in a single environment. By using xDrawing with the Manufacturing Definition Creator role, teams can create accurate views, apply critical annotations, generate BOMs, and publish manufacturing-ready outputs with minimal effort. This integrated approach reduces manual rework, improves data consistency, and ensures a smooth transition from design to manufacturing.