3DCS Variation Analyst

The 3DCS Variation Analyst, developed by Dimensional Control Systems, Inc. (DCS), is a software solution specifically designed for tolerance analysis in assembly processes and tolerance stacks using 3D models. Targeting leading manufacturers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, electronics, and machinery, this tool caters to the needs of design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and quality engineers. It offers a range of features to optimize processes, mitigate variation risk, manage rework and scrap, validate GD&T, and analyze measurement data for improved product quality and efficiency.

Key Features

CAD Integrated Simulation: Seamlessly integrating with popular CAD platforms like CATIA V5-V6, SOLIDWORKS, PTC CREO, and Siemens NX, the software enables users to perform tolerance analysis directly within the CAD environment. This eliminates the need for separate software and ensures efficient and accurate data transfer between the CAD model and simulation.

Part and Process Variation Simulation: By simulating both part and process variation, engineers can assess their impact on assembly and final product functionality. This feature facilitates informed decision-making in design and manufacturing processes, resulting in more accurate outcomes by considering the different types of variation.

GD&T Validation and Optimization: The software allows users to validate and optimize Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) based on manufacturing processes. Through testing, optimization, and improvement of GD&T, users can enhance product quality and determine the most suitable GD&T conditions for cost-effective and high-quality production.

Optimization of Processes: Users can simulate manufacturing and assembly processes to determine the optimal methods and sequence of operations. This feature aims to improve efficiency, reduce variation, and minimize lead times, scrap, and rework by optimizing processes.

Reduction of Variation Risk: Addressing variation during the design phase, this feature helps improve product quality and minimize the risk of failure. Users can identify and mitigate sources of variation using 3DCS software, enabling them to address variation early in the design process and avoid costly rework.

Rework and Scrap Control: By simulating the impact of variation on the final product, users can make design adjustments to minimize defects and enhance overall quality. This feature has the potential to reduce costs associated with rework and scrap.

Measurement Data Analysis: The software utilizes measurement data from the plant to resolve production issues using the CAD model. By comparing measurement data with the CAD model, users can identify and address discrepancies or variations, aligning real-world production data with the digital model for effective problem-solving and quality improvement.

Digital Twin Simulation: Users can simulate fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing processes alongside product assembly. This feature helps identify primary sources of variation and make changes to improve quality without adjusting tolerances. Users can find optimal conditions for increased quality and reduced cost through iterative changes in the model.

GeoFactor Analysis: This feature enables users to analyze the geometric relationship between components and the overall assembly. By assessing the multiplicative effect of tolerances on the product's dimensional quality, users can make informed decisions to optimize product performance by evaluating the impact of specific tolerance changes.