3DCS FEA Compliant Modeler Add-on

Bring Finite Element Analysis into your tolerance analysis system to account for flexible materials, parts, heat, force, and gravity

Analyze the Variation From Flexible Parts and Assembly Processes

Compliant vs. Rigid Modeling

Traditional variation analysis methods are considered to be “rigid-body” or “non-compliant” modeling; meaning, that every part within the assembly does not flex or would not be distorted through an assembly process such as welding, clamping or unclamping of an assembly fixture.

While this might be the case with a few machined components, most commodities and materials like sheet metal, plastics, aluminum, etc. can be heavily influenced through the manufacturing processes (both fabrication and assembly), thus changing the dimensional integrity or shape of the part/assembly. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to determine the stresses and displacements in mechanical objects and systems, and is the basis for this leading edge advancement in predictive analysis.

3DCS FEA Compliant Modeler, an add-on module to the 3DCS software solutions, utilizes FEA methods to accurately simulate variation of compliant parts and assemblies within the 3D Variation Analysis model.

Add Finite Element Analysis to Any Version of 3DCS with 3DCS FEA Compliant Modeler Add-on

Combine 3DCS Compliant Modeler Add-on with Integrated Finite Element Analysis Solvers from our Industry Partners

Accurate Finite Element Analysis FEA

Combine traditional tolerance analysis with FEA analysis to determine the impact of clamping, force, gravity and heat on your parts

Optimize Assembly and Manufacturing Processes

When welding, bolting, riveting or assembling parts, the order and the process can have as much of an effect on final results as the parts themselves. Riveting can stretch aircraft aluminum skin, assembling can bend and cause spring back, and bolting can warp materials. Simulate, test and determine the best order of operations and the impact these processes will have on your parts.

Add Material Properties to Models

See how the material reacts to forces in the model and alters the amount of variation inherent in the system.

Use rubber bushings and washers. See how rivets and bolts affect aluminum sheets. Find out how environmental and operational heat deforms components.

Take Your Tolerance Analysis to the Next Level

Get Started with FEA and 3DCS

Clamp parts together
Apply gravity so that parts sag and dip from their own weight
Use spot welds and joins to parts
Check sequences of processes for optimal placement
Determine the impact of thermal effects from the environment or function

Optimize Assembly and Processes

How many clamps do you need?
Where is the best place to put them?
Will the order of welds affect the assembly differently?

Advanced applications for optimization will are covered in this webinar on-demand.

Optimize Sequences with AAO Add-on

Combine 3DCS FEA Compliant Modeler with 3DCS AAO Add-on
Determine the order of operations that produces the least variation and travel time
Special algorithms reduce the number of analyses needed
Reduce manual calculations with configurable simulations

Stretch and Deform Aluminum in Aerospace Structures

When flexible parts are in an assembly, or the effects of gravity and force affect the final assembly, 3DCS FEA Compliant Modeler can create more accurate results.

Test Tooling, Clamping, Welding, and Processes

Create series of clamps and welds, and then release the clamps to understand how the parts will deform.

Best Practices for Using 3DCS FEA Compliant Modeler

Learn more

Clamping and Manufacturing Sequences

Optimize assembly sequences and order of operation

Test different assembly sequences and processes such as welding, riveting, bolting and clamping to find optimal placements, order of operation and the effect on the assembly.

Optimize Assembly and Manufacturing Processes

Determine optimal placement and order of operation for processes

Concentrated Force or Joining of Two Parts

Connect parts with welding or bolting

Determine how welding, bolting and connecting parts affects the dimensional characteristics of your product. Find out how the use of flexible materials like aluminum changes the way your product reacts to manufacturing processes.

Gravity, Thermal or Springback

Parts sag from their weight, or expand when welded or in use. Automotive hoods flex and bend to product springback force, and aluminum skin in aircraft stretches and distorts when riveted. Determine how these processes and forces affect your product’s quality, and account for it through process change, tolerance changes or tooling.

Over Constrained Assemblies

How does pressure, force and tooling affect the dimensional quality?

Determine the changes to your product based on constraints, forces and operations.

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How does pressure, force, and tooling affect the dimensional quality?

Determine the changes to your product based on constraints, forces, and operations.