topic Re: Revision History in MBD Models in 3D Part & Assembly Design

Revision History in MBD Models

OM_10919029 — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:39:28 GMT

Traditionally, our company uses a revision block on 2D drawings to show the current revision and list all changes from the previous version. As we transition to model-based definition (MBD), I'm trying to determine the best way to display revision history directly within the 3D model.

My first thought would be to use a table similar to what we do in 2D drawings; however, I am currently using Creo 7.0.2.0, and editable tables are not added until Creo 11 from what I've seen. My second thought would be to have separate combined states for each revision displaying everything that has changed, but if a change is made to a dimension that is not initially displayed in the model, such as basic dimensions, how should that be documented for approval purposes? Another thought would be to use "Is/Was" reports, but this seems to be tedious, and I had the same question about what to do with dimensions that are not initially displayed.

Would anyone who has experience with this be able to weigh in on the best way to proceed? I'm looking for best practices that make it easier for quality, manufacturing, and analysis teams to review and approve changes directly from the model/3D pdf.

Re: Revision History in MBD Models

gtwalker — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:03:56 GMT

One of the important aspects of MBD is to consider carefully the information that is included in the model. Assuming you have a PDM or PLM like Windchill that tracks the revisions through ECN's, duplicating the revision information in the model provides an opportunity for errors.
Just because you had that information listed on a drawing does not always mean that information needs to be included in a model in MBD.

We still use drawings in many applications, but most of our drawings do not show a BOM, revision history, or approvals as all of that is already in Windchill.

This is just a suggestion based on many MBD presentations I have seen and found on the internet.

Re: Revision History in MBD Models

Srinivasan-Iyer — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:51:27 GMT

Hi my povs are as under

| the best way to display revision history directly within the 3D model

Assuming that you are on Windchill, Revision history can be captured in the Windchill itself.

Now for Displaying Revision History the following methods may be considered and used whatever works best for your organization.

Method 1

Assign colour to surfaces that have the revision.
Prefix the dimension that has changed with a symbol. Assign references to the surface to which the dimension refers to. That way, when the dimension is selected, the surfaces would be highlighted.

Method 2

Create a Flat to Screen Annotation Stating the Revision on one corner of the screen and mark it as a "Security Marking". This would ensure that the Text would appear in all the combination States.

Method 3

Save the earlier revision as say... xxx_rev0.prt with the current document being xxx.prt

With xxx.prt open go to Tools --> Compare part

Choose xxx_rev0.prt. Enter suitable Measurement spacing (say 1 mm) and tolerance of 0.25 mm

Capture the screen (save as jpg) to show what has changed.

Method 4

Create a Revision Symbol with Variable Parameter for Revision (A, B, C or R1, R2...)

Insert the Symbol and create references to the surfaces that have changed.

Symantic Query would highlight the Surfaces that have changed.

You may choose to use either of the above or a combination thereof.

Re: Revision History in MBD Models

anursingh — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:23:16 GMT

Hi @OM_10919029,

I wanted to see if you got the help you needed.

If so, please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution. It will help other members who may have the same question.
Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please pursue the conversation.

Thanks,
Anurag