Necessary use of multiple software tools to create and consume model-based definition (MBD) data in different, often proprietary, formats results in substantial non-value-added integration costs for the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry. An open, vendor-neutral standard format as the common language is critical. Multi-company members of the Aerospace & Defense PLM Action Group (AD PAG) tested ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP242) and commercial translation tools that support data exchange and interoperability requirements for existing MBD design processes. This paper presents MBD element descriptions and support-level results. The AD PAG concluded that identified gaps in the standard and translation tools limit MBD adoption. Therefore, it’s imperative that standards communities and PLM software providers work with the A&D industry to bridge the gaps, ensuring protection of A&D legacy data and processes.
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