Summary

Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) conveys non-geometric manufacturing information associated with a 3D CAD model.

PMI may include:

  • Geometric dimensions and tolerances

  • 3D annotations and text

  • Dimensions

  • Surface finish information

  • Material specifications

GibbsCAM can import PMI data from supported CAD formats using the Spatial importer. PMI data imported into GibbsCAM is visual only and is not imported as machine-readable manufacturing data.

Table of Contents

Before You Begin

Before importing PMI data:

  • Verify that the CAD file contains PMI information.

  • Confirm that the file is being imported using a supported Spatial importer.

  • PMI support is available for supported SolidWorks, NX, Creo, STEP AP242, and CATIA files.

Procedure

Step 1 – Import the CAD File Using the Spatial Importer

GibbsCAM can use the Spatial importer to import PMI data from:

  • SolidWorks

  • NX

  • Creo

  • STEP AP242

  • CATIA

Import the CAD file using the appropriate File > Import workflow.

Expected Result

The CAD model and supported PMI information are imported into GibbsCAM.


Step 2 – Enable PMI Display

After the CAD file has been imported:

  1. Locate the floating toolbar in GibbsCAM.

  2. Locate the PMI toggle button.

  3. Select the toggle button to enable PMI viewing.

Expected Result

The available PMI information is displayed with the imported CAD model.


Step 3 – Use PMI as Visual Reference

Review the displayed PMI information as needed while working with the CAD model.

PMI can provide visual reference for manufacturing information such as dimensions, tolerances, annotations, surface finish, and material specifications.

Additional Information

What Is PMI?

Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) communicates non-geometric manufacturing attributes associated with a 3D CAD model.

PMI can include:

  • Geometric dimensions and tolerances

  • 3D annotations

  • Text and dimensions

  • Surface finish

  • Material specifications

PMI is commonly used with 3D models in model-based definition workflows.

Supported PMI Sources

GibbsCAM can use the Spatial importer to import PMI data from:

  • SolidWorks

  • NX

  • Creo

  • STEP AP242

  • CATIA

PMI Is Visual Only

Imported PMI data does not become machine-readable data in GibbsCAM. It is provided as visual information that can be viewed alongside the CAD model.

Best Practices

  • Use PMI as a visual reference when working with imported CAD models.

  • Verify that PMI is enabled using the floating toolbar when the information is not visible.

  • Confirm that the source CAD file contains PMI before troubleshooting its display.

  • Use the appropriate Spatial importer for supported CAD formats.

Troubleshooting

  • Problem: PMI data was included in the CAD file but is not visible in GibbsCAM.

Possible Cause

PMI viewing is disabled.

Resolution

Use the PMI toggle button on the floating toolbar to enable PMI viewing.


  • Problem: PMI information is visible but cannot be used as machine-readable data.

Possible Cause

This is expected behavior.

Resolution

PMI data imported into GibbsCAM is visual only. It does not become machine-readable manufacturing information.


  • Problem: PMI data does not import from a CAD file.

Possible Causes

  • The CAD format is not supported for PMI import.

  • The file was not imported using the appropriate Spatial importer.

  • The source CAD file does not contain PMI data.

Resolution

Verify that the CAD file is from a supported source and that the appropriate Spatial importer is being used.

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Keywords

PMI Data, Product and Manufacturing Information, PMI, CAD PMI, PMI Import, PMI Display, Spatial Importer, SolidWorks PMI, NX PMI, Creo PMI, STEP AP242 PMI, CATIA PMI, Manufacturing Information, CAD Import