Digital Thread

Video Case
Study
Drew Gregory and
Cheyenne Kleist
Digital Thread vs Digital Twin
Digital Thread
A framework of
communication that allows a
flow of a product, in order to
show the Product life Cycle
across functional perspective.
Digital Twin
The overall collection of
digital data that represents an
object or program.
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 Benefits of Digital Thread and Digital Twin
Digital Thread
◎ Good quality for large amounts of
information
◎ Manage multiple layers of change
◎ Good for making model based enterprise
◎ Instant data access along the product
value chain
Digital Twin
◎ Predict how a product or process will
preform
◎ Show parts throughout lifecycle
◎ Continuous refinement of designs and
model
◎ Early discovery of system performance
deficiencies by simulating results
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 History of Engineering Graphic Timeline

Perspective techniques Engineering graphic

were used in the Orthographic projection continuously
Renaissance technique invented 2D Cad systems invented evolving today

1300-1500 1770 1980 1990 Today

Descriptive Geometry 3D CAD systems invented

invented

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History of Engineering Graphic Cont.

◎ All of these are related to digital twin and thread for the documentation of the
product, and the 3D CAD systems allows easier simulations and processes to
be done allowing for a better product. Each one of these have a role.
◎ Digital Thread is closely bound to the origins of PLM systems by maintaining a
single version of CAD systems cheaper and efficiently
○ Product Lifecycle Management is like the maintenance of Digital Thread
from conception through manufacturing
◎ Digital Twin is an expansion of the 3D CAD that is now expanded to include
manufacturing data

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Difference between Product Lifecycle Management,
Digital Thread, and Digital Twin

◎ Digital Twin gives a single twin an opportunity to be

leveraged by different roles and applications while
Digital Thread gives a universal access to data

◎ Product Lifecycle Management or PLM is there to

manage the design system and the engineering process
all in one place making it overlook both of these
processes.

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Most Benefited Industries

◎ Manufacturing industries for aerospace, nuclear, medical

devices, and defense
○ Facilitates the right storage and management
○ Manage large amounts of data and complex supply
chains
○ Faster time to market
○ Reduce production scrap

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Existing Barriers for Companies

◎ Disruptive Technologies
◎ High Up-Front Investment
◎ Skills Gap
◎ Information Security Concerns

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Element of Digital Thread

◎ Heavily related to CAD models

○ They are easier to manage and have much more
flexibility to change within multiple layers
◎ Have many other uses, but CAD is the most common
◎ The parts have a business outcome in mind during the
process
◎ It is able to turn the programs into being useful for
manufacturing

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Thank you

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References
○ https://www.ibaset.com/benefits-of-adopting-the-digital-thread/
○ https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/what-is-digital-twin
○ http://tolerancing.net/engineering-drawing/engineering-drawing-history.html
○ https://www.ptc.com/en/blogs/corporate/digital-twin-digital-thread
○ https://www.industryweek.com/technology-and-iiot/systems-integration/article/22007865/de
mystifying-the-digital-thread-and-digital-twin-concepts
○ https://blog.rgbsi.com/the-digital-thread-in-manufacturing
○ https://www.coursera.org/lecture/digital-thread-implementation/challenges-and-benefits-of-imple
menting-the-digital-thread-T4oDd

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