When allowing customer downloads of models, suppliers should consider what dimensions or features are necessary for their customers to design using the supplier's models. A more complex model might seem more realistic, but might impact file size and reveal too many proprietary product details. A simpler model might not provide enough information for potential customers to make informed design decisions.
Necessary Model Details
These might include, but are not limited to:
- Overall component size
- Component shape
- Mounting holes
- Alignment and interface features, couplings, and connections
- Port sizes and locations
- Lubrication joints
- Fan vents
- Flanges
- Keyways and keys
- Textual attributes indicating or explaining properties that might be useful to the potential customer
Optional Details
- Branding/Logo features
- Cosmetic detail and features
- Cosmetic detail, such as fillets and rounds
Details to Exclude
- Internal details and parts specific to the internal functionality of the component
- External features that might reveal proprietary supplier information or intellectual property
- External features not used by potential customers
- Complex detailed features not used by potential customers
Too much detail increases file size, which can impact your catalog size. Potential customers might add these models to large assemblies, so a simpler model might be better for them.