5G + Digital Twin: How MBD Models Empower Full-Process Visualization

In the wave of digitalization, 5G deeply integrated with digital twin technology, it is reshaping the core logic of industrial manufacturing. At Jiangxi Wannianqing Cement's "Smart Factory", 5G the intelligent manufacturing platform based on the industrial internet architecture integrates energy management, equipment online monitoring, and intelligent analysis systems, covering the entire process from mining to cement grinding. Through the 3D modeling digital twin platform, the factory has realized informatization, visualization, and intelligence in production process management. Production line parameter adjustments that once relied on experienced workers are now optimized through big data analysis by intelligent control systems, significantly reducing energy consumption and achieving key indicators at the national first-level energy efficiency standard.

The core driving force of this transformation is the deep application of model-based product definition technology ( MBD ) in full-process visualization.

01 5G Accelerated integration with digital twin

With the maturity of 5G technology applications and the arrival of the "Superhuman" era, the Internet of Things, as a new type of information infrastructure, is driving various industries from connectivity of everything to intelligent connectivity of everything. Digital twin 3D visualization technology provides customers with functional support for "one-screen overview, one-map management, and one-stop decision-making."

2025 Year 6 Month, PTC launched the industry's first cloud-native MBD product, integrating it into the Onshape computer-aided design platform. This innovation embeds all product manufacturing information ( PMI ) directly into the 3D CAD model, achieving a complete digital definition of the product.

High bandwidth, low latency 5G networks solve the bottleneck problem of real-time data transmission for digital twins. In the Guizhou Tobacco Smart Park, the digital twin platform built by Lianping Technology relies on 5G to realize real-time circulation of equipment operation data throughout the park, enabling the security system to automatically identify anomalies and push handling plans, improving management efficiency by 40% above. The integration of 5G digital twin technology is becoming the core infrastructure of industrial intelligence, paving the way for the full-process application of MBD models.

02  Core technology based on model definition

MBD (Model-Based Definition) is a revolutionary approach that embeds all manufacturing information such as product dimensions, tolerances, and annotations directly into the 3D model, replacing traditional 2D drawings. This eliminates the manufacturing team's dependence on 2D drawings, reducing communication issues and delays. In this field, Belgium's Capvidia company developed the MBDVidia software as a key enabling tool. This software helps users improve inspection quality through automated, structured processes, importing valuable data beyond "pass/fail" into the / model. MBD 模型。

Besides MBDVidia ， CAPVIDIA company also provides core CAD system plugins for mainstream MBD systems:

- MBDConnect for Creo : supports CREO direct publishing of QIF or STEP AP242 models, compatible with Creo 4 and above versions.

- FormatWorks for SOLIDWORKS : can import CATIA 、 Creo 、 NX and other formats of original MBD geometry files.

- MBDConnect for NX : implements model-based feature definition and NX standard support in the Siemens QIF environment.

These tools form a true closed-loop operating system that can feed measurement result data back into machine-readable PMI models, achieving digital integration of "design, CAD manufacturing, - and quality." -质量”的数字化贯通。

03  Comprehensive penetration of industrial application scenarios

High-end equipment manufacturing

In the field of tunnel engineering, the Shandong University team proposed the TBM tunnel boring machine digital twin five-dimensional model, constructing a system framework including the physical entity of the boring machine, twin database, virtual model, and other elements. Through geological intelligent perception technology, lithology identification and advanced geological forecasting are realized, providing a data foundation for the digital twin. -机数字孪生五维模型，构建了包含岩- Cement industry transformation

Jiangxi Wannian Cement Plant covers the entire process through a 3D modeling digital twin platform, allowing technicians to monitor production status and optimize process parameters in a virtual environment. Digital transformation has increased labor productivity by

and key indicators such as clinker standard coal consumption have reached the national first-level energy efficiency advanced level. 30%，熟料标准煤耗等关键指标达到国家一级能效先进水平。

Aerospace Innovation

In the aviation field, Aura Aero The company utilizes PTC models, achieving digital integration of "design, Onshape cloud-native MBD functions to achieve aircraft 100% digital certification. The company's Chief Digital Officer Mark Jerman pointed out: "This is the next generation of MBD that changes the way we design, collaborate, and accelerate the path from concept to production."

Smart City Management

For IoT scenarios, OneNET View digital twin 3D visualization solutions are applied in smart cities, parks, and other scenarios. In Guizhou, Lianping Technology deployed MR visual shows at the Wolong Lake Scenic Area in Zunyi, Suiyang, which monitor visitor flow distribution in real time through cameras, optimizing safety management and energy consumption control.

04  Challenges and Future Evolution Directions

Although MBD and digital twin integrated applications have broad prospects, issues such as inconsistent data standards and cross-platform compatibility remain obstacles to large-scale implementation. To address this, Siemens collaborates with Capvidia to promote the application of QIF (Quality Information Framework) standards, integrating both parties' products to achieve full compatibility among design, quality, and manufacturing systems.

A research team from Shandong University proposed that future TBM tunnel construction digital intelligence development will focus on the entire chain of "perception, visualization, analysis, decision-making," utilizing AI , cloud computing, and other technologies to achieve a higher level of intelligence. In manufacturing, Capvidia CEO Tomasz Luniewski emphasized that QIF end-to-end automation supported by standards will greatly reduce errors and eliminate repetitive work.

With the maturity of 2025 By the end of the year, Onshape cloud-native MBD officially listed, and more industrial software vendors embracing open standards, MBD models will break through the design phase and further extend to the entire process of manufacturing execution, quality control, and operation and maintenance services.

The application scope of digital twin technology is continuously expanding. At Huangjiashan Coal Mine in Bijie, slope monitors perceive geological changes in real time through the digital twin platform; at a high school campus in Guiyang, the smart system covers all scenarios from broadcasting and security to course scheduling and selection.

With Siemens NX platform fully supporting QIF standards, and Capvidia models, achieving digital integration of "design, MBDVidia providing cross- CAD system interoperability, manufacturing giants are gradually breaking down data silos.

Model-based definition is moving from a technical concept to engineering practice, extending along the entire value chain from design and manufacturing to operation and maintenance, building a digital mainline throughout the product lifecycle for the industrial world.