By Rob Simons
In the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Virtual Education Series April session, John Zhang, Technical Product Manager at Siemens Digital Industries Software, presented an in-depth overview of Variation Simulation Analysis (VSA) and its role in achieving profitable product quality. VSA, a key component of Siemens’ Model-Based Quality (MBQ) portfolio, enables engineers to proactively design and optimize Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) through virtual simulations.
Zhang detailed how VSA simulates manufacturing and assembly variation using 3D CAD models, tolerance data, and process plans. By leveraging Monte Carlo simulations, VSA identifies key contributors to dimensional variation, supporting engineers in making informed decisions to balance quality, cost, and manufacturability.
Demonstrations highlighted VSA’s capabilities in error-checking GD&T annotations, optimizing tolerance allocation, and simulating complex assemblies like vehicle parts or industrial PC units. Real-world examples showcased VSA’s effectiveness in minimizing quality issues such as misalignments and part interference—issues that often lead to warranty costs and production delays.
The session also emphasized the integration of VSA with tools like NX and Teamcenter, facilitating seamless collaboration between design, engineering, and manufacturing. Additionally, VSA's interoperability with metrology systems enhances quality control by comparing simulated outcomes with real measurement data.
Concluding the session, Zhang illustrated how VSA empowers teams to close the loop between design intent and production reality—ultimately driving smarter product development and reducing costly manufacturing errors.
If you missed this session, you can view it at any time here.
Also available shortly will be the latest Virtual Education Session on “Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 127: What to Know.” We hope you were able to catch this session, but if not, every member should be sure to review the essential material covered in this webinar. You can access it at any time here.