What is the FTA (functional tolerancing and annotation) workbench used for?

The FTA workbench allows users to define and manage 3D tolerance specifications and annotations directly on 3D parts or assemblies. This eliminates the need for traditional 2D drawings by embedding GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing) information, notes, and other annotations into the 3D model. It ensures consistency, reduces ambiguity, and enables a single source of truth for design, manufacturing, and inspection.

To access the FTA workbench

• Go to start > mechanical design > functional tolerancing & annotation.
• Open a 3D part or assembly file (e.g., .CATPart or .CATProduct).
• The FTA toolbar will appear, providing tools for creating annotations, tolerances, and views.

With the FTA workbench, you can

• Add dimensions, GD&T symbols, text notes, datum features, and datum targets directly to the 3D model.
• Ensure that annotations are fully associative with the geometry for automatic updates when the model changes.
• Create annotation planes for organizing and displaying annotations in specific views.
• A guided tool that helps users apply tolerances according to international standards like ISO or ASME.
• Save specific annotation views for easy navigation and communication during reviews.

To create GD&T annotations

• Select a feature (e.g., a surface or edge) on your model.
• Click on the desired GD&T symbol from the toolbar (e.g., flatness, perpendicularity).
• Use the tolerancing advisor to ensure compliance with standards.
• Input tolerance values and modifiers as needed.
• Place the annotation on an appropriate annotation plane.
• Generate 2D drawings from FTA annotations. These annotations are fully associative with the 3D model, ensuring that any updates to the model are reflected in the drawing.