(pressebox) (Augsburg, 26.02.2016) Every manufacturers is beset with a dilemma: how to make it easy for potential customers to try out your parts without “revealing the secret recipe.”

We’ve found that a solution can be found in something called a Form Fit and Function model.

The three F’s

In general, form, fit, and function (FFF) refers to various characteristics of manufacturing parts. Each defines a specific aspect of the part to make it easier for engineers to match parts to needs.

The three characteristics are defined in the following ways:

• Form – The shape and appearance of a part, including its weight, size, color, density, and dimensions. For example, a coupler may be 6.1 mm long, with a 2.3 mm diameter and a silver sheen.
• Fit – The relationship or orientation of a part to another. Screws and cylinders, for example, must adhere to the dimensions of the holes through which they are meant to slide. The size of the hole itself is also a description of the surrounding object’s fit.
• Function – Most simply, what a given part is meant to do. A part’s function follows the purpose of its design to a final role or action, such as holding other components together or shielding them from wear and tear.

Form Fit and Function models:

The definitions above describe what three FFF represent on their own. But the object of our discussion is the form, fit, and function model, which includes in its definition a very important subject for manufacturers: intellectual property.

Form, fit, and function models are exact representations of models with all of the intellectual property removed. This stripping of intellectual property does several positive things for the distribution process between manufacturers and design engineers.

1. It creates a smaller model that engineers can test more easily
2. It protects the manufacturing company so others cannot copy their designs

Form, fit, and function models offered in this way are only available through certain digital part catalog suppliers systems. The right software protects your ingenuity while still allowing for full testing by the engineers to whom you are marketing.

Form, fit, and function models include “mates and constraints.” CAD constraints establish the orientation of various entities in a part or system; they are also referred to as “mates.” Since FFF models include appropriate constraints, they move and mount just like the real thing should!

3D Visualization within Product Configurator:

You can see with the Parker-Origa gearbox below the product can be easily previewed within the product page before ultimately downloading.