Y.Y: You are getting right to the point!
It stands for model-based development. Simply put, this method involves analyzing activities from the initial stage of product development to mass production using CAE (simulation) and repeatedly conducting verification of product behavior and validity over a short period of time.

T.M: This is known as development without the need for prototypes. From the beginning of product development, members from design, analysis, materials, and manufacturing work together to achieve the desired performance. It reduces rework, improving both speed and accuracy.

T.M: That is for sure...! Imagine building a house. After you build a house according to design and realize that the furniture is too big or that a door will not open, it will be very difficult to fix. The same applies to product development. It costs more and takes longer to fix products once they have been developed. That is why it is important to visualize any interference or distortion beforehand using CAE (simulation) and adjust them accordingly.

Y.Y: As a design team, we use CAE much like we use a calculator. We move toward our goals by providing numerical evidence, not just relying on the intuition or experience of the person designing them. That is the kind of product development required today.

Y.Y: In the design of exterior parts, we use simulation to check not only the overall warping (shrinkage deformation after molding), which affects ease of assembly to the vehicle body, but also the appearance, as these are the products that customers can see.

Y.Y: That is right. I am glad you understand what goes on behind the scenes!
People tend to think that design is just a job of making drawings, but it is not that simple. We need to develop products that can accommodate as many different requests as possible. For example, we need to consider a configuration that prevents errors during assembly at the customer's plant and makes it easy to move the parts around the plant.

Y.Y: Well, I am the kind of person who gets fired up by difficult requests like that one.
Precisely because various factors are involved, it is important to use 3D model to thoroughly verify the product design at an early stage.

T.M: As a sales team, we find it reassuring that we can quickly and clearly explain our designs based on simulation results. In fact, when a malfunction a customer experienced was analyzed on MBD, CAE simulation enabled us to visualize what caused the malfunction, allowing us to quickly propose improvements.

T.M: Yes! We can quickly and reliably make proposals because we are proficient in using CAE as a tool and have an extensive track record as one of the industry's top-level CAE analysis companies. This allows us to satisfy our customers and quickly provide detailed proposals for improving issues.

Y.Y: We do not just rely on simulations. Sometimes we create parts quickly on the 3D printer to check it intuitively. Honestly, this approach may seem somewhat contrary to MBD, but tangible experience is crucial to reach a convincing conclusion. I feel that the accumulation of tedious fine tuning ultimately leads to the accuracy and reliability of our proposals.

T.M: We can work as one team covering "materials", "CAE", "structural design", and "manufacturing". Furthermore, each member can flexibly collaborate beyond their own expertise and areas of responsibility. I believe that is the greatest strength of Starlite's MBD.

Y.Y: That is why I want to combine this with the concept of "MBR (Material Based Research)". Not only developing and designing the functions and component units required for automobiles using MBD, but also an approach that goes back to the material selection stage. I think the "cross-boundary strength" that T.M mentioned can be utilized right here.

T.M: Indeed! "If we use this material, we should design it this way" - proceeding with design starting from the material. Because Starlite has a comprehensive understanding from materials to manufacturing, we should be able to lead product development through MBR.

T.M: Rather than asking us to take care of everything from the start, it is fine to start with a light consultation like "How will this configuration and material warp?". I believe MBD is also a tool for building trust from such small entry points.

Y.Y: Our proposals are not just about CAE, but about creating optimal solutions by combining all our knowledge about materials and configurations. Being able to thoroughly support these consultations is Starlite's strength!