ISO 16792:2021

Overview

ISO 16792:2021 - Technical product documentation: Digital product definition data practices defines requirements for preparing, revising and presenting digital product definition data (data sets). It supports two application methods: 3D model‑only and 3D model with 2D drawing in digital format, and complements existing technical product documentation standards. The standard is intended to improve CAD modelling and annotation practices and to guide CAx software developers and engineering disciplines in consistent digital product definition practices.

Key topics and requirements

ISO 16792:2021 covers practical and technical requirements, including:

• Data set identification and control: traceability, related data links and data management principles for digital data sets.
• Data set requirements: fundamental model requirements, model completeness and handling of supplemental geometry.
• Model and method specifics: rules for the model‑only method vs. model + drawing method, including management data and protection marking.
• Associativity and attributes: use of associativity between geometry, annotations and model features; attribute handling and annotation planes.
• Annotations and dimensions: saved views, leader lines, direction‑dependent specifications, model value queries and resolved dimensions (including Theoretically Exact Dimensions where applicable).
• Datum and tolerance practices: datum system identification, datum targets, multiple feature datums, and geometric tolerancing practices for digital models.
• Special topics: drawing requirements (orthographic and axonometric views), welds, installation and assembly model completeness, and query/inspection support.
• Guidance for CAD/CAx software developers to support digital product definition (DPD) workflows and interoperability.

Applications and users

ISO 16792:2021 is practical for:

• CAD designers and mechanical engineers creating annotated 3D models and digital 2D deliverables.
• Technical authors and documentation teams standardizing digital product definition data.
• Manufacturing, quality and inspection teams using model queries, saved views and datum/tolerance data for inspection and production.
• PLM/PDM administrators implementing data management and configuration control for digital data sets.
• CAx and CAD software developers implementing features for model annotations, associativity, and data export/import consistent with ISO GPS/TPD rules.

Benefits include clearer digital product definition, reduced ambiguity in manufacturing and inspection, and improved interoperability across CAD/PLM/inspection tools.

Related standards

• ISO 129‑1 (drawing and notation principles referenced for ISO TPD)
• ISO 1101 (geometrical product specifications - form, orientation, location, run‑out)
• ISO technical product documentation (TPD) and ISO GPS rules referenced throughout ISO 16792:2021

Keywords: ISO 16792:2021, digital product definition, technical product documentation, 3D model-only, CAD, CAx, ISO GPS, ISO TPD.