A feature-based design system for computer-aided process planning

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an object-oriented feature-based design system for integrating CAD and CAPP, this system providing an intelligent interface between a CSG-based geometric modeller and the process planning functions. The geometric modeller used in this project is the AME (Advanced Modelling Extension) of the commonly-used AutoCAD. The concept of feature-object is proposed to express the semantics of integration. Input to the feature-based design system is the Object-Attribute-Value (O-A-V) triplets coding of a workpiece. Based on the AME geometric modeller which is in fact a CSG-based solid modeller, the validity of the input geometric features will be ensured. According to the knowledge provided in the rule-based feature-mapping system, the design information will be transformed into the appropriate process plan and manufacturing instructions. © 1995.