AN INTEGRATED FORM-FEATURE-BASED DESIGN SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING

Much of the knowledge that is applied in or communicated between desig n and manufacturing activities is primarily shape based or shape index ed. Previous attempts to acquire and organize shape knowledge have bee n mostly concentrated on feature recognition from solid models, group technology (GT) coding schemes, and feature-based modeling. This paper presents the development of an efficient form-feature-based modeling system, and addresses the important issue of utilizing feature informa tion for manufacturing, which has not been extensively discussed by pr evious work. In this paper we first present a Euler operator-based app roach for efficient and effective form-feature encoding and manipulati on in a feature-based design environment. Subsequently, a hybrid repre sentation scheme called enhanced CSG tree of feature (ECTOF), which in tegrates feature model with solid model in a tree structure, is discus sed. A feature interference resolution methodology to maintain the cor rect and consistent feature information in an ECTOF is also deliberate d. Finally, we present a machinability-checking module, which employs global accessibility criteria to analyze a feature's machinability on a three-axis machining center. By developing feature interference reso lving and machinability testing techniques and integrating with an eff icient feature-based design system, this research makes the developmen t of an integrated feature-based design and manufacturing system possi ble.