RECOGNIZING MULTIPLE INTERPRETATIONS OF INTERACTING MACHINING FEATURES

A new feature recognition algorithm capable of recognizing interacting machining features and providing multiple interpretations is presente d. For machined parts with interacting features, multiple equally vali d sets of feature interpretations exist. The term 'multiple interpreta tions' is associated with identifying all the possible sets of machini ng features that can be recognized from the part. It represents multip le ways to decompose the total machinable volume into feature volumes. The feature recognition algorithm presented in the paper uses a bound ary representation as input, and it is developed in two stages: (a) vo lume decomposition, and (b) reconstruction of features. In the first s tage, the volume to be machined is identified and decomposed into smal l blocks by extending boundary faces of the part. In the second stage, feature volumes are reconstructed by systematically connecting the sm all blocks built in the previous stage. The current algorithm is capab le of recognizing certain classes of interacting prismatic depression features, such as slots, steps, blind slots, blind steps, pockets, and prismatic holes, and it provides multiple interpretations. Test softw are is implemented and integrated with the I-DEAS solid modeller. Samp le results demonstrating the algorithm are also presented.