This paper describes three approaches for virtual product development of pl
astic injection moulds. The first is characterized by the use of three-dime
nsional computer aided design (CAD) for product design, two-dimensional dra
fting for mould design and three-dimensional computer aided design/manufact
ure (CAD/CAM) for mould manufacture. The second is characterized by the use
of three-dimensional CAD models by all three participants, but between any
two participants some form of file conversion is normally required because
different CAD systems are used. The first two approaches share one common
feature: the models are passed serially from the product designer to the mo
uld designer and on to the toolmaker. They represent current practice in in
dustry. The third approach is a proposed collaborative design process. Part
icipants can work concurrently on the same model, sharing their knowledge a
nd experience. The process is currently being refined and will be validated
later this year with a prototype system based on Unigraphics iMAN software
.