Unified Feature Definition for Feature Based Design and Feature Based Manufacturing

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, interactive “constraint based feature definition” is used to drive both feature based design and feature recognition. At present, hardly any feature based CAD or CAPP system does offer adequate facilities to easily define application specific features. Feature definition by means of programming is an error prone and difficult task. The definition of new features has to be performed by domain experts in the fields of design and manufacturing. In general they will not be programming experts. This paper elaborates on interactive feature definition, aiming at facilitating the definition of features by non-programming experts. The interactive feature definition functionality is implemented in a re-design support system called FROOM. It supports feature based design. Feature definition is also used in a Computer Aided Process Planning system, called PART, for the definition of features to be recognized. Conceptual graphs are used as an aid in the definition of features and for the representation of the features. The conceptual graphs are automatically transformed into feature recognition algorithms. Degrees of freedom (DOF) analysis is used for support during feature definition and for solving geometric constraints related to the feature to be defined.