Development of CAD system based on function features

Three-dimensional CAD systems contribute considerably to the detailed design processes of products. They are applied to the construction of 3D design models which are also utilized for design evaluation using a CAE system and for NC data generation using a CAM system. Since the functions of 3D CAD systems for constructing 3D models are increasingly being enhanced, they enable designers to easily construct 3D product models without design expertise. In detailed design work, designers are required not only to exactly define product shapes but also to assign attribute information such as dimensional tolerance, geometrical tolerance, roughness, machining process to be performed etc., which are essential for the manufacturing process. However, inexperienced designers often find it extremely hard to determine optimum attribute values and design values. In addition, it is more difficult to construct the required die/mold from the desired product shape taking into account forming errors caused by shrinkage during plastic injection and springback during press forming. This paper proposes a method to automatically assign required attribute information to each part of a designed product, to assist the model construction of a die/mold from a product shape, and to provide design support information on each part of a designed product to a designer. The proposed method is realized by assigning a Function Feature to each part; all the function features proposed in this paper are original. A CAD system based on the proposed method for injection molding and press forming was developed, and results of simple design experiments confirmed the usefulness of the CAD system and function features