Generating intermediate models for process planning

Abstract

The paper presents a procedure for generating intermediate models, occurring in between machining steps, by sequentially subtracting the intended machining volumes from the rough part model. In the case of high-volume production, a detailed description of intermediate models is essential for various downstream applications. Usually, process engineers manually create approximate two-dimensional drawings and/or three-dimensional solid models to represent intermediate models. However, the manual creation of intermediate models is not ideal because these models cannot be automatically updated as modifications are made in the machining process plan or in the product model. To overcome this shortcoming, a procedure is proposed to support the automatic generation of intermediate models. The proposed procedure is based on common two-dimensional geometric algorithms instead of expensive three-dimensional geometric algorithms.