Recognizing manufacturing features from a design-by-feature model

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This paper presents a methodology for recognizing manufacturing features from a design feature model. The common feature–feature interacting relationships are categorized. A feature recognition processor first translates the design feature model of a part into an intermediate manufacturing feature tree by handling design features according to their properties and the interacting relationships between features. Through combination, decomposition, and (tool approach direction) TAD-led operations, alternative interpretations of manufacturing feature model for the part are then generated, and the manufacturing feature tree is updated and extended with AND/OR operators to store these interpretations. Finally, a single interpretation with the lowest machining cost will be selected in the manufacturing feature tree. The proposed processor can support a dynamic and effective recognition process of manufacturing features during the design stage of a part. By defining the interactions between volumetric features elaborately, and utilizing design features and auxiliary information, the processor can recognize manufacturing features from complex parts. The processor recognizes not only some essential manufacturing features but also replicate, compound and transition features defined in STEP. The alternative interpretations can be used for a generic manufacturing application environment.