The Product Model as a Central Information Source in a Shipbuilding Environment

Abstract

In a shipbuilding CAD/CAM system a product model is successively built up during the design process, with geometric as well as nongeometric information. In parallel with the design process, the model is further extended with work preparation (in some countries called production engineering) information, e.g., definition of building strategy and definition of the assembly structure. Information needed for part fabrication can be derived from the model, such as drawings, parts lists and information for numerically controlled (NC) equipment. When work preparation definitions are combined with a product model, the information needed for assembly parts lists, assembly drawings, etc. can be derived from the product model instead of being created manually. Use of the product model concept, systems based upon it and procedures implementing it in an organization will allow a reduction of costs and an increase in productivity and competitiveness