G E M — A generic engineering framework for mechanical engineering based upon meta models

Abstract

We present the concept and the implementation of an engineering framework that has been developed by us, aimed for modeling and configuration of modularly designed mechanical products. The enormous expansion of such products is implied by the modularization of modern manufacturing resulting in a more manageable and economic way of production: Prefabricated modules and flexibly adaptable module frames are specified, adapted, and assembled. Our system supports all these production steps by computer, enabling an ideal combination of mass production of modules composed to individually adapted products satisfying the customer's specific needs.