IMPPACT — Improvements in Integration by a Feature Approach. Product and Process Modelling move closer together

Abstract

The objective of IMPPACT is to develop and demonstrate a new generation of integrated modelling systems for product design and process planning including machine control data generation. The main goals are to improve software vendors efficiency by making software more easy to integrate and to improve the users efficiency by enhancing the functionality of existing CIM-modules. Limitations of integration will be overcome by a conceptual approach of using features in all stages of the manufacturing process.

A reference model as a general approach for deriving specific software delopment strategies builds the framework. A flexible, adaptable architecture will be used, open for the integration of future software. The integrated product model contains all information about the product and its manufacturing incl. standards and processes.

The main functional improvements are to combine solid and surface techniques for all planning stages to offer practice oriented unfolding techniques for 3-D models and to combine generic and knowledge based process planning to offer full automated NC-Part programming.

By simulation and evaluation, the capabilities of machining are used to optimize the product. Know-how gained is made available as feedback information not only by knowledge based modules cooperating with the product and production process model.

The economic objectives are being more competitive on time and cutting costs by increasing quality and productivity.

Results of IMPPACT wil be demonstrated in the application areas of the sheet metal parts manufacturing (for aircraft spares) and complex shaped parts manufacturing (for ship propellers).