A STEP-based geometrical representation as part of product data model of a plastics part

摘要

Product Data Models are fast becoming important tools for CAD/CAM integration towards a CIMenvironment. A common information repository on product data would enable significant reductionsin design-to-manufacture lead times, reduced costs and effort. However, its widespreadimplementation is restricted due to insufficient knowledge about the methodology and lack of suitableimplementation tools. This paper describes a major government-funded research at the Faculty ofMechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia to assess the most efficient means ofimplementing the STEP-based Product Data Modeling methodology for the plastic injection moldingindustry. The research utilizes a proprietary software, ST-Developer, to develop the geometricaldescription of a particular plastic product based on the STEP standards. The geometrical descriptionwill be transferred into a CAD system to assist the design and machining of a suitable mold for theplastic product. Evaluation of the method with the ultimate aim of achieving automated data modeltransfer operation will be carried out together with the required implementation methods. The paperdescribes elements of the product data model of the plastic product, the software systems that will beused for the research and the research methodology. Current progress together with lessons gainedso far are included in the discussions. Current indications are that the proposed methodology wouldgive a significant contribution towards improving current design and manufacturing practices in themold and die industry.