Model-based definition - Major aerospace manufacturer extends its software system to the off-line programming of CMMs

摘要

When Messier-Dowty was selected to produce the nose gear and main landing gear for the new Boeing 787 Dream-liner, the UK aerospace manufacturer initiated the use of model-based definition throughout the design, manufacturing engineering, production and inspection processes at its operations in Gloucester (UK) and Bidos (France). This is the first major project for which the company has used model-based definition. For some 10 years, Messier-Dowty has used 3-D CAD models in its design and manufacturing engineering departments to develop and validate design definition, functionality, finite element analysis and manufacturing processes. However, the programming of co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to inspect components after machining had been carried out traditionally using 2-D toleranced drawings derived from 3-D data, because there was no geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) information attached to the electronic model.