A Methodology for Developing Web-based CAD/CAM Systems: Case Studies on Gear Shaper Cutters

摘要

The research establishes a methodology for developing Web-based CAD/CAM softwaresystems to industrial quality standards in a time and cost e ective manner. The methodologyde nes the scope of applicability, outlines major considerations and key principlesto follow when developing this kind of software, describes an approach to requirementselicitation, resource allocation and collaboration, establishes strategies for overcominguncertainty and describes the design concerns for industrial Web-based CAD/CAM systems.The crucial parts of the methodology are a novel project development modelfacilitating architecture optimisation early in the project to minimise total developmente orts, create future-proof solutions and ensure system maintainability; and a novel approachfor planning based on time reserve management and task prioritisation, whichprovides the exibility required for exploratory development while maintaining the mainfocus on project objectives.The e ectiveness of the Web-based CAD/CAM software development methodologyhas been examined using two real software development case studies: a Web-basedCAD/CAM system for involute spur gear shaper cutters and a Web-based CNC codeeditor for online modi cation of the pro le for manufacturing gear shaper cutters. Thedevelopment of case studies using the established methodology resulted in on-time deliveryof two industrial browser-based CAD/CAM systems, that produce valid results,embrace all business processes associated with the application area, ensure all functionaland non-functional requirements and are used in production now. The developed softwareproducts demonstrate robustness, performance, reliability, security and usability comparablewith the standards of modern commercial software, utilise advantages of Web-basedapplications to the highest extent and con rm advantages of Web-based CAD/CAM softwarecompared to similar desktop applications. E ectiveness of the proposed methodologyfor Web-based CAD/CAM software development was checked through validation,evaluation and analysis of case study results.