Automatic generation method of 3D process models for shaft parts based on volume decomposition

• Published in: International journal of advanced manufacturing technology 2022, Vol.118 (3-4), p.1043-1060
• Main Authors: Zhang, He, Ge, Xiao-Bo, Qiu, Yuan-Ying, Shao, Xiao-Dong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Boolean algebra; CAE) and Design; Chains; Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD; Decomposition; Engineering; Industrial and Production Engineering; Machining; Mechanical Engineering; Media Management; Original Article; Process planning; Three dimensional models
• ISSN: 0268-3768; 1433-3015
• DOI: 10.1007/s00170-021-07968-6

Three-dimensional (3D) process models are serial intermediate models formed by each process operation during the process of machining a blank into a finished part. They are the process information carriers under the model-based definition (MBD) mode and play an important role in process planning. However, in the traditional design pattern, the 3D process models are mainly constructed manually, which is time-consuming and error prone. In this paper, a novel method for automatically generating 3D process models for shaft parts is proposed. First, an extended feature relation graph (EFRG) is used to describe the topological relationship between the design features (DFs) of the part. Second, the cutting surfaces and the machining method chains are generated based on the design feature surfaces (DFSs). The cutoff surfaces are used to limit the decomposition range of the cutting surfaces to ensure that the machining volume can be decomposed into machining volume units. Then, the machining features are generated by linking the machining method chains to the machining volume units. Finally, the 3D process models are generated by performing Boolean operations. An automatic generation system of 3D process models for shaft parts is developed based on the proposed method, and the effectiveness of the system is verified by typical parts.