Feature-based CAD-CAE integration model for injection-moulded product design

One prominent characteristic of product design for injection-moulded parts is that design and analysis (e.g. flow simulation) go hand in hand to ensure that the design is manufacturable by the injection-moulding process. Despite the wide use of CAD and CAE systems, the two processes are still not integrated. There is no generic, unified model that allows both design and analysis information to be specified. In this paper, a feature-based CAD-CAE integration model is proposed to tackle the problem. The model comprises a hierarchy of CAD-CAE features such as part, wall, hole, rib, boss and treatment. The features are defined by their attributes and behaviours. With this model, information relating to both design and analysis can be specified and modified. The specified information from the design process is used to activate relevant CAE analysis routines, thus supporting integration from the CAD to the CAE process. If any of the specified design constraints is not satisfied from the CAE results, the initial model can be modified and the CAE analysis executed again. Hence, the model also supports integration from the CAE to the CAD process. A design case illustrates the bidirectional integration process.