Feature-based modelling approaches for integrated manufacturing: state-of-the-art survey and future research directions

Abstract

Features capture the engineering significance of a part model and serve as an important support tool for integrated manufacturing. Feature-based design systems typically act as ‘interpreters’ between the CAD and the CAM activities. These systems can be classified broadly into human-assisted feature definition systems, automatic feature recognition systems and design by features systems. Researchers have come to realize that the best system architecture for a feature-based system would be a blend of the above-mentioned approaches. This paper reviews the major developments in the field of feature-based modelling with particular emphasis on automatic feature recognition systems. The approaches used for automatic feature recognition systems are systematically categorized and discussed. Automated feature recognition systems are broadly categorized into volume feature recognition systems and surface feature recognition systems, and the published research in each of these categories is critically discussed. The issues of feature relations and feature interactions (a subproblem of feature relations) are outlined. The future directions of research for developing feature-based design systems from a hybrid perspective (automatic feature recognition and design by features approach) are also presented.