Gaps Analysis of Integrating Product Design, Manufacturing, and Quality Data in The Supply Chain Using Model-Based...

Area of Science:

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Information Technology
• Digital Transformation

Background:

• The digital revolution is transforming manufacturing, shifting from paper-based to model-based communication for improved efficiency and quality.
• The vision of a Model-Based Enterprise (MBE) requires seamless model-based data interoperability across the supply chain, from design to manufacturing and quality control.
• Current practices often rely on 2D drawings or basic 3D models, necessitating manual creation of downstream manufacturing and inspection models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and value of using STEP AP242 models with embedded Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) for CAD-to-CAM and CAD-to-CMM data exchange.
• To identify barriers hindering cost-effective model-based data interoperability in the pursuit of MBE.
• To explore the interaction between CAD, CAM, and Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) processes, including the potential for feedback from CAM/CMM to CAD.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools to generate models with embedded Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI).
• Employed the STEP AP242 standard for sharing standards-based models with embedded PMI downstream.
• Demonstrated the exchange of product definition data between CAD, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) systems using standards-based methods.

Main Results:

• Confirmed the possibility and value of utilizing STEP AP242 models with embedded PMI for CAD-to-CAM and CAD-to-CMM data exchange.
• Identified specific gaps in tools, standards, and processes that impede industry's cost-effective achievement of model-based data interoperability.
• Successfully demonstrated the exchange of product definition data between CAD, CAM, and CMM systems through standards-based integration.

Conclusions:

• Model-based data interoperability from CAD-to-CAM and CAD-to-CMM is feasible through standards-based integration, supporting the Model-Based Enterprise (MBE) vision.
• While gaps exist, they should not halt industry progress; an open-standards approach to model-based data interoperability offers maximum value and impact.
• The study provides evidence supporting open standards for achieving efficient and effective model-based data exchange in manufacturing.