Abstract
Abstract
A key element in the overall efficiency of a manufacturing enterprise is the compatibility between the features that have been created in a newly designed part, and the capabilities of the downstream manufacturing processes. With this in mind, a process-aware computer aided design (CAD) system called WebCAD has been developed. The system restricts the freedom of the designer in such a way that the designed parts can be manufactured on a three-axis computer numerical control milling machine. This paper discusses the vision of WebCAD and explains the rationale for its development in comparison with commercial CAD/CAM (computer aided design/manufacture) systems. The paper then goes on to describe the implementation issues that enforce the manufacturability rules. Finally, certain design tools are described that aid a user during the design process. Some examples are given of the parts designed and manufactured with WebCAD.