A case study of a complex surface modeling using advanced manufacturing technology

The technology that has had the greatest impact on production systems over the last several decades is computer technology. One of the principal roles of the computer in the information - processing cycle is to integrate the different functions - design, manufacturing, and business operations - into a unified, well co-ordinated, and smooth running system. Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) involves new manufacturing techniques and machines combined with information technology, micro- electronics, and new organizational practices in the manufacturing process. AMT is a key enabler to help manufacturers meet the productivity, quality, and cost reduction demands of competitive global markets. The emphasis in the entire thesis is on the use of AMT for developing complex surface. The technique of AMT facilitates the use of complex surface modeling data for rapid product development. The complex surface modeling requires application of the following stages: - The fIrst stage is the use of Co-ordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)/ for geometrical data acquisition of the work piece (object identifIcation). The complex surface model consists major features for design that has been recognized and represented by a cloud of points. The second stage of the project is the creation of complex surface modeling through Data Exchange Format (DXF) format of digitizing data. The programming of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools will then be generated using Unigraphics - Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Maufacturing (UG-CAD/CAM) system (providing geometric modeling & numerical control part programming). The third stage is to machine the part using CNC milling machine (part manufacturing). The third stage is performed in order to verifY the complex surface of the model that has been developed in stage two. By using AMT, the complex surface of the model has been successfully created with satisfactory result. In implementing AMT, CMM was used to generate effIciently the geometrical data of the complex surface. From point clouds data, the model has been successfully developed through surface modeling using UG-CAD/CAM software.

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