Study on Multi-dimension Integration Technology of CAPP/PDM

Based on the integration research, one multi-dimension integrated mode of CAPP and PDM was proposed including the integration of knowledge store dimension, knowledge transfer dimension and knowledge application dimension. In the integration of knowledge application dimension, an innovated integration method named key control function module was proposed. In knowledge transfer dimension integration, a recursive model of task and workflow between CAPP and PDM was made. In knowledge store dimension integration, the federal database and the virtual federal database was described. Introduction Due to the interpromotion among computer technology, network technology and advanced manufacture technology, manufacturing industry steps into globalization, netization [1], collaborationization[2] and knowledgization. Generally, mechanical product design process is composed of four serial phases, such as requirement analysis, conception product design, geometrical structure design and process planning. They are usually supported by different computer aided application systems, such as CAD, CAPP, CAE, PDM and so on. But they could not collaborate better with each other during the course of whole lifecycle because of less of layout across-the-board when they came forth. So they all have the essence of “information island” since the beginning. Especially, the large-scale customization becomes one of the most important product producing mode now, and knowledge plays an important role during the course of product value created. In order to use the distributed knowledge of allied enterprises, many researchers focus on the integration of distributed computer aided design application tools such as CAPP and PDM [3]. 3-Dimension Integration Model With the development of CAPP and PDM integration technology, many strategies came into being [4], such as encapsulation based integration, interface based integration, database based integration, and so on. But no matter which way you get for integration of CAPP and PDM, its inbeing is to realize the knowledge application, knowledge transfer and knowledge store. Based on the knowledge reuse, the ability of enterprise product knowledge innovation will be improved. To manage the knowledge systemically among the designers, an integration model of CAPP and PDM in Multi-Dimension mode is made, showed in Fig.1. The integration is realized from three dimensions composed of knowledge application dimension, knowledge transfer dimension and knowledge store dimension. Materials Science Forum Vols. 471-472 (2004) pp 234-237 online at http://www.scientific.net © (2004) Trans T ch P blications, Switzerland Online available since 2004/Dec/15 All rights reserved. No part of contents of this paper may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher: Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland, www.ttp.net. (ID: 130.203.133.34-14/04/08,12:30:14) Materials Science Forum Vols. *** 235 Knowledge Application Dimension Integration In knowledge application dimension integration, the main object is to cut down the redundancy function modules among different application tools. A new method for integration based on key control module was proposed to ensure the coherence of data modified. Definition of key control module: data of function module come from itself, i.e. it has both data read and data write authority to them. For example, PDM and CAPP have product structure module respectively, then both of them are key control module. If the data of CAPP product structure module comes from PDM, product structure module of CAPP is not a key control module. In order to contrive the scheme for the integrated system, we layout it from two sides. The one is the integrated requirement function module calculated by the union of PDM key control module set and CAPP key control module set. The other is the redundancy function module calculated with the intersection of PDM key control module set and CAPP key control module set. According to the survey of application systems, the key control module of PDM is described as Eq.(1), KM(PDM)={Vault, Workflow Management, Product Structure and Configuration Management , View & Markup, Scanning & Image, Libraries, Project Management, Electronic Collaboration, Tools & Integration-Ware}. (1) Key control module of CAPP is described as Eq.(2), KM(CAPP)={Product Structure management, Process Planning, Process Management, Workflow Management, Resource Management, Version Control} (2) So the basic requirement function key control modules of CAPP and PDM integrated system can be calculated by Eq.(3), KM(PDM) U KM(CAPP) (3) In fact, the integrated system of CAPP and PDM seldom equal to the simple superposition of their intrinsic functions. In order to perfect the integrated system, there will be another additive module added. The conclusions can be drawn according to the requirement of enterprise cases. The redundancy function module of CAPP and PDM can be calculated by Eq.(4), KM(PDM) I KM(CAPP) (4) Knowledge Transfer Dimension Integration Product design is the process of knowledge congregation. The design knowledge model transfers from one designer to another. And the product has been designed step by step with serials of correlative acts. There is always much misunderstanding to the design view among the different F S