Researchers are studying the feasibility of developing a product modeling system (PAM) for modeling mechanically engineered assemblies. The models provide the information for manufacturing process planning which are machining and assembly planning systems. A product modeler which is assembly oriented where the designer's intent with respect to manufacturing a product are captured, is being developed. These intentions are propagated to the process planning or programming system. This modeler allows manufacturing process information such as tolerance specification. surface finish specification, spatial relationships, feasible I approach directions, precedence constraints, part and feature symmetries, etc., to be extracted or generated at the design stage. The manufacturing environment. is modeled by the product modeler because the technology required for product design embodies so many necessary features required for building a world-model for an automated assembly station. Researchers are focusing on the development of a spatial relationship-based modeling system supporting the generation of dimensions and tolerances. A standalone design system for mechanical components with the above capabilities and possessing its own on-board graphics capabilities is being produced.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: This work introduce to industry a new generation of stand alone product design systems for mechanical assembly which captures and propagates designer's intentions as well as evaluates the designer's intentions for life-cycle considerations.
