Proving manufacturability at the design stage using commercial modeling Software: Through feature mapping and feature Accessibility

It is a fundamental requirement that during the design of a component, its manufacturability to the required quality at an acceptable cost must be ensured. In machining, achieving the required quality is ensured by performing all machining quality critical operations in a single setting-up. Paper outlines the basis for the manufacturability of a component to the required quality and cost while it is at the design stage through feature mapping. A comprehensive analysis of features in a feature based design system and manufacturing process (CNC milling) formed the basis of the mapping sequence to link the both classes of features. Once the manufacturing features of the component in question are mapped ensuring its accessibility and number of setting required can pave the way for ensuring that the above requirement is met. Design features whose geometry is difficult to machine and/or require many settings affecting quality require modification or reorientation. In essence introduces a tool for identifying the machining features present in a design feature model for individual machining set up.