Introduction and Synopsis

Computer aided Design (CAD) and analysis and Computer Integrated Manufacturing (СІМ) are popular topics for research. Computer aided drafting and engineering analysis such as Finite Element Method (FEM) are well developed. Finger & Dixon [1 and 2] categorize research areas in their review of theory and methodology of mechanical design. They agree that computer-based models provide the best opportunity to improve theories of design and increase their acceptance. Simulations are useful in designing the manufacturing process as well as the manufactured component itself.

Figure 2-1 shows an overview of some of the activities that will be performed during the product development cycle adopted from [3 and 4].

DESIGN

Tools for evaluation of manufacturing effects