The document discusses CAD/CAM systems architecture. It describes an open systems architecture consisting of several layers that support CAD/CAM applications and allow them to collaboratively exchange required information. Two projects are discussed that aim to test and verify this architecture: a product data management system prototype to be integrated into commercial CAD systems, and an analysis of access interfaces to CAD/CAM system kernels to enable concurrent real-time design. The architecture aims to overcome dependence on single large CAD/CAM systems and allow optimized tools to support each process.

1. Use of CAD/CAM in
Architecture
Awais Shaahbaz
UW-14-ME-BSC-022
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WAH ENGINEERING COLLEGE WAH
CANTT (UOW)

2. LAYOUT
INTRODUCTION
OPEN SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
PROJECTS FOR THE VERIFICATION OF THE
CAD/CAM SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
CONCLUSION
REFERENCE
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3. INTRODUCTION
 The different architectures of integrated and collaborative
information systems architectures.
 The architecture consists of several layers. These layers support
all CAD/CAM application software engaged in product
development.
 The CAD/CAM application software exchange their required
information collaboratively based on their own data structure.
The architecture layers convert the application software’
processed data to STEP based data model.
 They store the processed data in an integrated database; and
vice versa, the layers retrieve the data to the CAD/CAM
interface’s data structure.
The objectives are:
• Shorter time to market
• Higher product quality
• Reduction of costs
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4. OPEN SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
The goals which this architecture has to fulfill are:
 To avoid user dependence on a specific system
(overcoming forced bandings - building partnerships)
 To support each process by specific optimized CAx tools.
 To adjust CAx support by using software "building blocks”.
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5. PROJECTS FOR THE VERIFICATION OF THE
CAD/CAM SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
The project PDVS for the data specific level and ANICA for the more system technical
level:
Product Data Management System (PDVS):
 The prototype will be integrated into one ore more commercial CAD systems and
will be tested by pilot users in the automotive companies which are sponsoring this
project.
Analysis of the Access Interfaces of various CAD/ CAM-Systems (ANICA):
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6. Analysis of the Access
Interfaces of various CAD/
CAM-Systems (ANICA):
The most important
problem to solve for the
feasibility of the architecture
is the access interface.
The access to the
CAD/CAM system kernels
which will be available in the
near future is being analyzed
in ANICA.
A software prototype is also
under development to prove
the possibility of concurrent
real time CAD design.
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7. CONCLUSION
 With the proposed CAD/CAM system architecture it will be possible to overcome
the philosophy of using one big CAD/CAM system for one company.
 The proposed formal description of processes may be a helpful tool.
 Projects like ANICA have just started or are in the planning phase to modify the
CAD/CAM system landscape with respect to the changes in the
industry.
 The impact on the strategies of the system suppliers was pointed out, the main
business will be the support of product development and manufacturing processes
within and between companies.
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8. REFERENCE
o Dankwort, C. W., (1995), "CAx-Systemarchitektur der Zukunft"; VDI Berichte,
Vol.1216, pp.
103-116.
o Dankwort, C. W., Janocha, A., (1996), "Von
Monolithen zu Komponenten: CAx-Architekturen
im Wandel"; Proceedings of CAD ’96, Vol. 1, Kaiserslautern, pp. 358-368.
o Janocha, A., Arnold, F. (1996), "Architekturkonzepte integrierter CAx-Systeme";
Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer
Integrated Manufacturing, Zakopane, (to be published).
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