Feature technology - an overview

Manufacture is an objective that has become more urgent within the wider context of a total Computer Integrated Manufacturing environment. In seeking this integration it is recognised that the diversity of activities and consequent needs for data can best be served by a single representation for design, design analysis and manufacturing planning, and that a strong candidate for this descriptive role is a Feature Representation. This paper briefly overviews the primary methods of the use of features through Feature Recognition and Design by Features, particularly in the process planning application area.