Implementation aspects of a feature-based design system for manufacturing planning

A prototype feature-based design system for process planning is described. The system contains a design by features user interface which is developed within a Boundary Representation modeller; a feature modeller for manipulation of feature data; and an information mapper (feature processor) to transform design information into a form suitable for the planning system. In principle, the design system can be tailored for applications other than process planning by the use of alternative information mapping mechanisms. Emphasis is given to the software implementation aspects of the feature-based design system, such as the design and implementation of the user interface, the arrangement of the additional feature modelling functions together with standard solid modelling functions, the communication mechanism between different data models, and the tools used for the implementation.