Optimized information exchange process between CAD and CAM: Enhanced data exchange in the field of joining technology from the viewpoint of an automotive supplier

In recent years it has become more and more important in the automotive industry to find new ways to reduce the time required in developing a new vehicle. This reduction in development time can be ascertained through the introduction of new systems and strategies. One such example was the introduction of different CAx-systems and tools during past decades. However, there are still a number of issues that could be optimized or enhanced. For example; the data exchange process between different CAx-systems, especially in regards to design, analyses and manufacturing. This paper focuses on a proposed optimization approach of data exchange processes between CAD and CAM, in an attempt to further reduce the effort of data management and costs. However, the process presented in this paper is not only applicable to the automotive industry but can also be used in other industries, e.g. aircraft industry or general mechanical engineering.