Rapid manufacturing with custom fixturing

Reports research on an experimental system for automated manufacturing with custom fixturing. In this approach, high level, feature-based shape models are transformed automatically into process plans from which computer numeric code for target machining centres is then derived automatically. This approach is targeted initially at parts with 2.5D features, including sculpted-exterior profiles and features requiring four- and five-axis indexing for manufacture. This part class has great practical utility and can be used to build very complex assemblies.