The objective of the project was to develop an interactive, graphically manipulated process and operations planning system to close the gap between CAD-model data, factory administrative data, and manufacturing facilities. A particular emphasis is the fast, economical and interactive preparation of detailed process plans and NC programmes using CAD data. The project plan was as follows:
-initial design of the system using detailed studies of existing systems as a basis
-sequential development of programming systems for 3-D milled parts, turned parts and multi-axis milled parts
-assessment of the integration of measuring machine programming.
In parallel with the above, the CAD system involved (EUCLID-IS from MATRA DATAVISION) was extended to provide all the data necessary for planning the production of parts which can be described in two and three dimensions.
The project deals with the development of an integrated process and operations planning system incorporating 3-dimensional modelling to close the gap between computer aided design (CAD) data, factory administrative data and shopfloor data and reduce the time from design of mechanical parts to their manufacture. Particular emphasis is placed on fast and economical preparation of process plans and numerical control (NC) programs using CAD data. The CAD system will be extended to provide all data necessary for planning parts manufacture.

The objective of the project was to develop an interactive, graphically manipulated process and operations planning system to close the gap between computer aided design (CAD) model data, factory administrative data, and manufacturing facilities. A particular emphasis was the fast, economical and interactive preparation of detailed process plans and numerical control (NC) programmes using CAD data. The system was designed using detailed studies of existing systems as a basis. Sequential development of programming systems for 3-dimensional milled parts, turned parts and multiaxis milled parts was undertaken. The integration of measuring machine programming was assessed. In parallel with the above, the CAD system involved (EUCLIDIS) was extended to provide all the data necessary for planning the production of parts which can be described in 2 and 3 dimensions. An extended prototype of the CAD system has been prepared which is operational on a workstation.
An extended prototype of the EUCLID-IS/EXAPT integration has been prepared which is operational on a workstation. The extensions which have been developed within the framework of the project have been integrated into the EUCLID-IS and EXAPT systems already established on the market.
The availability of this system will considerably reduce the time between the design of mechanical parts and their manufacture. Early spin-offs are planned. EXAPT expects to market the extensions of its software together with the EXAPT system.