Automatic process intermediate model generation in process planning

In process planning of machined part, three-dimensional process intermediate modelsare necessary for process design, documentation, and downstream applications including clamping design, NC programing, and process analysis.An automatic process intermediate model generation method is proposed in this paper for machined part represented in B-Rep solid model. Machining features are recognized and classified according to process type. Process plan is expressed in terms of machining features and feature surface modification operations in solid model. Local modification operations are applied to part model to move, replace or remove feature surface resemblingmachining process. Process intermediate models are generated automatically in a batch manner by applying geometry and topology modification operations directly on B-Rep model for each machining operation. The proposed algorithm is implemented in a CAPP tool developed in solid modeler ACIS.