Software for the rapid production of patterns for castings

Abstract

This paper describes a system that enables the automatic conversion of information from a computer aided design (CAD) pattern representing a three-dimensional (solid) concept directly into a physical part. By integrating this information with computer-controlled machine tools, invoking concurrent validation with simulation to optimize cutting procedures and utilizing a novel machining-casting-machining technique, products can be developed quickly with little human intervention, reducing delays typically found between the design and manufacturing processes.