Realization of Design Features for Linear Flow Splitting in NX 6

Within the collaborative research center 666 a new product development approach and the innovative manufacturing method of linear flow splitting are being developed. So far the design process is supported by 3D-CAD models utilizing User Defined Features in standard CAD-Systems. This paper now presents new functions for generating 3D-models of integral sheet metal products with bifurcations using Siemens PLM NX 6. The emphasis is placed on design and semi-automated insertion of User Defined Features. Therefore User Defined Features for both, linear flow splitting and its derivative linear bend splitting, were developed. In order to facilitate the modeling process, an application was developed that guides through the insertion process. Its usability and dialog layout adapt known standard features. The work presented here has significant implications on the quality, accurateness and efficiency of the product generation process of sheet metal products with higher order bifurcations.

Authors:

• Anselm L. Schüle
• Thomas Rollmann
• Reiner Anderl

Keywords:

• Linear Flow Splitting
• CRC 666
• User Defined Features.

References:

[1] C. Ludwig, D. Vucic, J. Ringler, and P. Groche, "Branched semi-finished
products for a new class of multichambered profiles," in Proceedings of 9. International Conference on Technology of Plasticity, 2008.
[2] P. Groche, D. Vucic, and M. J¨ockel, "Basics of linear flow splitting,"
Journal of Materials Processing Technology, vol. 183, pp. 249-255,2007.
[3] M. J¨ockel, Grundlagen des Spaltprofilierens von Blechplatinen.
Aachen: Shaker Verlag, 2005.
[4] J. Ringler and G. P., "Spaltbiegen ein neues verfahren f¨ur integrale
verzweigungen aus der blechmitte," in Tagungsband 2. Zwischenkolloquium
SFB 666. Bamberg: Meisenbach Verlag, 2008.
[5] C. Weber, "What is a feature and what is ist use?" in Results of FEMEX
Working Group I. 29th International Symposium on Automotive
Technology and Automation, Florenz, 1996.
[6] R. Anderl, M. Kormann, T. Rollmann, and Z. Wu, "Algorithm-based
product development - concepts and example application," in Interaction
of Science, Technology and Engineering : Proceedings of ICCPR2007.
Beijing, China, Beihang University: International Academic Publishers
Ltd., 2007.
[7] J. F. Gr¨atz, Handbuch der 3D-CAD-Technik. Berlin, M¨unchen: Siemens
AG, 1989.
[8] NX 6 Documentation, Siemens PLM Systems, 2008.
[9] VDI Richtline 2218: Informationsverarbeitung in der Produktentwicklung
Feature-Technologie, VDI, D¨usseldorf, 2008.
[10] R. Anderl, T. Rollmann, Z. Wu, and Y. Chahadi, "Algorithm-based
product development - refined concepts and example applications,"
in Proceedings of the ASME 2008 International Design Engineering
Technical Conferences & Computers and Information in Engineering
Conference, 2008.
[11] T. Rollmann, A. Sch¨ule, and R. Anderl, "Three-dimensional kernel
development with parasolid for integral sheet metal design with higher
order bifurcations," in Proceedings of the ASME 2009 International Design
Engineering Technical Conferences & Computers and Information
in Engineering Conference IDETC/CIE 2009, 2009.