Research on generating similar-shaped assembly features for model partitioning

A large model needs to be partitioned into a set of smaller sub-models which can be fabricated by the existed machining tools. To facilitate the assembly of sub-models, this paper presents an original method for generating the similar-shaped assembly feature on the splice surface automatically. Instead of directly triangulating the cutting region, the cutting contour is inward offset to achieve the similar-shaped contour. Then, the similar-shaped assembly feature can be constructed according to the maximum feature depth. The application of model partitioning demonstrates that the similar-shaped assembly feature can improve the accuracy and efficiency of sub-models´ assembly.