An integrated CAD/CAPP system for bases

CAPP is expected to bridge the gap between CAD and CAM, in which feature recognition is an active research and a critical component. Much research works have been done to attempt to realize a generic CAPP system, however it proves difficult because of the complexity of objects. This paper proposes a specialized CAD/CAPP integration system, called BaseCAM, for components, bases, in auto-body welding lines to reduce user interaction as much as possible. Its overall structure and some key techniques such as feature recognition, feature-based data exchange, numeric control programming strategies and tool path planning for hole machining are discussed. This system is implemented on the platform of the commercial software, UGS/UG and has been used in the design of auto-body welding lines very successfully.