The main problems in the computerization of discrete goods production lie in the sheer complexity of developing scientific principles for formalizing their design and manufacture. This paper first summarizes a broad framework for understanding the current state of technology using a (function, form, fabrication) triad. Geometric modeling of form plays a central role within this framework, and we present recnet research results in five related topics: (1) virtual design and manufacturing, (2) massively parallel processing, (3) multi-representation free-form modeling, (4) Numerical Control (NC) machining simulation and verification, and (5) enterprise-wide integration. The paper concludes with evolving trends in network-centric computing, and its impact on manufacturing in the 21st century.
By: Jai Menon
Published in: RC20429 in 1996
This Research Report is not available electronically. Please request a copy from the contact listed below. IBM employees should contact ITIRC for a copy.
Questions about this service can be mailed to reports@us.ibm.com .