Assembly modelling
Encyclopedia
Assembly modelling is technology and methods used by computer-aided design
and product visualization computer software systems to handle multiple files that represent components within a product. The components within an assembly are represented as solid
or surface
models.
The designer generally has access to models that others are working on concurrently. For example, several people may be designing one machine that has many parts. New parts are added to an assembly model as they are created. Each designer has access to the assembly model, while a work in progress, and while working in their own parts. The design evolution is visible to everyone involved.
The individual data files describing the 3D geometry of individual components are assembled together through a number of sub-assembly levels to create an assembly describing the whole product. All CAD
and CPD
systems support this form of bottom-up construction. Some systems, via associative copying of geometry between components also allow top-down method of design.
Components can be positioned within the product assembly using absolute coordinate placement methods or by means of mating conditions. Mating conditions are definitions of the relative position of components between each other; for example alignment of axis of two holes or distance of two faces from one another. The final position of all components based on these relationships is calculated using a geometry constraint engine built into the CAD or visualization package.
The importance of assembly modelling in achieving the full benefits of PLM has led to ongoing advances in this technology. These include the use of lightweight data structures such as JT
that allow visualization of and interaction with large amounts of product data, direct interface to between Digital Mock ups and PDM systems and active digital mock up technology that unites the ability to visualize the assembly mock up with the ability to measure, analyze, simulate, design and redesign.
Computer-aided design
Computer-aided design , also known as computer-aided design and drafting , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer...
and product visualization computer software systems to handle multiple files that represent components within a product. The components within an assembly are represented as solid
Solid modeling
Solid modeling is a consistent set of principles for mathematical and computer modeling of three dimensional solids. Solid modeling is distinguished from related areas of Geometric modeling and Computer graphics by its emphasis on physical fidelity...
or surface
Freeform surface modelling
Freeform surface modelling is the art of engineering Freeform Surfaces with a CAD or CAID system.The technology has encompassed two main fields...
models.
The designer generally has access to models that others are working on concurrently. For example, several people may be designing one machine that has many parts. New parts are added to an assembly model as they are created. Each designer has access to the assembly model, while a work in progress, and while working in their own parts. The design evolution is visible to everyone involved.
The individual data files describing the 3D geometry of individual components are assembled together through a number of sub-assembly levels to create an assembly describing the whole product. All CAD
Computer-aided design
Computer-aided design , also known as computer-aided design and drafting , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer...
and CPD
Collaborative Product Development
Collaborative product development is a business strategy, work process and collection of software applications that facilitates different organizations to work together on the development of a product...
systems support this form of bottom-up construction. Some systems, via associative copying of geometry between components also allow top-down method of design.
Components can be positioned within the product assembly using absolute coordinate placement methods or by means of mating conditions. Mating conditions are definitions of the relative position of components between each other; for example alignment of axis of two holes or distance of two faces from one another. The final position of all components based on these relationships is calculated using a geometry constraint engine built into the CAD or visualization package.
The importance of assembly modelling in achieving the full benefits of PLM has led to ongoing advances in this technology. These include the use of lightweight data structures such as JT
JT (visualization format)
JT is a 3D data format developed by and is used for product visualization, collaboration, and CAD data exchange. It can contain any combination of approximate data, exact boundary representation surfaces , Product and Manufacturing Information , and Metadata either exported from the native CAD...
that allow visualization of and interaction with large amounts of product data, direct interface to between Digital Mock ups and PDM systems and active digital mock up technology that unites the ability to visualize the assembly mock up with the ability to measure, analyze, simulate, design and redesign.