Feature-based design approach for integrated CAD and computer-aided inspection planning

Coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs) have widely been utilized for performing inspections due to its high precision and accuracy. With increasing complexities of parts and tighter tolerances, there is a need of well-defined strategies and techniques to effectively plan inspection process for CMMs. The proposed work comprehensively describes different steps to generate an instruction file which can finally be executed on CMMs for efficient measurement. This work which commences with feature extraction and recognition followed by generation of probe approach directions for accessibility, setup planning to get part orientation, determination, and distribution of touch points on features including other activities leads to an effective inspection plan. The inspection plan is then used to produce DMIS file which after post-processing is executed on CMM. A series of techniques and algorithms such as clustering algorithm, graphical method, artificial neural networks, and algorithms for generation of touch points have been utilized to accomplish efficient inspection on CMM. The effectiveness of proposed strategies and techniques has also been verified through a part case study.