| Abstract: | Design and manufacturing processes and their mutual interaction are reflected by the Manufacturing Engineering Reference Model. Information management, as the kernel of this reference model, encompasses structures that reflect the information. The three information structures that are discerned refer to products, resources and orders respectively. Originating from the demand for Concurrent Engineering, augmented effort is invested in the integration of the different processes applied in the manufacturing cycle of products. This paper discusses the integration of design and process planning-which is one of the main topics in Concurrent Engineering-along with the demand for Design for Manufacturing. Emphasis is on the application of production method knowledge and design support, especially for sheet metal parts. |
