A Feature-Based CAD-CAE Integration Model for Injection Molded Product Design

One prominent characteristic of product design for injection molded parts is that design and analysis (e.g. flow simulation) go hand-in-hand to ensure that the design is manufacturable by the injection molding process. Despite the wide use of CAD and CAE systems, it is known that communication between the two processes is poor. In this paper we propose a feature-based CAD-CAE integration model to tackle the problem. The model comprises a hierarchy of CAD-CAE features that incorporate information necessary for both design and analysis. Based on this model, a prototype system for injection molded product design has been developed. The system consists of four layers: a CAD and CAE platform layer, a CADCAE feature layer, a model layer and a GUI layer. A design case study was also conducted to illustrate the proposed model and the system framework.