XML-based assembly visualization for a multi-CAD digital mock-up system

Abstract

Using a virtual assembly tool, engineers are able to design accurate and interference free parts without making physical mock-ups. Instead of a single CAD source, several CAD systems are used to design a complex product in a distributed design environment. In this paper, a multi-CAD assembly method is proposed through an XML and the lightweight CAD file. XML data contains a hierarchy of the multi-CAD assembly. The lightweight CAD file produced from various CAD files through the ACIS kernel and InterOp includes not only mesh and B-Rep data, but also topological data. It is used to visualize CAD data and to verify dimensions of the parts. The developed system is executed on desktop computers. It does not require commercial CAD systems to visualize 3D assembly data. Multi-CAD models have been assembled to verify the effectiveness of the developed DMU system on the Internet.