Title: Computer-supported quality safeguards in the product development process

Authors: Zhuojun Bao

Addresses: SDRC Product Development Munich, SDRC Software und Service GmbH, Richard-Reitzner-Allee 4, D-85540 Haar bei Muenchen, Germany

Abstract: In this paper, a new quality cycle for the product development process is presented. In design, a product element is constructed and described with ideal geometry and tolerance information. A prototype will be manufactured. The inspection data recorded with a measuring machine with tactile or optical sensors can be used to generate a real geometry. Based on an approach of the 3D tolerance zone, the inspection data can be evaluated by a comparison between the real geometry and the tolerance zones. The form errors can be compensated in design by distorting the ideal geometry according to the evaluation of the inspection data. The quality cycle is closed by the feedback of the inspection data to designing or planning. Using the iterative quality process, the product manufacturability and quality can be consistently ensured in the same CAD/CAM process. The methodology is very suitable for the automotive industry in combination with rapid prototyping technology.

Keywords: product design for manufacture and quality; 3D tolerance zone; evaluating inspection data; correction model; quality cycle and quality assignment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2001.002916

International Journal of Technology Management, 2001 Vol.21 No.3/4, pp.329-339

Published online: 08 Jul 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article