Review of research in feature-based design

• Published in: Journal of manufacturing systems Vol. 12; no. 2; pp. 113 - 132
• Main Authors: Salomons, O.W., van Houten, F.J.A.M., Kals, H.J.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dearborn Elsevier Ltd 01.01.1993; SME
• Subjects: CAD; CAD/CAPP Integration; Computer aided design; Design; Design by Features; Design engineering; Design Features; Design Process; Designers; Engineering research; Feature Representation; Feature Taxonomies; Feature Validation; Feature-Based Design; Feature-Based Process Planning; Features; Fits and tolerances; Form Features; Intelligent CAD; Languages; Manufacture; Manufacturing; Manufacturing Features; Methods; Multiple Views on Features; Object Orientation; Process engineering; Process planning; Product design; Standardization; Studies; Systems integration; Tolerances; Multiple Views on Features; Standardization; CAD/CAPP Integration; Tolerances; Languages; Intelligent CAD; Feature Taxonomies; Form Features; Feature Representation; Design Features; Feature Validation; Object Orientation; Design Process; Features; Design by Features; Feature-Based Design; Feature-Based Process Planning; Manufacturing Features
• ISSN: 0278-6125; 1878-6642
• DOI: 10.1016/0278-6125(93)90012-I

Research in feature-based design is reviewed. Feature-based design is regarded as a key factor towards CAD/CAPP integration from a process planning point of view. From a design point of view, feature-based design offers possibilities for supporting the design process better than current CAD systems do. The evolution of feature definitions is briefly discussed. Features and their role in the design process and as representatives of design-objects and design-object knowledge are discussed. The main research issues related to feature-based design are outlined. These are: feature representation, features and tolerances, feature validation, multiple viewpoints towards features, features and standardization, and features and languages. An overview of some academic feature-based design systems is provided. Future research issues in feature-based design are outlined. The conclusion is that feature-based design is still in its infancy, and that more research is needed for a better support of the design process and better integration with manufacturing, although major advances have already been made.