The Selection of Surfaces for Inspection Planning

Abstract Computer aided inspection is one small but important component in the move toward a more automated design and manufacturing process. Previously reported research has concentrated on determining workpiece setup, probe selection and probe path planning for coordinate measuring machines. An area that has received little attention to date is the stage of inspection planning that determines which critical surfaces and tolerances of a mechanical component actually require inspection. The work reported in this chapter considers this problem. Evolving computer based systems developed to support engineering design and manufacture are adopting the concept of a Product Model as the central source for providing the data required by various applications in the product life-cycle. In a product model, the geometry, dimensions, tolerances and manufacturing process of a component can be described. The chapter describes a feature relationship graph, derived from the product model, that allows the geometry, dimensions and tolerances and planned processes to be represented consistently. The feature relationship graph supports the link between design and inspection.