Real time object customization in CAD system

Abstract

Object customization in Computer Aided Design (CAD) is a method used to modify the sketch parameters and change the model geometries. This method is one of important features in part modelling which empowered CAD user to simply modify their product. The conventional method of modifying CAD model is usually relied on the manual editing. This paper outlines a development of program than can be integrated in CAD/CAM system for real time object customization. It uses Visual Basic (VB) programming with custom Graphical User Interface (GUI) generated in NX10 (CAD/CAM software) interface. The main contribution of this research is a tool for real time object customization that capable to assist the modification of 3D model. In order to develop the tool, 3D model modification instructions are translated into programming codes by using Journaling tools in NX interface. Editable parameters are identified based on the model shapes. The related codes are reconstructed, modified and linked to the functional GUI.  This allows user to simply modify the model shapes in real time with minimum process steps. The performance of the method is evaluated in terms of the reduction of process steps and time in modifying the 3D model in CAD system. All the findings and details of approach are presented.