CAI Model for Prismatic Parts in Digital Manufacturing

The objective of this paper is to discuss the feature-based inspection planning on CMM in a wider context, within a digital manufacturing concept. The digital manufacturing implies development of digital models of all elements of the manufacturing chain, in order to provide their digital verification. STEP standard as an enabler of feature-based manufacturing is presented along with its application protocols, considering design, planning, manufacturing and inspection of prismatic parts. The case study on the feature-based CAD/CAPP/CAM/CAI model in a manufacturing SME is shown to depict the position of CAI in this concept as well as its practical achievements. This is followed by the research recommendations for the improvement of the presented model.