Networked collaborative design

Abstract

Virtual collaborative design is an effective methodology to cover the multiple functional design phases in the plastic product development life cycle, including conceptual design phase, mechanical design phase and tooling design phase. Product development, based on geometric modelling by CAD, is characterized as an iterative sequence of design-evaluate-modify cycles. The problem with the traditional design process is that design work iterates between design phases resulting in lower productivity and lead-time delays. This research focuses on applying collaborative design for virtual product development, so called virtual collaborative design, for small batch manufacturing companies in the Plastic Industry.