STEP product model for micro formed linked parts

A central challenge of micro forming production is the handling of component parts. The simple transformation from macro to micro scale of the forming and handling processes is complicated due to size effects. One solution for overcoming these effects is to handle the components as linked parts as long as possible. Linked parts are manufactured in multistage processes in which every individual process generates different requirements. Therefore, arrangements have to be adopted to administrate growing amounts of data, for the documented coordination of the processes and also for a reproducible production. A practicable method is the development of product data models. Of major importance is the product data modelling based on ISO 10303, also known as Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP). STEP offers extensive possibilities for the application-neutral and unambiguous data exchange. Using STEP a basic product data model for the micro forming technology is designed. It is focussing on the modelling of linked parts production.