9. Generic Product Modelling Framework: Case Study

The focus of this chapter is placed on the modelling methodologies and the definition of schemas for various activities in a rapid OKP development process such as manufacturing, inspection, etc., and the integration of the schemas with other resources definedwithin STEP. There are 25 schemas defined to ensure that the proposed generic product modelling framework (GPMF) in Chapter 8 is compatible and can be used in modelling various types of products. These aspects, to the best of our knowledge, have not been reported extensively in the literature. The structure of the framework is discussed in this chapter with the focus placed on the EDM as the core of the framework. Case studies are carried out to validate the proposed GPMF. Two products are chosen from different engineering disciplines. They are modelled into product models according to the GPMF. Each case utilises one of the EDM data exchange and sharing methods and its corresponding software environment to obtain the product models, which are presented as STEP Part 21 exchange files, STEP objects, and a database object. A prototype system called Product Data Management System (PDMS) is developed to test the GPMF. The case studies show that the productmodels built based on the GPMF are capable of integrating information in product design, manufacturing and assembly, and the GPMF is compatible, comprehensive, and flexible.