14. Internet-based “Design for X” for Rapid and Economical Tool-/Mould-making

Computer Internet communication technology offers tremendous potential for building computer communication and software platforms for the rapid development of OKP products to meet global competition. In the past few years, a variety of Internet-based systems have been developed for the purpose of RPD. Among these systems, Internet-based “Design for X (DFX)” systems have been recognised as an efficient tool for the implementation of concurrent engineering and playing a key role in RPD. Internet-based DFX or IDFX systems can be applied by manufacturing companies to rapidly produce high quality products with low costs and higher profits. However, the implementation of IDFX systems is not an easy task. This is because many new techniques are involved in the application of IDFX, and PD processes are normally sophisticated and vary with PD environments. In this chapter, as illustrated by case studies, two typical applications of IDFX, Internet-based design for manufacture (IDFM) and Internet-based design for cost (IDFC) systems, are proposed for rapid and economical tool-/mould-making. The structure and the key models of the systems are discussed.