Geometrical Modeling of Extruder Screws Utilizing the Characteristic Product Features Method in CAD

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is employed extensively to facilitate design processes through software tools, serving as an indispensable component in Reverse Engineering (RE) across various sectors. This study elucidates the integration of RE and CAD in constructing generic product models for the manufacturing industry, particularly through the enhancement of the Feature-Based Design (FBD) approach. The Characteristic Product Features (CPF) methodology, pivotal in this research, enhances FBD by enabling the creation of parametrically defined generic features. Such features encapsulate a range of parameters including geometrical dimensions, topological constraints, and requirements for material properties and functionality, all dictated by the parametric model established. The methodology affords mechanical engineers enhanced capabilities to devise specific or customized manufacturing processes, applicable in domains spanning CAD, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE). The practical application of CPF within CAD is exemplified through the development of a three-dimensional geometrical model of an extruder screw utilized in polymer extrusion, illustrating the potential for tailored process innovation in manufacturing.