Survey of Feature Research

Recognition of machining features provides a bridge between Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) of machined parts. CAD produces part descriptions in terms of geometric entities or design features, which need not coincide with the manufacturing features needed by process planning activities. The CAD data must therefore be interpreted so as to generate part representations in terms of machining features. When the CAD data contain only nominal geometry information, feature recognition is required. When the CAD data contain design features inserted in a feature based design system, feature model conversion is required. This paper surveys research on feature recognition, feature based design and feature model conversion and raises important issues.