Enhanced knowledge-based 3D-CAD methods supporting automotive body-in-white production engineering

Automotive development is based on virtual product and process models and covers both the development of the car itself as well as of the corresponding production and assembling processes. Considering simultaneous engineering approaches, the integration of product-related and production-associated development plays an important role. Based on an exemplary application in automotive body-in-white development, the present paper introduces and discusses the efficient application of enhanced knowledge-based 3D-CAD methods, including data exchange and management. Target is to support data creation and processing through the implementation of specific algorithms. In this way, a continuous method is provided, which closes the gap between different design, simulation, and production engineering processes.