The CAD/CAM solution and realization for machining of the rail girders in Maglev Transrapid project

First the architecture of an integrated CAD/CAM system developed for machining of girders using I-DEAS and other developing tools are introduced; then the involved technologies in the development of the system are presented, which include the method for determining the position and orientation of the manufacturing features, the method for geometric modeling of the girders, the techniques for generating the toolpaths for the 5-axis machining centers, the generative process planning technique and the post-processing technique for the specific machines, etc. Finally, some related special technical issues are discussed. This system has been realized successfully and applied in the Shanghai Maglev transrapid project (MTP).