Internet integration of 3D-CAD design and manufacturing for complex products

This paper describes Internet integration for the 3D-CAD design and manufacturing of complex products. The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) in Kochi, Japan, has cooperated with Sakamoto Giken Co. (Sakamoto Co.) in Kochi, who in turn has collaborated with other companies using Internet technology in the field of design and manufacturing. Using collaboration software, an Internet camera, and an Internet telephone, design meetings between engineers in distant locations were conducted. Several cases of collaboration design and manufacturing work are also introduced. Sakamoto Co. aims to produce complex products, which are difficult to design and manufacture. Rapid prototyping has also been conducted for activities between the university and the company, and among the companies. The use of the Internet in this way reduces the time required for design and manufacturing and accelerates product development.