This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility a world wide web based library on machineable process simulation in Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). It will develop robust and well-defined interfaces between web protocols and CAM modules. A reliable security scheme will also be developed to offer adequate protection for the transmission and storing of sensitive design data. An innovative feature of the concept is early involvement of actual floor personnel from over one hundred small- and medium-sized businesses to evaluate the effectiveness of the prototype. The research will also develop an adequate on-line, self-paced training facility with extensive design and analysis examples, application, and utilization notes. A low cost, pay-per-use, machinable process design and manufacture service is expected to have widespread use in the commercial manufacturing sector.
