In this paper, a methodology for generating welding information in shipbuilding CIM is discussed. In order to generate welding information efficiently, two kinds of new models are introduced. One is Welding Operation Model. Welding Operation Model is an information model by which information to execute welding operation is expressed statically. By the data conversion of Welding Operation Model, various information for welding facilities can be offered. Another is Process Model of Welding Information Growth. In this model, correlation between various design/manufacturing information and welding information is regularized, and the flow and mechanisms to generate welding information are described. By the use of these two models, welding information is generated efficiently in all the design and manufacturing processes. Moreover, prototype system is developed based on the introduced models. This system is shown at the end of this paper.
Welding is a kernel operation in shipbuilding construction process. Therefore, it is important to achieve efficient generation of welding information. In the shipbuilding industries, various kinds of computer systems such as off-line teaching systems and CAM systems have been introduced to generate welding information efficiently. However, we can not say that these systems achieve enough efficiency. Welding information is influenced by variety of design and manufacturing information. Therefore, in order to generate welding information efficiently, generation of welding information should be considered in all the design and manufacturing processes. However, in almost all current systems, partial optimization of its generation process is aimed at. Therefore, in order to develop more efficient computer systems, it is important to clarify the concept to generate welding information in all the design and manufacturing processes. Recently, CIM(Computer Integrated Manufacturing system) is paid great attention to.
