Abstract: A method of nesting a computer model of a part (100) into a computer model of a fixture (104) useful for situations where the original positions of the part and fixture are completely separate and for situations where the respective part and fixture surfaces overlap. The model of the fixture is first inset by a distance D sufficient to eliminate any overlap between the modeled surfaces. The minimum normal distance segment (105) between the inset fixture surface and the part surface may then be determined using standard CAD system capabilities. A vector is then constructed having a length D beginning at the minimum distance point 111 on the inset fixture surface (107) and extending in the direction of the minimum normal distance segment (105) to a point (112) on the original fixture model surface (106). The minimum distance segment between point (112) and the surface of the part (102) is then determined to identify a point (114). The respective point pair (112,114) is recorded.

Abstract: A method (28) for manufacturing a precision part (18) utilizing a non-precision fixture (10). The non-precision fixture is precisely measured (40) and modeled in a CAD program (42) together with a model of the part (30). The part model is nested (48) into the fixture model, and a transformation matrix describing the movement of a coordinate system of the part during the step of nesting is recorded (50). The transformation matrix may then be used to transform (52) a tool path that had been developed for the originally designed shape of the fixture. Accordingly, imprecision in the location of a part within an imprecisely measured fixture may be accounted for during subsequent manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A system for collecting and analyzing shipment parameter data, e.g., temperature, vibration, acceleration, shock, humidity, barometric pressure, pH, transit time, container position, etc., affecting predicted statistical variables of articles is provided. Examples of the predicted statistical variables may include article life expectancy, warranty costs, service and/or maintenance schedules, etc. The system is made up of a plurality of data collection subsystems for respectively collecting shipment parameter data encountered by respective articles being shipped, and a data analysis subsystem coupled to receive the collected shipment data for adjusting the respective predicted statistical variables of the articles.