Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article includes constructing a definition of the article in a computer memory and further defining in the computer memory from the definition of the article, a plurality of tools for forming component parts of the article. The definition of the plurality of tools is downloaded to a tool forming device which is then operated to form the plurality of tools. The component parts of the article are then formed utilizing the plurality of tools.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a 3-dimensional computer system having memory. A graphics definition of an article is located in the system memory. The computer system includes an interface for defining a graphics virtual surface in the system memory. The computer system further includes computer aided design software for generating a graphics virtual member in the system memory where the virtual member incorporates at least a portion of the graphic virtual surface. Additionally the computer system includes computer aided manufacturing software for generating manufacturing instructions for manufacturing a tangible member corresponding to the virtual member. A numerically controlled machine tool suitable for machining the tangible part is interfaced with the computer system for receiving a control program corresponding to the manufacturing instruction for production of the tangible part by the numerically controlled machine tool.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing aircraft includes constructing a definition of the aircraft in a computer memory and then defining in the memory a first tool for forming a component part of the aircraft and a second tool for assembling a component part made with the first tool. The definitions of the first and second tools are downloaded to a tool forming device which is operated to form the first and second tools essentially independent from one another.