A Framework for BIM-based Automated Cabinet Manufacturing Drafting and Planning

Abstract

In the current practice, cabinets (in kitchen, bathroom, and closet) are designed and manufactured using different software and tools. Sales use simple visualization tools (i.e. Sketchup) to communicate with their clients while the same cabinets are re-drafted for estimation, permits, and manufacturing in different tools. Information generated in each stage is re-built. However, due to the lack of BIM application in the cabinetry industry, the information gap between builder and cabinet manufacturer is still an issue that requires a quick solution because it causes cabinet drafting rework and waste in both the design and manufacturing phase. Extending manufacturing-centric BIM into cabinet design and manufacturing can address this issue and enhance the information exchange as well as enrich the information within the BIM model. Therefore, this paper presents an approach based on BIM to achieve automation in cabinet drafting, manufacturing, and production planning in order to improve design efficiency, reduce rework (I.e. redrafting), and reduce waste in both design and manufacturing. An application prototype is developed in the BIM environment in the form of an Autodesk Revit add-on to achieve the objectives through the automation of design and planning. A case study of residential cabinet design and production is subsequently presented to prove the feasibility of this prototype. As the main contribution of the proposed research, the in-depth integration of the BIM model with the automated design system, the optimized cutting stock algorithm to minimize waste, and the production process simulation together achieve full automation of cabinet design and of production planning for cabinet manufacturing.