For some time there has been an expectation that a ''mechanical MOSIS'' system will soon become available to mechanical designers for the rapid manufacture of functional prototypes. Recent advances in client-server interaction, automated process planning, and rapid manufacturing services now make it possible to provide a World Wide Web based, seamless CAD/CAPP/CAM system, Currently, the following services are provided via the internet: (1) a design-for-manufacture CAD interface, written in Java(TM), (2) a choice between two CAPP systems, and (3) access to an open architecture machine tool for fabrication of mechanical parts. Together, these modules comprise CyberCut, a mechanical design and manufacturing service. CyberCut is the extension of an already proven Integrated Manufacturing and Design Environment (IMADE) into a distributed agent environment. It will provide users access to a rapid prototyping service in a Variety of materials, with the +/-0.002 in. tolerances made possible by typical CNC machining.
