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A prototype software system that automatically designs the gating and runner systems, which comprise the feed system, of injection molds is described. The system, called AMDS (Automated Mold Design System), integrates CAE, with iterative redesign and knowledge stored in a features representation of the part. Gating design involves the generation of the best gating configuration represented by number, location, and type of gates, and the determination of the best conditions under which plastic should enter through the gates. Runner design also involves the generation of a runner layout followed by the sizing of the runner segments. The design of both systems is iterative, whereby the design variables are changed, the new design analyzed, evaluated, and redesigned if necessary, until an acceptable design is obtained. The evaluation of the gating design is based on eighteen performance parameters, while the evaluation of the runner system is based on four performance parameters. The system has been tested on three-dimensional parts made up of planar rectangular wall features with holes as add-on features.

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This paper describes a new, and unique, system for design and analysis of a family of parts with a specific focus on gas turbine nozzles. The system, built on the tenets of knowledge-based engineering (KBE) within an object-oriented framework, supports the notion of scalable products that can be resized through reparametrization. The KBE system for the parametric design of nozzles has been integrated with a Topology and Geometry Utility System (TAGUS) and geometry-based mesh generators (QUADTREE and EXTREME) to develop a turnkey system. The resulting system is shown to help reduce the design cycle time and to increase engineering productivity by representing design and manufacturing information as part of the complete product definition.