An innovative and practical design automation system for progressive dies

Abstract

This paper describes an innovative approach for the design automation of progressive dies. The die design is modelled as a process to design its die functions. A template concept used to realize the die structure for a die function is proposed in the paper. A user begins by de®ning the geometric and stamping features of a sheet metal part. The geometric and feature information is processed and stored in a knowledge-based system. After automatic unfolding and nesting operations, the stamping process is interactively staged. Thereafter, a model-based approach takes over and generates the knowledgebased description of the die. Using special semantics to describe the die topology and assembly relations, a three-dimensional solid model of the entire die assembly is generated from the die description knowledge base. This system is able to produce three-dimensional strip layout, threedimensional die components and assembly, and annotated two-dimensional production drawings. It signi®cantly improves stamping die design productivity and accuracy, which is achieved through the capturing and processing of die design knowledge.

A system for computer-aided gating design for multi-cavity die-casting dies

“…The developed system blends the die-casting die-design rules and the industry best practices, along with the flexibility desired by a die-designer in a CAD system environment, and proves to be an effective tool in the hands of a die-designer. Development of systems for die-design for various near net-shape processes 23–31 brings the advantages of lower lead time besides reducing the effort of the die-designers. The developed system significantly reduces the time required for the design of gating system, needs little user interaction, and is very much useful for the industry.…”