Automated Design of Progressive Dies

Abstract

This paper describes the structure and operation of a prototype intelligent system for progressive die design and manufacturing. The system is developed using X Window ‘C’ programs to create an interface linking the CAD (computer aided design) package, AutoCAD and the expert system shell, Kappa. AutoCAD is used for the input of the piece part geometry, creating the temporary drawings and final design drawings of the tool parts and assembly while Kappa is used to create the knowledge base, the databases of the standard tool parts and the menu system for entering design data. Purpose-built ‘C’ programs are also used for some numerically intensive computations, for example calculating the best material utilization. The system knowledge is based on a structured analysis of present press tool design techniques.

A knowledge-based blackboard framework for stamping process planning in progressive die design

“…The greatest advantage achieved by the system is the rapid generation of the most efficient strip layouts. Researchers at the University of Liverpool have worked on design automation for progressive piercing and blanking dies [10,11]. Their work is based on applying a coding technique to characterize the stamped part geometric features, which is subsequently used to generate the type and layout of the die punches, and then develop the strip layout automatically.…”

A short note on an intelligent system for selection of materials for progressive die components

“…Existing computer-aided die design systems have still not fully dealt with the core die design issue of material selection for progressive die components. Some existing CAD/CAM systems for progressive dies [2][3][4] are able to generate bill of materials, * Corresponding author. Tel.…”

Insert design automation for progressive dies

“…Since the late 1980s, researchers from several universities and research institutes have built progressive-die design automation systems with artificial intelligence (AI) technology [1][2][3][4][5]. However, the functionalities of those systems are quite limited and they can either handle parts requiring only piercing and blanking operations, or parts that have relatively simple geometry.…”