A Knowledge Based System for Process Planning of Axisymmetric Deep Drawn Parts

Abstract

This paper describes a knowledge based system (KBS) developed for process planning of axisymmetric deep drawn sheet metal parts. The proposed system is structured into three modules. For the development of proposed system technical knowledge is acquired from different sources of knowledge acquisition and it is represented by using IF-THEN rules. Rules are coded using AutoLISP language and user interface is created using Visual Basic 6. The proposed system automatically models the part geometry in the drawing editor of AutoCAD, calculates blank size, selects the necessary process parameters required for production of deep drawn parts and generates process sequence. The system is flexible because its knowledge base can be extended and modified as old manufacturing facilities are discarded or newer ones are acquired in a particular enterprise. The suitability of proposed system is demonstrated by taking an example of industrial deep drawn sheet metal part. As the system can be implemented on a PC having AutoCAD software and therefore its low cost of implementation makes it affordable for small and medium scale sheet metal industries.