Optimal Shape Design of an Extrusion Die Using Polynomial Networks and Genetic Algorithms

Abstract

Designing the optimal shape for an extrusion die to produce a high-quality extrusion product is often required by industry. Design from experience is unsatisfactory for achieving the flexibility and precision requirements in die design. In this paper, a design method has been developed for the optimum shape design of extrusion die. The extrusion process was modelled and analysed by using the finite-element method to obtain the extrusion force and effective strain for different die shapes. A polynomial network was applied to identify the force and strain models in terms of the geometric parameters of the extrusion die. An improved genetic algorithm was used to optimise the identified model for optimal shape with minimum force and strain. It has been verified that the modelling error is extremely small. The designer can quickly and accurately access the optimal shape of an extrusion die through this new approach.