Development of an integrated computer-aided process planning system for press working products

This paper describes research work in developing an automated computer-aided process planning system for a hot forging or blanking product by press working. The computer-aided process planning system written in AutoLISP on AutoCAD using a personal computer and in I-DEAS Drafting Programming Language on the I-DEAS Master Series Drafting with workstation in hot forging and blanking requires many kinds of technical and empirical skills. An approach to the computer-aided process planning system is based on knowledge-based rules and a process knowledge base consisting of design rules is built. Based on the investigation and collection of knowledge of the processes, the methodology adopted to develop this system is elaborated in this paper. This integrated computer-aided process planning system is composed of two main modules: hot forging and blanking modules. It is designed by considering several factors, such as the complexities of the blank geometry, the punch and die profiles, the availability of press equipment, and standard parts. Results obtained using the modules enable the designer and manufacturer of forging or blanking dies to be more efficient in this field.