Knowledge-based process selection for rotationally symmetric and rotationally non-symmetric components in cold forming

This paper reports the development of a knowledge-based process selection system for cold formed components with rotationally symmetric and rotationally non-symmetric geometries. The process knowledge base requires information and data related to formable geometric shapes, available cold forming operations, and formability rules and forming limits relating to material types. A forming feature representation has been developed to connect formable geometries with available forming operations. A conceptual classification of single and combined forming features has also been developed to represent both rotationally symmetric and rotationally non-symmetric components. A link between operations capable of producing single forming features and combined forming features are obtained using reasoning based on geometric considerations. Formability of forming features is assessed by formability rules and forming limits as a function of material type. Two case studies are used to demonstrate the capabilities of this system for forming process selection for two different component shapes.