Feature-based design of progressive press tools

This paper outlines two approaches for the development of a feature-based system which is used to support the detailed design of progressive press tools. The first approach is based on applying a coding technique to characterize the workpiece geometric features. This feature description is subsequently used to propose the type and layout of the press tool punches required to produce the part. The second approach uses design constraints as the bases for selecting the punches and dies. The approaches have been implemented on an IBM PC in C and integrated with a prototype low-cost CAD system for press tool design.