An integrated design and CAPP system for deep drawing or blanking products

This paper deals with an automated computer-aided process planning system by which designers can determine operation sequences even if they have little experience in the process planning of sheet metal products by press working. The computer-aided process planning program written in AutoLISP for the AutoCAD using a personal computer, for deep drawing or blanking, requires many kinds of technical and empirical skills. The approach to structure of the 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 about the processes, the methodology adopted to develop this system is described in this paper. An attempt is made to link programs incorporating a number of expert design rules to form a useful package for process planing. This integrated design and CAPP system is composed of two main modules and six submodules. It is designed considering several factors, such as the complexities of blank geometry, punch and die profiles, the availability of a press equipment, and standard parts. Results obtained using the modules enable the designer and manufacturer of deep drawing or blanking dies to be more efficient in this field.