A study of the progressive working of an electric product using a 3D shape recognition method

This paper describes the development of the computer-aided design of an electric product using bending and piercing operations for progressive working. The system is based on knowledge-based rules. Knowledge for the system is formulated from plasticity theories, experimental results, and the empirical knowledge of field experts. The system has been written in AutoLISP in AutoCAD on a personal computer and is composed of four main modules, which are input and shape treatment, flat pattern layout, strip layout, and die layout modules. Based on knowledge-based rules, the system is designed considering several factors, such as bending radius, bending angle, effect of springback, material and thickness of a product, bending sequence, and the complexities of the blank geometry and punch profiles. It generates the 3D strip layout drawing for an electric product. The die layout module carries out die design for each process from the results of the strip layout module. Results obtained using the modules enable the designer and manufacturer of piercing and bending dies to be more efficient in this field.