Some aspects of a knowledge-based approach for automating progressive metal stamping die design

Abstract For various reasons, a computer-based die design automation system has been considered rather difficult to build. This paper examines some critical issues associated with the modelling of the progressive die design process in a knowledge-based expert system (KBES). Some special techniques for workpiece shape representation, punch shape recognition and de-composition, die component representation and spatial reasoning for die synthesis are presented. These techniques are used to develop a KBES for the design automation of stamping dies.