Stamping — Laser Combination in Sheet Processing

Abstract Sheet parts which have been drawn on a CAD system can be manufactured on various stamping and laser-cutting machines with a prescribed set of tools. This paper describes an expert system which recognizes the part geometry and generates a complete NC manufacturing plan containing only stamping operations, only loser operations or A stamping-laser combination. In addition to the geometrical violation criteria the stomping and laser technology also have a major influence on the manufacturing operations. Emphasis is placed on the difference in path optimisation between stamping and laser-cutting plans.