Knowledge-Based System for Design of Blanking Dies

In sheet metal industries, blanking dies are considered as basic types of stamping dies. Die design is a highly experience-based task. There is no computer-aided system available for automation of design of blanking dies. This chapter describes a knowledge-based system for design of sheet metal blanking dies. The developed system can be used to analyze different die design techniques and complete the design task base on an optimum design configuration. A knowledge base for the selection of a most suitable design from 14 different designs has been constructed. The developed system uses parametric design approach for design and finally engineering drawings in 2-dimensions (2-D) and 3-dimensions (3-D) can be generated automatically. The system is tested through sample runs. The system was built on the AutoCAD platform with Visual Basic, AutoLISP programming languages and MS-Access for the database.