A knowledge-based system for selection of progressive die components

Purpose: The present paper describes a knowledge-based system (KBS) developed for selection of progressive die components to automate the design process of progressive dies in stamping industries. Design/methodology/approach: The production rule based KBS approach of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been utilized for constructing the proposed system. The system has been structured into seven KBS modules. Modules are user interactive and designed to be loaded in to the prompt area of AutoCAD. Findings: The output of system modules includes the type and proper dimensions of progressive die components namely die block, die gages (front spacer and back gage), stripper, punches, punch plate, back plate, die-set and fasteners. The system has been designed in such a way that the expert advices imparted by its modules are automatically stored in different output data files. These data files can be further utilized for automatic modeling of die components and die assembly. Research limitations/implications: Although the system is limited to the design of progressive dies only, yet it can be extended further for the design of other types of dies also. Practical implications: The proposed system is ready for use in sheet metal industries for quick selection of progressive die components. The system can be implemented on a PC having AutoCAD software and therefore its low cost of implementation makes it affordable by small and medium sized stamping industries. Originality/value: The proposed system is capable of accomplishing the time-consuming task of selection of progressive die components in a very short time period.