DEVELOPING A KNOWLEDGE-BASED INJECTION MOLD COST ESTIMATION SYSTEM BYDECISION TABLES

This paper presents a knowledge-based costing system (DTMOLD-1) for an electrical appliance manufacturer to assist mould cost estimation at the Parry design stage. The system is developed in the form of decisio n tables. Through the use of decision tables, numerous interrelated va riables and technical data in the injection mould cost estimation proc ess are organised and presented. When the features of a plastic part a re input, the DTMOLD-1 will generate an estimated cost of the injectio n mould required to produce the part. The rationale behind the system as well as the methodologies used in the developmental process are dis cussed.