AN INTEGRATED CAD-SYSTEM FOR THE BLANKING OF IRREGULAR-SHAPED SHEET-METAL PRODUCTS

This paper describes research work into developing computer-aided desi gn for the blanking and piercing of irregularly-shaped sheet metal pro ducts. This approach to an integrated CAD system is based on knowledge -based rules. Knowledge for the CAD system is formulated from plastici ty theories, experimental results and the empirical knowledge of field experts. The system has been written in Auto LISP on the AutoCAD syst em with a personal computer. The system is composed of six main module s: input and shape treatment, production feasibility check, blank layo ut, strip layout, die layout and drawing edit module. Based on the kno wledge-based rules, the system, STRTDES1, is designed by considering s everal factors, such as the complexities of the blank geometry and the punch profiles and the availability of press equipment and standard p arts. This system can therefore carry out a die design for each proces s that is obtained from the results of an automated process-planning s ystem and generate part drawings and the assembly drawing of the die s et in graphic form. The developed system provides powerful capabilitie s for the process planning and dies design of irregularly-shaped produ cts. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.