An interactive knowledge-based CAD system for mould design in injection moulding processes

This paper presents a practical prototype knowledge-based system, called IK MOULD, for mould design in the injection moulding process. It attempts to t ackle the problem in a practical and integrative way, unlike the stand-alon e and mathematical programs which have been developed in the past to solve only a part of the problem. A total quantitative and structured approach is not feasible in dealing with the complex and multirelated design problems generally involved in mould design. In this system, the computational modul e, the knowledge-based module and the graphic module for generating mould f eatures are integrated within an interactive CAD-based framework. The knowl edge base of the system can be accessed by mould designers through interact ive programs so that their own intelligence and experience can also be inco rporated with the total mould design. The approach adopted both speeds up t he design process and facilitates design standardisation which in turn incr eases the speed of mould manufacture.