A Knowledge Based System for Selection of Components of Deep Drawing Die

Design of deep drawing die is a skilled and experienced based activity. Selection of die components is a vital step in the design process of a deep drawing die. This paper describes a knowledge based system (KBS) developed for the selection of major components of a deep drawing die. The proposed system uses production rule based approach of artificial intelligence (AI) and consists of eight modules. Production rules are coded in AutoLISP language and user interface is created in Visual Basic 6 on AutoCAD platform. The system output includes recommendations for selection of proper type and size of various die components of deep drawing die like die block, stripper, die gages, punch plate, die set, fasteners, etc. Validation of the proposed system is demonstrated by taking an industrial sheet metal part. As this system can be implemented on a PC having AutoCAD software, therefore its low cost of implementation makes it affordable even for small scale sheet metal industries.