Abstract
Abstract
This paper describes an intelligent system for assisting process planning staff working in small and medium sheet metal industries for optimal selection of type of die, jig, fixture and inspection gauge for a given job. The problem is tackled through the expert system approach. Knowledge in the form of data, facts, rules of thumb and judgements gathered from product designers, process planners, die designers, process planning handbooks, catalogues and brochures has been analysed, tabulated and incorporated into a set of production rules of the IF-THEN variety. The system is coded in the AutoLISP language and loaded into the prompt area of AutoCAD. This arrangement facilitates interfacing of process design with drafting and can be operated on a PC/AT. For consultation, the system generates friendly prompts eliciting from the user data pertaining to the job. The system output includes recommendations on optimal type of die, jig, fixture and inspection gauge suitable for the job at hand. Illustrative examples have been included for demonstrating the usefulness of the proposed system. The knowledge base of the proposed system can be modified depending upon the capabilities of a specific shop-floor. The low cost of the system makes it affordable for planners working in small- and medium-sized enterprises.