Concurrent metal stamping part and die development system

This paper develops a general approach and a system tool for concurrent metal stamping part and die development. After analysis of the characteristics of the metal stamping development process and the interaction level among part design and die design activities, the needs for concurrent stamping part and die design are explored in depth, and an activity model for concurrent stamping part and die development is presented. A framework is proposed to support concurrent stamping part and die development by providing computer aided environments for part, process and die design, advisory tools for part stampability evaluation and part cost estimation, as well as process and die evaluation, and knowledge bases incorporated in the advisory tools. According to the framework, a design support strategy for concurrent stamping part and die development is investigated to guide the coordination of design activities including material selection, part stampability evaluation, process planning and die design, as well as cost estimation. Based on the proposed approach and strategy, the system prototype has been developed employing the knowledge-based approach. The results of this research will facilitate the rationalization of stamping part and die development and thus reduce the cost of metal stamping development.