ABSTRACT
Purpose: The present paper describes a knowledge-based system (KBS) developed for selection of progressive die components to automate the design process of progressive dies in stamping industries. Design/methodology/approach: The production rule based KBS approach of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been utilized for constructing the proposed system. The system has been structured into seven KBS modules. Modules are user interactive and designed to be loaded in to the prompt area of AutoCAD. Findings: The output of system modules includes the type and proper dimensions of progressive die components namely die block, die gages (front spacer and back gage), stripper, punches, punch plate, back plate, die-set and fasteners. The system has been designed in such a way that the expert advices imparted by its modules are automatically stored in different output data files. These data files can be further utilized for automatic modeling of die components and die assembly. Research limitations/implications: Although the system is limited to the design of progressive dies only, yet it can be extended further for the design of other types of dies also. Practical implications: The proposed system is ready for use in sheet metal industries for quick selection of progressive die components. The system can be implemented on a PC having AutoCAD software and therefore its low cost of implementation makes it affordable by small and medium sized stamping industries. Originality/value: The proposed system is capable of accomplishing the time-consuming task of selection of progressive die components in a very short time period. Keywords: Automation engineering processes; Knowledge-based system; Progressive die components
目的： 本文阐述了一套能够选择顺序冲模组件的人工智能系统，实现了冲压行业的顺序冲模设计过程自动化。
设计/方法：基于生产规则的人工智能(AI) 已经被用于系统方案架构中。整个系统分为7个KBS 模块。这些模块能够实现与用户的互动，并能够加载到即时 AutoCAD中。
结论： 系统模块输出端包括顺序冲模组件的类型和适合尺寸，即模块、模块计量器(front spacer and back gage), 脱模机、冲压机、冲压盘、 背板、模架和紧固件等。 这样设计系统可以使模块传送的优质信息自动存储在不同的输出端数据文件中。这些数据文件还可以用于模具组件和模具装配的自动建模。
研究局限性及意义：本系统虽然仅限于顺序冲模的设计，但仍可应用于其它类型模具的设计:
实际意义：计划系统能够应用于金属片行业的顺序冲模组件的快速筛选。系统能够在装有CAD软件的电脑上运行，安装成本低廉，非常适合中小型冲压企业。
创造性价值： 计划系统能够在极短时间内完成极为耗时的顺序冲模组件工作。
关键词：自动化工程开发过程；知识型系统；顺序冲模组件
