A framework of a concurrent process planning system for mold manufacturing

This paper presents a research on the development of a computer-based framework that supports concurrent mold manufacturing process planning. The practical goal of this research is three-fold: (1) to develop a systematic and concurrent mold manufacturing process planning model, (2) to develop a computer-based mold manufacturing process planning system based on the concurrent model, and (3) to develop knowledge bases to assist in concurrent type of mold manufacturing process planning that accommodates mold development concerns, as well as the requirements of the products. The approach of this work includes steps of (1) modeling and reengineering concurrent mold manufacturing process planning, (2) analysis of system functional requirements, (3) system framework design, and (4) system modeling and implementation. The results of this research will facilitate the rationalization and automation of the mold development process planning, thus improving the efficiency and quality, and also reducing the cost of molding product and process development. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.