PROPLAN: an expert system for optimal planning of sheet metal operations

This paper describes a low cost expert system specifically developed for assisting process planners working in small and medium sheet metal industries. The system helps select an optimal process plan for sheet metal operations. Knowledge obtained from the process planners, die designers, product design hand books, catalogues and brochures has been analyzed, tabulated and incorporated into a set of production rules of the IF–THEN variety. The knowledge base system comprises of more than 150 production rules and is coded in the AutoLISP language. For consultation, the user loads the expert system PROPLAN into the prompt area of AutoCAD. This arrangement facilitates interfacing of process design with drafting and is operated on a PC/AT. The system generates friendly prompts designed to elicit from the user data pertaining to the job at hand. The system provides intelligent advice on the optimal process plan for sheet metal operations. Illustrative examples have been included for demonstrating the usefulness of the proposed system. The knowledge base of the present system can be modified depending upon the capabilities of a specific shop floor.