An Intelligent Knowledge Based System for CO2 Laser Beam Machining for Optimization of Design and Manufacturing

This paper addresses the concept of CO2 Laser beam machining (LBM) and development of intelligent knowledge base system (IKBS) for CO2 LBM. Feature based design is used for acquiring design specification. For optimization of laser beam machining computer based concurrent engineering environment is used. The IKBS is linked to feature base cad system. The IKBS is also linked to material database which holds attributes of more than 50 types of materials. It is also linked to Laser database which holds attributes of 3 types of laser machine. IKBS is also linked to Laser machine variables and parameters. For each design feature, IKBS provides information such as machining cycle time and cost and machining rate. By changing machine parameters, we can optimize machining cycle time and cost and cutting rate. The IKBS can be used as an advisory system for designers and manufacturing engineers. It can also be used as a teaching program for new CO2 laser operators in computer based concurrent engineering environment.