Abstract
An automated process planning system for cold forging of non-axisymmetric parts of comparatively simple shape was developed in this study. Programs for the system have been written with Visual LISP in the AutoCAD using a personal computer and are composed of four main modules such as input module, shape cognition and shape expression module, material diameter determination module and process planning module. The design rules and knowledges for the system are extracted from the plasticity theories, handbook, relevant reference and empirical knowledge of field experts. Generally, in forging, only front view is needed for expression of axisymmetric parts, but non-axisymmetric parts need front and plane view. At the plane, this system cognizes the external shape of non-axisymmetric, parts - number of sides of regular polygon and radius of a circle circumscribing the polygon of n sides. At the front view, the system perceives diameter of axisymmetric portions and height of primitive geometries such as polygon, cylinder, cone, concave, convex, etc.
