An integration framework for digital progressive die design and manufacturing

Abstract

This paper reports an effort to develop an intelligent integration framework for digital progressive die design and manufacturing. Both data- and process-centric integration functions are provided by the framework as if a special light-weight PDM/PLM (Product Data Management /Product Lifecycle Management) and WM (Workflow Management) system is embedded in the integrated engineering environment. A flexible integration approach based on the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) framework tenet is employed to rapidly build up the system while the intrinsic characteristics of the process are comprehensively taken into account. Introduction of this integration framework would greatly improve the dynamic performance of the overall progressive die design and manufacturing process.