Computer integrated mould manufacturing

Abstract

Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) is a concept adopted to achieve the global optimum of an enterprise by integrated use of computers in all areas of production. Two most important aspects of CIM are the interlinking of individual islands of production processes and the realization of a continual flow of information and material in the entire plant. In this regard, the following subsystems are developed as an intermediate step to interconnect the discrete islands of mould manufacturing: an integrated system for mould design and evaluation, a generative process planning system with an NC programming tool for complex sculptured surfaces of moulded products, an automated polishing system with properly designed ‘robotonomic’ tools and off-line programming functions, and a high-speed 3-D coordinate measuring machine using pneumatic-servo modules. Based on the cross link of information flow, a production control system is developed to optimise the whole mould factory in order to yield greater productivity and flexibility. A model plant with CIM concept has been built to show the enhanced productivity, shorter delivery time and stabilized quality of mould manufacturing automation.