Web-based navigating system for conceptual mould design with knowledge management

Abstract

Efficiency and quality are essential demands in mould and moulding manufacturing. Most related enterprises have already expanded from 3C (computer, communication, consumer electronics) to 4C (3C, car) products, which is characterised by smaller quantities and more varieties. For many firms, the shortened life cycle of products presents an unprecedented challenge. This research aims at developing a web-based navigating system for conceptual mould design with knowledge management within the computer-aided design (CAD) embedded browser. This system integrates CAD and web-based management seamlessly by the dedicated application programming interface (API). Based on both customised and standardised procedures, not only does the system prevent probable engineering mistakes and accumulate valuable knowledge, but also generates consistent web reports and shortens mould-design processes from 1 ∼ 2 days by senior engineers to a couple of hours normally. In the case study of this paper, using the web-based navigating system can result in time savings up to 66%. The results show significant time savings over the conventional design process.

Keywords:

• web-based
• navigation system
• conceptual mould design
• knowledge management
• Pro/Web.Link

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Jabil Taiwan Green Point Enterprise Co., R&D Center for Mold and Molding Technology, Ministry of Education, Taiwan, and the National Science Council in Taiwan (grant no. NSC 95-2627-E-033-001).