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Automated process choice will make toolmakers more competitive
18 Nov 2007
A three-year EU-sponsored research programme aims to make European toolmakers more competitive by helping them automatically select the best process for producing specific features.
The KnowEDM project is led in the UK by the GTMA and seeks to develop a knowledge-based system which tell users whether to use high speed machining or EDM, based on the geometry of the part. The result should be a 35 percent average cost reduction, with lead-times cut by up to 50 percent.
EU tool making and precision engineering account for almost 40% of the world market, with some 4.500 SMEs employing a total of 110.000 staff, and a turnover of approximately 9 Billion Euro. However, the sector has traditionally been reluctant to innovate and Europe’s market share is now under threat from competition in low wage countries.
With the KnowEDM tool the end-user will be able to optimise the choice by giving priority to parameters such as cost or delivery time. Three modules will be developed; the first will give an accurate EDM time estimation, the second will automate electrode design and manufacturing, while the third will automate an optimised choice between high speed machining or EDM.
The knowledge-based system will improve communication between product designers, mould manufacturers and injection moulders, and enable the manufacture of moulds of improved quality at reduced cost and shortened delivery times. The modules are being designed for use by mould makers and manufacturers of precision engineering products as well as others using EDM machining technology.
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