corresponding plates according to the type, quantity, location, and size parameters of candidate library features by reading the excel files. Since the parameters or configurations of the holes are recognized automatically by the system rather than resulting from interactions with the user, the modeling process for hole is performed automatically. If there exists any error during the modeling processes, the design coordinator will then send an error message to the user presenting error command and circumstance. 3.3.7 User interface

The user interface is responsible for the communication between a designer and the system. The user interface of the proposed system comprises the selection of parameters and the assigned type of correlating parts. The user interface also is responsible for the detection of incorrect input data and the management of exceptional events. 4 Illustrative example

The developed system is explained with the design of a progressive die for the motor core for house appliance. Die Main Plate (Correlated parts)

Module

(Correlating parts) Progressive Die

Upper die shoe Upper backing plate Punch holding plate Stripper backing plate Die holding plate Die backing plate Bottom die shoe Screw Dowel pin Hook Screw Stopper Pilot pin assemble

Guide post and post assemble Lifter pin assemble Standard punches Standard dies

Typical parameterized structure components

Fig. 13 Structure charts of holes design for progressive die

10 Int J Adv Manuf Technol (2010) 49:1–12

First, the blank layout is drawn, and then the strip layout is designed which is inserted into the die assembly as a layout sketch. Then, a half standard die sets are inserted whose dimensions can be adjusted to the strip layout. The point sketch for the correlating parts outside strip layout area is also pre-established in template file. The point sketch can be edited by the user. Select such points to locate the parts such as screw, pin, stopper, guide post, and bushes. From the strip layout, the points or contours are selected to locate such parts as pilot pin assembly, lifter pin assemble, standard punches or dies, and other typical parameterized parts. When designing each of the correlating parts, the system first asks the type and/or size based on design criteria, and then the location is needed. The procedure is described in Fig. 14. In order to show the die structure clearly, the assembly drawing shown in Fig. 14d is dealt with upper die shoe and bottom die in transparent state and some parts in hidden state. 5 Conclusion

This paper studies the classification of holes on plates

according to the structural type and relationship between correlating parts and correlated plates. A descriptive model is set up based on relevance. The paper presents a structural design system for holes on plates with relevance for 3D progressive dies built on a PC and integrating SolidWorks CAD system. The system can be used to design a series of holes automatically on main plates according to correlating parts selected by the user with the help of holes library feature. The correlating parts such as standard punch, die, guiding post and pushing, pilots, lifters, stopper, and other typical parameterized functional assembles or parts can be inserted on the assembly while the holes on plates are constructed. According to the design standard and criteria, the relationship between holes and correlating parts makes the edition process convenient and easy. Using the proposed system, holes can designed within 1 h, while in (a) Product (b) Blank layout (c) Strip layout

(d) Insert correlating parts and correlated holes (some parts were hidden and some in transparent state in order to illustrate clearly) Fig. 14 Procedures for designing