A Computer-Based Tutoring Aid for Progressive Die Design

This paper describes how a knowledge-based system for automating the process planning of progressive die design is enhanced and developed into a tutoring aid for tool and die trainees. This is achieved by incorporating an explanation engine that scans the status of the plan stored in the knowledge-base and provides reports to the user. According to the status of the plan, actions are suggested by the explanation engine to guide the user to achieve his goals. As the system is able to provide a ‘first-guess’ solution to each step of the planning process, it allows the trainee to develop the plans very quickly. It also serves as an effective tutoring aid for learning a large number of die design case studies within the time allocated for the subject.