A computerized diagraph and matrix approach for evaluation of metal stamping layouts

Abstract

The cost of a component manufactured by metal stamping is mainly due to the strip material, the stamping operations and the die. An optimal strip-layout helps to minimize the overall cost of the component by minimizing wastage of the strip material. This paper presents a strip-layout selection methodology pertaining to metal die stamping work in complex layout situations. The method is based on a computerized diagraph and matrix approach. Factors affecting the cost of production of stamping from the raw material to the finished stage are identified. Next, a strip-layout diagraph is constructed in a way that models the individual and relative importance of the above factors. Based on the proposed diagraph, so-called permanent matrices are set up for developing expressions for a strip-layout selectivity index that helps to evaluate and rank any given set of strip-layout alternatives. An example has been included to demonstrate the proposed method.