This research paper presents a qualitative and quantitative cost analysis system for sheet metal stamping development at an early design stage. First, the authors identify problems in the traditional metal stamping part and die development processes and outline the need for performance of concurrent stamping part design in order to achieve cost effectiveness that accommodates the concept of concurrent engineering. Based on feature-based modelling, a systematic method has been proposed to qualitatively analyse stamping costs through the design stages according to part information availability. The direct relationship existing between part features and cost factors is analysed in detail. Through feature-based qualitative cost analysis, the designer can identify the part attributes that significantly increase the die construction cost and redesign such parts as early in the process as possible. In addition, an algorithmic method is presented to estimate the stamping die cost quantitatively when the stamping part configuration and some basic parameters have been determined, which can give a rapid feedback to the customer and cost accounting department at an early design stage. Finally, system development is further discussed in depth with a case study. The results of this research are intended to facilitate cost effective stamping part and die development.
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