볼스터드 공정설계시스템 개발

Abstract

The ball stud, a kind of bolt having a spherical head, is widely used as a part of a ball joint in steering or suspension systems of automobiles. However, the process sequence design of manufacturing ball suds is highly dependent on the trial-and-error of the designer which limits the productivity and competitiveness of ball studs in meeting the demands of the current market. In this study, a process design system of ball stud and a database system were developed to solve this problem. The design rules in the developed system, were extracted from drawings, interviews with production and design experts, and the literature available. The initial process sequence design is performed by a proposed standard process sequence to standardize various process sequences. Then, it can be modified by a redesigning stage in which the limiting process number and limiting load of the forming machine are taken into account. The database system, separated from the process design system developed, facilitates data sharing among workplaces, and through interface with the design system assists the ball stud process design by checking the feasibility of reusing existing dies and drawings of previous products. Also, input files for finite element analysis and process data in the form of .dxf files were produced for generating drawings in AutoCAD.