Combination of a knowledge-based system with a data extraction system for determining optimal machine settings

摘要

GenFlow is a program developed by the Advanced Technology Education Service (ATES) with the aim of extracting “selected” alphanumeric data from system datafiles of computer systems (e.g. the computer system of a Laser Sintering Machine). This extracted information, which includes parameter settings such as material warm-up time, pressure and temperature as well as time for the manufacturing process, is essential for the analysis of product quality particularly related to the dimensional accuracy of the component. It is proposed that GenFlow can be used in conjunction with a Knowledge-Based System (KBS) or Expert System to provide advice on rectifying the dimensional problem based on knowledge of past experience. With this approach, “expert” advice can be generated through the KBS which also has a “dynamic” knowledge database. This can provide a more realistic suggestion for the optimal machine settings in order to achieve improved productivity. This paper examines the viability of a KBS combined with GenFlow to determine the optimal settings of parameters for a Laser Sintering Machine Model SLS2000 which is deployed in the Advanced Manufacturing Facility (AMF) of a company in Australia. The KBS has been developed by ATES and implemented in the company and is named the Parameter Determination Knowledge-Based System (PDKBS).