A knowledge base for metal welding process selection

Abstract

Metal welding process selection calls for extensive know-how which deals with a huge amount of knowledge. Hence, automation of knowledge through a knowledge-based system will greatly enhance the decision-making process. This paper describes a knowledge-base system developed for identifying the most appropriate welding processes to suit specific circumstances. Here, 30 welding processes of industrial importance have been incorporated into the system. In this study, only the product type and some of the process capabilities, namely material type, material thickness, method of use, quality level, joint type and welding position, are used to determine the best selection among competitive welding processes.