This paper describes the structure and operation of a low-cost computer aided design system for press tool design (CAPTD). The system is a collection of integrated industry standard microcomputer packages and purpose-built programs. The packages include Autocad 11, for the input of workpiece geometry and the output of the press tool part and assembly drawings, and dBase IV for the decision support, the selection of press tool components and generating output reports. A purpose built 'C' program is also developed for the layout and nesting of the workpiece. The system is driven by a set of press tool design rules implemented in both the dBase IV and 'C' programming languages. The system is developed to run on 80386SX or higher based IBM-compatible microcomputers.
