Integrative process chain optimization using a Genetic Algorithm

For the production of forged components, it is necessary to coordinate and optimize the production stages along the process chain. This includes the mainstream processes as well as the associated process chain of the die manufacturing. Up to now, these processes and process chains are planned and optimized independent from each other because of the different and often contradictory target criteria. In this paper, a new approach for a holistic optimization of forged process chains will be presented. At first, a systematic mathematical dependency-analysis between the processes of an application scenario was carried out. Based on this analysis, a holistic Pareto-based optimization of the process parameters by the use of a Genetic Algorithm was consecutively performed. The article ends with the presentation and discussion of the computational results.