Abstract: An expert manufacturing system generates a manufacturing plan for producing a part in an automated manufacturing system. The expert manufacturing system generates a multipurpose manufacturing geometry definitions file. The expert manufacturing system includes a rule-based expert system which uses the manufacturing geometry definitions file to generate the manufacturing plan in the form of a neutral source code file. The neutral source code is converted to machine-specific program code directly executable by a device controller, such as a logic controller or motion controller. The expert manufacturing system also includes a parametric drawing generation program for generating drawing of the part, and a computer simulation program for simulating the manufacturing plan for producing the part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an extruder barrel is disclosed which fabricates a barrel in two longitudinal sections and joins the sections together by electron beam welding. In a preferred form, the barrel sections are formed by machining conical recesses longitudinally in each section whereby a complementary bore is defined by the assembled barrel sections. The machined recesses may be formed with spiral, longitudinal or radial grooves. The recesses may be a uniform conical shape, stepped conical or a dual tapered shape.