Similarity of Parts Determined by Semantic Networks as the Basis for Manufacturing Cost Estimation

The method of estimating the production costs proposed in the article is based on the hypothesis that the cost of producing a newly introduced element is similar to the production cost of a previously manufactured element, provided that the elements are similar in terms of design, structure and manufacturing technology. The semantic web method was used to determine the similarity of the elements. In proposed method, the shape as well as structural and technological features of the element are recorded in the form of a graph. The element is divided into functional surfaces to which quantitative and qualitative parameters and technological features can be assigned. Networks describing specific elements can be compared by pairs, resulting in obtaining a factor of structural and technological similarity (s&t similarity). The ability to set the weights of semantic network’s branches allows to fine-tune the method to the requirements of different users, according to specific technical and organizational conditions in the company. In order to verify the thesis, the estimated costs of a selected group of gear-housing-type elements were compared with the costs calculated by another method.