M.Ing. / This thesis presents the concept of remote (Internet) data acquisition and processing for control of EDM parameters. It incorporates aspects of data analysis while performing diagnosis of process behavior. A working neuro-macro model of the EDM process is utilized for process correlation and diagnosis recommendations. The approach allows selective ways to vary the EDM process performance. The focus in this work is on the process efficiency. The process efficiency is related to the input parameters through the neuro-macro model of the EDM process. A comprehensive description of on-line monitoring and processing of data is included. Experimental results based on the suggested analysis and diagnosis for possible process adaptation particularly with respect to the EDM process efficiency is presented.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Information Technology)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Markets for manufactured products are characterized by a fragmentation of the market (with regards to size and time), and by shorter product cycles. This is due to the occurrence of mass customization and globalization. In mass customization, the same basic products are manufactured for a broad market, but then consumers are given the liberty to choose the “finishing touches” that go with the product. The areas that manufacturers now compete for are higher quality products, low cost and timely response to market changes. Appropriate business strategies and manufacturing technologies must thus be used to implement these strategic dimensions. The paradigm of Reconfigurable Manufacturing System (RMS) has been introduced to respond to this new market oriented manufacturing environment. The design of RMS allows ease of reconfiguration as it has a modular structure in terms of software and hardware. This allows ease of reconfiguration as a strategy to adapt to changing market demands. Modularity will allow the ability to integrate/remove software/hardware modules without affecting the rest of the system. RMS can therefore be quickly reconfigured according to the production requirements of new models, it can be quickly adjusted to exact capacity requirements as the market grows and products change, and it is able to integrate new technology. In this research project, real-time, open controller is designed and developed for Reconfigurable Manufacturing Tools (RMTs). RMTs are the basic building blocks for RMS. Real time and openness of the controllers for RMT would allow firstly, for the modular design of RMTs (so that RMTs can be adapted easily for changing product demands) and secondly, prompt control of RMT for diagnosability.

"Fixtures form an important factor in traditional and modern flexible manufacturing systems, since fixture design directly affects manufacturing quality and productivity. Hence, it is necessary to evaluate quality of fixture design. The fixturing accessibility refers to machining feature accessibility and loading /unloading accessibility. The development of Computer Aided Fixture Design (CAFD) has simplified this task. Fixture design activities include setup planning, fixture planning and fixture configuration design. Fixture design verification comes next. Fixturing accessibility using Computer Aided Fixture Design is part of the verification process and has not received much attention till date. Machining feature accessibility analysis involves the evaluation of possible interference between fixture components and the cutting tool, which moves with pre-programmed tool path, while the loading and unloading accessibility relates to the ease with which the operator attaches/detaches the workpiece from the surrounding manufacturing environment. This research has three main focuses. The first focus is to evaluate machining feature accessibility, by integrating fixture designs in SolidWorks and the NC programming in Esprit. The main goals are evaluation of fixture design for any kind of interference between tool/workpiece/fixtures and enable Esprit to indicate interference, if any. The next step is to modify the fixture design accordingly and thus, finally obtain an interference free fixture design by reiteration. The second and third focuses deal with analysis of loading and unloading accessibility. A simulation based approach is applied to evaluate loading/unloading paths for different workpiece-fixture setups and checking interference in a dynamic mode. Then the third focus is to develop analysis method and criteria of comparisons of fixturing accessibility in different fixture designs. Thus, this research establishes methods of analysis for accessibilities in fixture design. Also, the guidelines for good fixture design will prove to be of great use to both, the beginners as well as the experienced fixture designers in this field. "

With the rise of automation in traditional manufacturing processes, more companies are beginning to integrate computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) cells on their production floors. Through CIM cell integration, companies have the ability to reduce process time and increase production. One of the problems created with CIM cell automation is caused by the dependency the sequential steps have on one another. Dependency created by the previous step increases the probability that a process error could occur due to previous variation. One way to eliminate this dependency is through the use of an in-process measuring device such as a Renishaw spindle probe used in conjunction with a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine. Western Kentucky University (WKU) utilizes a CIM cell in the Senator Mitch McConnell Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics laboratory. The laboratory is located in the Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences department and gives students the opportunity to learn how automated systems can be integrated. The CIM cell consists of three Mitsubishi six-axis robots, a Haas Mini-mill, a Haas GT-10 lathe, an AXYZ, Inc. CNC router table, 120 watt laser engraver, an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), material handling conveyor, and vision station. The CIM cell functions throughout the curriculum as a means for applied learning and research. The researcher used this CIM cell in order to determine if an in-process measuring device, such as the Renishaw spindle probe, had the ability to affect process capability. The researcher conducted the study to see if an in-process measuring device can be integrated into the CIM cell located in the Senator Mitch McConnell Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics laboratory to eliminate compounding variation. The researcher discovered that through the use of a Renishaw 40-2 spindle probe used in conjunction with a CNC Haas Mini Mill, process capability has the potential to be improved in a CIM cell by accounting for compounding variation present in the process.

Thesis (MEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Artificial intelligence has provided several techniques with applications in manufacturing. Knowledge based systems, neural networks, case based reasoning, genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic have been successfully employed in manufacturing. This thesis will provide the reader with an introduction and an understanding of each of these techniques (Chapter 2 & 3). The intelligent manufacturing process can be a complex one and can be decomposed into several components: intelligent design, intelligent process planning, intelligent quality management, intelligent maintenance and diagnosis, intelligent scheduling and intelligent control. This thesis will focus on how each of the artificial intelligence techniques can be applied to each of the manufacturing process fields. Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Knowledge based systems Neural networks Fuzzy logic Case based reasoning Genetic algorithms Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Manufacturing intelligence can be approached from two main directions: theoretical research and practical application. Most of the concepts, methods and techniques discussed in this thesis are approached from a theoretical research point of view. This thesis is also aimed at providing the reader with a broader picture of manufacturing intelligence and how to apply the intelligent techniques, in theory. Specific attention will be given to intelligent scheduling as an application (Chapter 11). The application will demonstrate how case based reasoning can be applied in intelligent scheduling within a small manufacturing plant. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kunsmatige intelligensie bied 'n verskeidenheid tegnieke en toepassings in die vervaardigingsomgewing. Kennis baseerde sisteme, neurale netwerke, gevalle basseerde redenasie, generiese algoritmes en wasige logika word suksesvol in die vervaardigingsopset toegepas. Dié tesis gee die leser 'n inleiding en basiese oorsig van metodes om elk van die tegnieke te gebruik (hoofstuk 2 & 3). Die intelligente vervaardigingproses is 'n komplekse proses en kan afgebreek word in verskeie komponente: intelligente ontwerp, intelligente prosesbeplanning, intelligente gehaltebestuur, intelligente onderhoud en diagnose, intelligente kontrole en intelligente skedulering. Hierdie tesis sal fokus op hoe elk van die kunsmatige intelligente tegnieke op elk van die vervaardigingprosesvelde toegepas kan word. Hoofstuk 5 Hoofstuk 6 Hoofstuk 7 Kennis gebaseerde sisteme Wasige logika Neurale netwerke Gevalle baseerde redenasie Generiese algoritmes Hoofstuk 8 Hoofstuk 9 Hoofstuk 10 Vervaardigingsintelligensie kan vanuit twee oogpunte benader word, naamlik 'n teoretiese ondersoek en 'n praktiese aanslag. Die meeste van hierdie konsepte, metodes en tegnieke word in hierdie tesis vanuit 'n teoretiese oogpunt benader. Die tesis is daarop gerig om die leser 'n wyer perspektief te gee van intelligente vervaardiging en hoe om die intelligente tegnieke, in teorie, toe te pas. Spesifieke aandag sal gegee word aan intelligente skedulering as 'n toepassing (Hookstuk 11). Die toepassing sal demonstreer hoe gevalle baseerde redenasie toegepas kan word in intelligente skedulering.

This report discusses in great detail the various research, design, and development stages of the Produce Sorting Microcomputer developed for HAGAN ENGINEERING Inc. The two-semester Clinical Research project has been approved by the graduate committee at the School of Engineering at the University of the Pacific and fulfills the requirements towards a Master Degree in Electrical Engineering. The project was selected based on its complexity, feasibility, the time span it required to complete, and its relevance to the area of real time microcomputer design. In addition, the design constraints and specifications were to be dictated solely by HAGAN ENGINEERING Inc. and all further modifications were to be discussed and approved by HAGAN. These limitations created a professional industry-like atmosphere, which is one of the goals of the Clinical Research Program. A brief User's Manual will accompany the MC68000 board; it will contain all the vital information about the system that a programmer or a technician might need to understand the system. The manual wall contain the complete circuit schematic, a parts list, general design features, and all the software properties of the system (memory map, interrupt tables register map).

Thesis (M. Tech. (Engineering: Electrical)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / The South African (SA) manufacturing industry requires developing similar levels of sophistication and expertise in automation as its international rivals to compete for global markets. To achieve this, manufacturing plants need to be managed extremely efficiently to ensure the quality of manufactured products and these plants must also have the relevant infrastructure. Furthermore, this industry must also compensate for rapid product introduction, product changes and short product lifespan. To support this need, this industry must engage in the current trend in automation known as reconfigurable manufacturing. The aim of the study is to develop a reconfigurable assembly system with enhanced control capabilities by utilizing virtual commissioning. In addition, this system must be capable of assembling multiple different products of a product range; reconfigure to accommodate the requirements of these products; autonomously reroute the product flow and distribute workload among assembly cells; handle erroneous products; and implement enhanced control methods. To achieve this, a literature study was done to confirm the type of components to be used, reveal design issues and what characteristics such a system must adhere to. Software named DELMIA was used to create a virtual simulation environment to verify the system and simultaneously scrutinize the methods of verification. On completion, simulations were conducted to verify software functions, device movements and operations, and the control software of the system. Based on simulation results, the physical system was built, and then verified with a multi agent system as overhead control to validate the entire system. The final results showed that the project objectives are achievable and it was also found that DELMIA is an excellent tool for system verification and will expedite the design of a system. By obtaining these results it is indicated that companies can design and verify their systems earlier through virtual commissioning. In addition, their systems will be more flexible, new products or product changes can be introduced more frequently, with minimum cost and downtime. This will enable SA manufacturing companies to be more competitive, ensure increased productivity, save time and so ensure them an advantage over their international competition.

Capes / No contexto atual do setor industrial onde a competitividade é cada vez maior, reduzir as incertezas presentes durante o desenvolvimento de novos produtos se torna essencial. Para isso podem ser utilizados os modelos de referência do PDP (Processo de Desenvolvimento do Produto), os quais visam uma melhoria de projeto, facilitando seu desenvolvimento e reduzindo as incertezas. Alguns segmentos industriais exigem grandes investimentos iniciais para a produção do produto, podendo-se destacar o de injeção polimérica. Neste processo há uma aquisição inicial do molde de injeção, o qual é responsável por grande parcela dos custos finais do produto, sendo este indispensável à realização da etapa. Visto isso, a utilização de ferramentas que propiciem uma redução de incertezas torna-se de grande valia. Uma destas ferramentas é o software CAM, que rotineiramente é utilizado nas fases do projeto detalhado e preparação da produção. Utilizá-lo de maneira não tradicional, em auxílio a estimativa de custos, já nas fases iniciais do PDP pode trazer algumas vantagens ao desenvolvimento do projeto. Com isso busca-se identificar a contribuição do software CAM como ferramenta de auxílio na estimativa de custos para tomada de decisão na fase inicial do processo de desenvolvimento de produtos poliméricos injetados. Para a realização do trabalho, buscou-se avaliar as fases iniciais dos modelos de referência do PDP a fim de identificar as atividades dadas como essenciais ao processo. Com a identificação das fases, foram correlacionadas quais funcionalidades do software CAM auxiliam na realização das atividades na fase inicial do PDP. Com isso propôs-se uma metodologia para estimar os custos de fabricação do molde de injeção para a fase inicial do PDP. Realizou-se então um estudo de caso, variando-se o design do produto, no qual buscou-se identificar a contribuição do software CAM na estimativa dos custos de fabricação. Após a realização do estudo de caso, percebe-se que a ferramenta CAM pode auxiliar na fase inicial do projeto, pois a mesma favorece a seleção do design do produto a ser fabricado, visto que pode-se através do software CAM estimar os tempos e as ferramentas de usinagem necessárias à fabricação do molde de injeção. Nota-se ainda que esta ferramenta favorece a definição do portfólio de produtos através da estimativa dos custos para fabricação do molde. / In the current context of the industrial sector where competitiveness is increasing, reducing the uncertainties present during the development of new products becomes essential. For this reference model of the PDP, which aim to improve the design, facilitating their development and reducing uncertainty can be used. Some industries require large initial investment for the production of the product and may highlight the polymer injection. In this process, there is an initial purchase of injection mold, which is responsible for a large portion of the final cost of the product, which is essential to carry out the step. Seen that the use of tools that may reduce the uncertainties become very valuable. One of these tools is the CAM software, which is routinely used in the stages of detailed design and production preparation. Use it for non-traditional way, aid in the cost estimate, since in the early stages of the PDP can bring some advantages to the project development. Thus, we seek to identify the contribution of CAM software tool to aid in estimating costs for decision-making early in the development process injected polymer products. To conduct the study sought to evaluate the early stages of the reference models of the PDP in order to identify activities as essential given the process. With the identification of the phases of CAM, software features, which assist in performing the activities in the initial phase of the PDP, were correlated. With this proposed a methodology for estimating the costs of manufacturing injection mold for the initial phase of the PDP. Then performed a case study, varying the design of the product, in which we attempted to identify the contribution of CAM software in estimates of manufacturing costs. After the completion of the case study, it can be seen that the CAM tool can assist in the initial design stage, because it favors the selection of the design of the product being manufactured, as it can be through the CAM software to estimate the times and machining tools needed to manufacture the injection mold. Note also that this tool favors the definition of the product portfolio by estimating costs for mold manufacturing.

Capes / No contexto atual do setor industrial onde a competitividade é cada vez maior, reduzir as incertezas presentes durante o desenvolvimento de novos produtos se torna essencial. Para isso podem ser utilizados os modelos de referência do PDP (Processo de Desenvolvimento do Produto), os quais visam uma melhoria de projeto, facilitando seu desenvolvimento e reduzindo as incertezas. Alguns segmentos industriais exigem grandes investimentos iniciais para a produção do produto, podendo-se destacar o de injeção polimérica. Neste processo há uma aquisição inicial do molde de injeção, o qual é responsável por grande parcela dos custos finais do produto, sendo este indispensável à realização da etapa. Visto isso, a utilização de ferramentas que propiciem uma redução de incertezas torna-se de grande valia. Uma destas ferramentas é o software CAM, que rotineiramente é utilizado nas fases do projeto detalhado e preparação da produção. Utilizá-lo de maneira não tradicional, em auxílio a estimativa de custos, já nas fases iniciais do PDP pode trazer algumas vantagens ao desenvolvimento do projeto. Com isso busca-se identificar a contribuição do software CAM como ferramenta de auxílio na estimativa de custos para tomada de decisão na fase inicial do processo de desenvolvimento de produtos poliméricos injetados. Para a realização do trabalho, buscou-se avaliar as fases iniciais dos modelos de referência do PDP a fim de identificar as atividades dadas como essenciais ao processo. Com a identificação das fases, foram correlacionadas quais funcionalidades do software CAM auxiliam na realização das atividades na fase inicial do PDP. Com isso propôs-se uma metodologia para estimar os custos de fabricação do molde de injeção para a fase inicial do PDP. Realizou-se então um estudo de caso, variando-se o design do produto, no qual buscou-se identificar a contribuição do software CAM na estimativa dos custos de fabricação. Após a realização do estudo de caso, percebe-se que a ferramenta CAM pode auxiliar na fase inicial do projeto, pois a mesma favorece a seleção do design do produto a ser fabricado, visto que pode-se através do software CAM estimar os tempos e as ferramentas de usinagem necessárias à fabricação do molde de injeção. Nota-se ainda que esta ferramenta favorece a definição do portfólio de produtos através da estimativa dos custos para fabricação do molde. / In the current context of the industrial sector where competitiveness is increasing, reducing the uncertainties present during the development of new products becomes essential. For this reference model of the PDP, which aim to improve the design, facilitating their development and reducing uncertainty can be used. Some industries require large initial investment for the production of the product and may highlight the polymer injection. In this process, there is an initial purchase of injection mold, which is responsible for a large portion of the final cost of the product, which is essential to carry out the step. Seen that the use of tools that may reduce the uncertainties become very valuable. One of these tools is the CAM software, which is routinely used in the stages of detailed design and production preparation. Use it for non-traditional way, aid in the cost estimate, since in the early stages of the PDP can bring some advantages to the project development. Thus, we seek to identify the contribution of CAM software tool to aid in estimating costs for decision-making early in the development process injected polymer products. To conduct the study sought to evaluate the early stages of the reference models of the PDP in order to identify activities as essential given the process. With the identification of the phases of CAM, software features, which assist in performing the activities in the initial phase of the PDP, were correlated. With this proposed a methodology for estimating the costs of manufacturing injection mold for the initial phase of the PDP. Then performed a case study, varying the design of the product, in which we attempted to identify the contribution of CAM software in estimates of manufacturing costs. After the completion of the case study, it can be seen that the CAM tool can assist in the initial design stage, because it favors the selection of the design of the product being manufactured, as it can be through the CAM software to estimate the times and machining tools needed to manufacture the injection mold. Note also that this tool favors the definition of the product portfolio by estimating costs for mold manufacturing.