Virtual Manufacturing

This title on virtual manufacturing features an integrated approach and coverage of practical applications. It links virtual reality and Web-based production to manufacturing. It covers not only the technology, but the integration of the topics and their applications to manufacturing.

Virtual Manufacturing presents a novel concept of combining human computer interfaces with virtual reality for discrete and continuous manufacturing systems. The authors address the relevant concepts of manufacturing engineering, virtual reality, and computer science and engineering, before embarking on a description of the methodology for building augmented reality for manufacturing processes and manufacturing systems. Virtual Manufacturing is centered on the description of the development of augmented reality models for a range of processes based on CNC, PLC, SCADA, mechatronics and on embedded systems. Further discussions address the use of augmented reality for developing augmented reality models to control contemporary manufacturing systems and to acquire micro- and macro-level decision parameters for managers to boost profitability of their manufacturing systems. Guiding readers through the building of their own virtual factory software, Virtual Manufacturing comes with access to online files and software that will enable readers to create a virtual factory, operate it and experiment with it. This is a valuable source of information with a useful toolkit for anyone interested in virtual manufacturing, including advanced undergraduate students, postgraduate students and researchers.

This is an open access book reporting the results of nine years research of the International Research Training Group (IRTG) 2057, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The IRTG is a joint venture between the TU Kaiserslautern, the University of California Berkeley, and University of California Davis. The book is content-driven mainly by two disciplines: engineering and computer science. Through the application of scientific knowledge and advanced computer-based methods in conjunction with physical models on a level unrealized in the past, technologies and methods are promoted, which can be used for planning and optimization of manufacturing systems and processes. As a result, fundamental understanding as well as extensive systems, tools and computational algorithms, which significantly improve the integration of advanced computational methods for solving problems of manufacturing systems and processes will be available. This open access book is of interest to any researcher dealing with process and factory planning in manufacturing, like for cutting and additive manufacturing.

Written by experts from the world’s leading institutions in the field, this is the only book to cover virtual and augmented reality in manufacturing from a manufacturing perspective, rather than a computer science angle. It details applications of state-of-the-art technologies in real industrial situations.

Manufacturing, like other industries, is rising to the challenges imposed by aggressive consumer demands and the need for cost-effective processing that delivers quality in the fastest possible time. Fierce competition means that keeping abreast of new developments and applications in technology is essential if companies are to meet demands profitably and keep ahead of competitors. This book investigates the design and management of digital manufacturing and assembly systems for an efficient, flexible, and modular production of customized products using the I40 (industry 4.0)-enabling technologies. This book will also provide case studies covering modeling, simulation, and optimization. eBook includes color figures. Discusses how the advancement of data communication and storage through the Internet of Things (IoT) opens the possibilities of connecting sensors, robots, and devices Sheds light on how the human role in industry is decreasing due to the development of connected manufacturing floors, allowing them to take more control over the manufacturing processes, decisions, and even maintenance Covers the benefits from exploiting digital manufacturing, manufacturing enterprises, and what they expect to achieve Explains the important roles that modeling, simulation, and optimization play Investigates the design and management of digital manufacturing and assembly systems for an efficient, flexible, and modular production of customized products exploiting the I40 (industry 4.0)-enabling technologies

Selected, peer reviewed papers from the 2013 International Conference on Advances in Materials Science and Manufacturing Technology (AMSMT 2013), May 18-19, 2013, Xiamen, Fujian, China