Showing papers on "Production engineering published in 1997"

Modular production systems: a new manufacturing paradigm

Abstract: It is well recognized that manufacturers of consumer goods throughout the world are facing major new demands, including shorter product life-cycles and increasing competition. In response, companies are restructuring and moving away from traditional process-centred work practices in favour of concurrent engineering methods. In particular, design for manufacture has gained widespread recognition as a means of reducing production costs and lead times. However, optimal design for manufacture is difficult to achieve using current-day work organization and business structures. An underlying problem is the lack of a scientific framework for production. To address this need, this paper proposes a radical and far-reaching new manufacturing paradigm based upon on building production systems from standardized modular machines. The manufacturing concept, termed modular production systems (MPS), is aimed specifically at ’hard‘ low- to medium-technology consumer products, as typified by goods such as children‘s toys and kitchen appliances. The rationale for MPS as a means of enabling concurrent product and production system design is put forward, and the long-term implications and work required to establish the concept are discussed.

Knowledge-based scheduling systems in industry and medicine

Abstract: Production management is crucial for achieving the timely and cost-effective execution of industrial production processes. In recent years, interest has increased in the use of artificial intelligence technologies for production planning and scheduling. However, scheduling research typically has been theoretical, has had a narrow focus, and has not covered adaptation to unforeseen events. The authors' objective has been to use computer-based scheduling systems to enhance the problem-solving capabilities of human domain experts. They have developed a generic framework for building practical scheduling systems. This framework fosters the reuse of algorithms and the integration of knowledge-based technology into the organizational environment. It also supports dynamic adaptation. The authors have used it to implement scheduling systems for dye production, pipeline-fittings production and heart surgery.

Lean manufacturing principles : a comprehensive framework for improving production efficiency

Abstract: A framework was created to analyze manufacturing systems and assess the impact of various practices on system performance. A literature review of Lean Manufacturing resulted in the discovery of significant gaps in two areas: (1) modeling the effects of implementing Lean Manufacturing using control theory principles, and (2) a design framework for building Cellular Manufacturing Systems and making the transition from traditional manufacturing to Lean Manufacturing. Work in these areas led to the conclusion that reducing the Order Lead Time until it is less than Tall, the allowable customer lead time for post-payment production, would yield tremendous benefits both for individual factories as well as for entire Linear Distribution Systems. To fill these gaps, a model was created which analyzed the dynamics of Linear Distribution Systems, and showed how Lean Manufacturing represents an opportunity to sidestep many previously insurmountable difficulties that arise as a result of producing to fill inventory levels. The methods for implementation of Lean Principles were explored, from prerequisites for Cellular Manufacturing Systems, to design and optimization of Cells, through exploration of the improvements in quality that are possible in Cellular Manufacturing Systems. A thorough a dissemination of the various contributions to Order Lead Time showed that changeover reduction, information flow, zero defects and cellular manufacturing are all indispensable in achieving the goal of OLT < Tall. Finally, conclusions were presented which show that achieving this reduction allows for production under an entirely new philosophy that completely eliminates capital investment in inventory. Thesis Supervisor: David Cochran Title: Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

JIT manufacturing: The evolution to animplementation model founded in current practice

Abstract: The authors identify the circumstances surrounding the early use of JIT manufacturing, its evolution, and the subsequent spread of its use across the industrialized world. Current production engineering practice is reviewed and the use of particular waste elimination techniques are examined. Definitions proposed in the literature are discussed and shortcomings identified. On the basis of this analysis a model of JIT manufacturing reflecting evolution and current practice is developed. It is based on the elimination of waste, constructed from specific ranges of support levers (managerial actions), waste elimination techniques, and performance measures, and set in a specific manufacturing context (the combination of people, machines, materials, processes, products, and managerial policies). Finally, the use of the model in JIT implementation is discussed as part of a structured engineering process to guide and formalize JIT implementation.

Production planning for companies with product recovery and remanufacturing capability

Abstract: We present an integrated set of models addressing issues of production planning in supply chains involving product recovery and disassembly. The supply chain models can be used to develop production plans in the short term, or examine the effects of different strategies in the long term. Uncertainty is addressed by using deterministic models to solve a range of different scenarios. We also develop models to determine profitable disassembly configurations for single and multiple products. Results to date are reported and future directions discussed.

Manufacturing strategy for future production moving toward manufacturing excellence

Abstract: The meaning and characteristics of strategy being explained, manufacturing strategy is mentioned. A few basic strategies to be taken for future production perspectives are discussed: computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), high added-value production, resource-saving and environment-preserving (green) production. It is concluded that the concept of socially appropriate production based upon the satisfaction-consciousness spirit is vital for manufacturing excellence in the coming age.

Manufacturing Engineering: Principles for Optimization

Abstract: Manufacturing Engineering Organization Concepts Manufacturing Engineering Management Techniques Factory Capacity and Loading Techniques Capital Equipment Programmes Machine Tool and Equipment Selection and Implementation Producibility Engineering Methods, Planning and Work Measurement Process Control Engineering in Job Shops Maintenance Engineering Numerical Control of Machine Tools Fundamentals of Computer Integrated Manufacturing Computer-Aided Process Planning and Data Collection The Group Technology Basis for Plant Layout Manufacturing Engineering Aspects of Manufacturing Resources Planning Just in Time - A Pragmatic Application of Manufacturing Engineering Philosophy Environmental Control and Safety The Integrated Productivity Improvement Program. Part contents.

Assessing advanced engineering technologies

Abstract: The process of evaluating new technologies significantly affects their development, diffusion and adoption. While academic literature reviews on the assessment of advanced manufacturing technologies have been completed, there is insufficient understanding of the actual processes for evaluating advanced engineering technologies in the professional world. This paper reports on the results of a survey of US engineering managers and their knowledge, experiences and perceptions of the process by which advanced engineering technologies are evaluated in their firms, and compares these results with those of prior, notable surveys. The engineering managers surveyed are members of the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) which generously pre-screened and provided the member database.

The consideration of production aspects during product design stages

Abstract: Reports on research based on the results of a survey of design management in the UK mechanical engineering industry. Considers the issue of which aspects of production were considered in the design of products and when. Demonstrates that at the prototype stage production aspects became the most important. This shows that the manufacturability of the product is not considered until after it has been designed. Concludes that the effective and efficient manufacture of the product is not given sufficient attention by mechanical engineering firms. Also investigates the involvement of production personnel in the design process. Finds that production engineering was more extensively involved in the design process the closer it moved towards manufacture. Points to further research which hopes to address this lack by providing practical tools for the application of concurrent engineering.

Future trends in agricultural engineering.

Abstract: Beside traditional mechanical engineering, other engineering branches such as electronics, control engineering and physics play their specific role within the agricultural engineering field. Agricultural engineering has affected and stimulated major changes in agriculture. In the last decades agricultural engineering has also focused on environmental aspects. Nowadays knowledge and expertise generated in several agricultural and environmental engineering fields must be integrated with expertise of biological and socio-economic sciences. In the evolution towards sustainable agricultural systems important contributions can be made. The re-design of production systems and their technology can help to achieve ecologically sound and economically viable agriculture and its acceptance in the community. Mechanization and automation, structures and environment, labour and management, and energy and water are discussed.

Integration of laser processing in machine tools and their economy

Abstract: The demand of machine users towards the complete processing of a workpiece in one setting requires the use of different processing technologies in one machine. In the past years lasers have found new applications in production engineering as a tool for surface modification, cutting, welding and marking. By combination of conventional metal cutting technologies with laser processes in one machine, the complete processing of a workpiece with different technologies in one setting can be realized. The advantages are the processing in one setting and the reduction of material flow between the production machines. The possibility of integrating lasers for material processing in a cutting machine are examined. Processing technology as well as different constructive solutions depending on the type of machine used and integration method are evaluated. Parallel to this approach, examinations of the economy of these systems are carried out.

Intelligent production metrology— A powerful tool for intelligent manufacturing

Abstract: The application of AI- and CA-technologies also puts appropriate demands on production metrology in modern industrial environment. A sophisticated measurement technique can be considered as most crucial requirement for the production of industrial goods of high quality. Since about 1970 we see a continued increase in importance of computer aided co-ordinate metrology as a means to control industrial production. At the same time the basic definitions governing design, production and quality control of workpieces have undergone considerable advances with the goal of international harmonisation and standardisation.

Integrating concurrent engineering into undergraduate design and research experiences

Abstract: After graduation, engineering and engineering technology students are expected to enter the highly competitive, global work place of the 90's and beyond as immediately productive members of manufacturing or development teams In order to excel in that target market, students must experience and practice concurrent engineering, design engineering and team development skills throughout their undergraduate curriculum Students in the Engineering Technology Department at Western Washington University actively participate in a wide variety of undergraduate design and undergraduate research projects where concurrent engineering and team work are expected and emphasized This paper describes how the faculty within Engineering Technology Department have integrated concurrent engineering principles and design throughout the curriculum and gives several program and project examples The paper also presents specific examples of where multi-disciplinary teams of students have actively participated in undergraduate research experiences and learned much from active team development and integrated design Marketing, accounting and technical communication majors are often the most popular additions to design or competition teams This paper describes specific design, research and student competition examples where concurrent engineering team work has been successful It also describes the extra faculty efforts needed to help the process to work Curricular issues that have been modified within the manufacturing and plastics programs are also discussed

The Role of Product Data Management in the Manufacturing Engineering ToolKit

Abstract: A Manufacturing Engineering ToolKit (METK) is under development at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The toolkit consists of commercial-offthe-shelf (COTS) manufacturing engineering software applications. The purpose of the toolkit is to provide an integrated framework, operating environment, common databases, and interface standards for those applications. Currently, manufacturing software applications provide computer-aided support for most of the engineering activities required to plan the processes needed to make parts. The data generated in each of these activities must be captured and archived. Since most of the data is in the form of computer data files, a configuration management functionality is needed to capture/maintain the data files and make the files available to the various engineering applications. A Product Data Management (PDM) application provides this functionality. PDM applications allow the capture, archival, and recovery of data files with revision and version control. This paper describes how a PDM application is being used in the Manufacturing Engineering ToolKit.

Before dynamic simulation: systematic layout design from scratch

Abstract: Excellent production design and planning depends on accurate simulation of a high quality layout. A good layout project will always begin With an analysis of the production volumes of the products with common process sequences and tool requirements in order to create manufacturing families. For each of these families you can select the "best manufacturing practices" that need to be used and re-engineer the processes and tooling to fit the desired throughput and inventory requirements. Once you know the manufacturing practices to be used for each family, you can begin developing layouts through a systematic flow and non-flow evaluation process. Static flow and relationship analysis software tools FactoryFLOW and FactoryPLAN/OPT lend themselves to a systematic process leading to effective layout design in record time.

Sharing engineering design knowledge and delivering proven practices in engineering organizations

Abstract: This paper presents an approach for improving the sharing of engineering design knowledge and proven practices in engineering organizations. The scope of engineering in this paper is automation engineering in relation to investment projects in process industries. The role of engineering design knowledge is connected to the overall engineering design process and a practical distributed information system architecture is presented, where the heterogeneous nature of the stored information is taken into account. An information system built for improving the accumulation and sharing of engineering design knowledge is presented as an example.

Engineering Management and Industrial Engineering: Six One Way, a Half Dozen the Other

Abstract: Both disciplines have their roots in the work of engineering pioneers at the turn of the century. Work in motion and time study, along with other efficiency driven techniques, was the beginning of Industrial Engineering. One of the most famous of these pioneers was Frederick Taylor. His efforts to quantify work effort resulted in Taylor being considered, by many, the father of scientific management. Other early pioneers include Henry Gantt, Harrington Emerson, and Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. Both IE and EMgt can trace their roots to the era of scientific management and the work of these individuals. A noted change for Industrial Engineering occurred after World War II when many programs shifted their focus towards Operations Research. For some this shift marks the beginning of the distinction between the two (13)

Development of a manufacturing engineering system for the motor industry

Abstract: Manufacturing engineering acts as the interface between product design and manufacturing. Integration of these functions and concurrent engineering are essential to reducing time and cost of product development, and improving subsequent quality of the product. The paper describes work sponsored by a motor vehicle manufacturer on the development of a manufacturing engineering system.