Digital Manufacturing And Simulation Curriculum

Abstract

Abstract NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract Digital Manufacturing and Simulation Curriculum Introduction Ohio Northern University is in the tenth year of a curriculum utilizing advanced industrial computer simulation software. The virtual simulation classes are offered in a sequence of three quarters, earning four credits per quarter. Students learn specific simulation applications from tutorials and online course materials. Teams of students then work with local companies to create simulation models of actual manufacturing operations. Each student team prepares PowerPoint materials which are presented to representatives of the company. Recent projects included work with major automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers, along with a major defense-industry company. This paper and presentation includes examples of simulations and the results of the students’ analysis of the operations. The simulation applications used in these industrial projects include robotic workcell processing, assembly sequencing, ergonomics analysis, and discrete event materials/process flow studies. This curriculum has also provided an opportunity for integration of several technologies and manufacturing management aspects into application-based environments, including 3-D CAD modelling, robotics, and production system design. Students gain skills and experience in teamwork, project planning, problem solving, and formal multi-media presentations in industrial environments. Benefits include exposure to in-plant manufacturing operations, and the opportunity to personally deal with company professionals. Students have obtained coop/internship positions, and graduates are finding simulation jobs in the fields of manufacturing and applications engineering. Defining Digital Manufacturing and Simulation Digital manufacturing (DM) encompasses a variety of computer applications and processes that are being embraced by companies of all sizes to remain competitive in the global market. Boeing is recognized for its design of the entire 777 airliner without using a single 2-D drawing—only 3D models were used. 1 One definition is “Digital manufacturing is the ability to describe every aspect of the design-to- manufacture process digitally—using tools that include digital design, CAD, Office documents, PLM systems, analysis software, simulation, CAM software and so on.” 2 “Digital Manufacturing provides manufacturing and design engineers the benefit of enhanced visualization. In product design, powerful tools are frequently available for developing electronic product mockups, allowing engineers and non-engineers alike the ability to interact with a product before the design has been committed. Tools that allow 3D visualization replace sketches and drawings with something that comes much closer to the real world. By simulating the actual product that will be produced, countless mistakes are avoided and many improvements made.