Computer Simulation For Manufacturing Partnerships

摘要

Abstract NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract Computer Simulation for Manufacturing Partnerships Abstract Computer simulations and advanced 3D CAD applications are being used extensively by major corporations to manage information and manufacturing operations across departmental, geographical and company boundaries. These technologies are important to communicate and consolidate vast amounts of information, especially for concurrent engineering efforts between work teams operating around the world. Schools, students, and companies benefit from opportunities to apply these to actual manufacturing problems in industrial environments. The technology program at our university has historically included several classes in solid modeling and CAD software. For the past ten years computer simulations have been included to more effectively prepare students for use and application of these technologies. More recently numerous class projects with local manufacturing companies have been incorporated, and currently a three quarter sequence of courses is required for students in our Manufacturing Technology major. The initial course, Digital Manufacturing and Simulation (DMS) introduces students to these advanced design, analysis and data management applications. The two following classes focus on learning specific advanced simulation software, and the performance of actual projects in local industries, with formal presentation of the results to the company’s management. The following elements are included in this paper and presentation: 1. Description of our curriculum utilizing advanced 3D CAD and computer simulation software. Additional course topics include introduction to finite element analysis (FEA), collaborative Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Virtual Reality (VR) modeling and animation, and 3D viewers for communication and production work instructions. 2. Results of manufacturing projects by student teams to create simulation models of actual industrial operations. Recent projects with Ford, General Dynamics, tier one suppliers to Honda and Jeep automotive assembly plants have analyzed robotics workcells, ergonomics, and discrete event materials and process flow operations. 3. Survey results from graduates and students who have completed this series of classes for their perspectives on the benefits and issues with this curriculum. 4. Documentation of successful student internships and job placements. This paper and presentation explains how applications of computer simulation, advanced CAD, and digital manufacturing have been incorporated in our technology curriculum, and provides examples of class projects completed at major industrial companies. These have resulted in excellent manufacturing partnerships and experiential learning opportunities, and have significantly benefited the students with internships and job placements.