Multi-Technology Production Systems
The objective of this Research Area is the investigation into multi-technology platforms as a key enabler for economic hybrid metal processing.
The overall research issue of this Research Area can thus be summarised as follows: Assume that a generic design methodology for hybrid production processes is feasible; is it then possible to create multi-technology platforms comprising a component-oriented machinery concept with varying process technology modules as a basic means for economically engineering and realising hybrid metal processing? This Research Area therefore focuses on different business and technology cases in the field of metal processing. It aims at providing sound design concepts for multitechnology machinery as well as various innovative process modules that can be combined with the machinery platform to a multi-technology platform55. Thus, this Research Area provides requirements and verification scenarios for the methodical approach in Research Area "Hybrid Production Processes". For the first CoE funding period, two diverse business and technology cases will be investigated. These are the “hybrid high performance heavy duty metal processing with predictable capabilities” and the “hybrid incremental sheet forming technologies”. The challenge of this research is the development of a unique multi-technology platform that satisfies the requirements of both cases. The research thus covers the lay-out and combination of demanding manufacturing process modules as well as the design of generic, innovative machinery platforms. These platforms adhere to a plug & play philosophy for its mechatronic architecture.
The objective of the second funding period is the handling and reduction of complexity during the development and operation of MTPs. Reasons for complexity originate from an increased number of processes, which interact either directly via the product or via the MTP structure on different system levels. In contrast to typical processes in milling and sheet metal forming, multi technology applications require additional flows of energy, material and information such as laser radiation, shielding gas and control data. Thus, MTPs are prone to mutual undesirable interaction between manufacturing processes. For example laser texturing requires precise positioning of the focal point. Hence, simultaneous (parallel milling) or previous process steps (e. g. welding) can limit the application of laser texturing by inducing machine deviations.
Contact
Wolfram Lohse
Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)
Chair of Machine Tools
Steinbachstr. 19, D-52074 Aachen
Phone: +49 (0)241 80-27455 Fax: +49 (0)241 80-22293
w.lohse@wzl.rwth-aachen.de
Coordinator
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Brecher
Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)
Chair of Machine Tools
Steinbachstr. 19, D-52074 Aachen
Phone: +49 (0)241 80-27407 Fax: +49 (0)241 80-22293
c.brecher@wzl.rwth-aachen.de
