Reconfigurable modular machine design for reconfigurable manufacturing environment.

Abstract

Manufacturing techniques are based on the principles of Flexible Manufacturing andManufacturing techniques are based on the principles of Flexible Manufacturing and Dedicated Manufacturing for mass production. Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS) is a manufacturing system that can provide for Agile Manufacturing (AM). This has lead to research on the concept, design and equipment implementation for RMS. RMS requires three key capabilities: rapid changeover between products, rapid introduction to new products and unattended operation. The relationship between these manufacturing techniques has been investigated. Research has been focused on the research and design of a Reconfigurable Modular Machine (RMM) for RMS. The research has addressed the design of subsystems for RMM by using the generic modular mechatronics control. This approach included modular machine controller hardware, software, mechanical design and generic "plug-and-play" capability, These designs of subsystems allowed for rapid reconfiguration of RMS that increased system efficiency and significantly minimized manufacturing change over downtime.