Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge in the following fields are required: Mechanical technology, automation, industrial control, industrial networks and robotics.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical Lectures

Presentation of concepts related to the themes addressed in the curricular unit, section 3.5. This process occurs with the aid of audiovisual technology (slides and videos). An invited speaker from industry gives a talk about CNC and CAM. In addition, the responsible of the curricular unit organizes a workshop with invited speakers from academy and industry. Finally, students are invited to participate in a study visit to a manufacturing plant.

Practical Lectures

Problems related to the subjects taught in theoretical lectures are discussed and resolved.

Learning Outcomes

The aim of this curricular unit is for students to acquire knowledge and skills within different areas related to modern production/manufacturing systems and computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM). After the course the students should be able to:

1. Know and understand the different technologies and concepts related to a modern production system, from the device level to the enterprise level;

2. Understand the importance of the computer in the correct operation and interconnection of the agents involved in a production system;

3. Design a new production system (project);

4. Propose improvements in existing production systems:  migration to more flexible and automated systems;

5. Identify and solve problems independently by applying different CIM concepts and tools;

6. Keep a “technical” conversation with a professional with experience in production systems.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction to manufacturing systems: production systems, manufacturing support systems, manual labor, automation strategies, manufacturing operations, processing and assembly tasks. Product lifecycle management (PLM), CAD/CAM/CAE and cloud manufacturing. Automation of production systems: basic elements of an automatic system, advanced functions and levels of automation, distributed control, sensors and actuators. Numerical control: CNC, applications, programming and CAM. Robotics: end-effectors, sensors and applications. Material transport systems and storage systems. Components of a manufacturing system, classification of manufacturing systems, learning curves. Single station manufacturing cells. Manual assembly lines: pacing, balancing and production capacity. Automated production lines: buffers and parts delivery systems. Automated assembly systems. Cellular manufacturing and families of parts. Flexible manufacturing.

Head Lecturer(s)

Joaquim Norberto Cardoso Pires da Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 20.0%
Frequency: 30.0%
Project: 50.0%

Bibliography

Groover, M. P., Automation, Production Systems, and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, Pearson, 2008

Groover, M. P., Fundamentals of Modern Manufacturing: Materials, Processes, and Systems, Wiley, 2012

Rehg, J. A. and Kraebber H. W., Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, Pearson, 2005

Kusiak, A., Computational Intelligence in Design and Manufacturing, Wiley, 2000