Digital Manufacturing marks a paradigm shift in product development and management, rooted in Industry 4.0. It leverages advanced technologies to streamline operations and meet market demands promptly. This approach integrates digital tools throughout the manufacturing ecosystem, from design to supply chain management, relying on data-driven insights for decision-making.
Industry 4.0, merging physical and digital realms, fosters intelligent systems capable of autonomous decisions. Smart design relies on tools like Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and virtual prototyping, facilitating rapid iteration. Digital Manufacturing impacts the entire product lifecycle, emphasizing effective value chain management for seamless integration.
Automation, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making define the digital workflow, enhancing production efficiency. The Smart Factory concept integrates IoT devices and robotics for adaptive operations. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) bridge physical machinery with digital systems, improving control and communication.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) facilitates data sharing, enhancing predictive maintenance and operational efficiency. Cloud computing offers scalable storage and analytics, supporting real-time decision-making. Artificial intelligence (AI) boosts predictive analytics and machine learning, optimizing system performance.
Praktisches Lernprojekt
The projects proposed in the courses under the specialization "Digital Technology in Manufacturing" each have a sequence of tasks. This includes exploring the intricacies of Digital Thread and Digital Twin, analyzing Porter's Value Chain model, implementing digital technologies such as IoT sensors, AI, and flexible automation in Smart Factories, transforming heavy forging and assembly shops into IoT-enabled facilities, Metal Additive Manufacturing considerations, and case studies illustrating Supply Chain 4.0 and automotive manufacturing transformations. Learners will gain insights into critical areas such as work flow instructions, protective coatings, sensor applications, data analytics, and process optimization, giving them a comprehensive understanding of how digital technologies are transforming industrial processes, supply chains, and product development to meet the demands of Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing paradigms.