The goal of this project is to develop, prove and apply configuration-to-production workflows. This will be done in 2 use-cases that reflect different industries, manufacturing processes and other requirements, but have the shared goal of efficiently delivering bespoke products.
Configuration-to-production is the automation of all digital processes from the user making choices about the product they require, through to the data required for manufacturing. For a build-to-order manufacturing business this is critical to achieving scalability while bringing benefits of efficient use of materials and energy, as well as time.
The first use-case is to enhance technology for plastic injection moulds by automating the process including optimisation. The innovation involves developing automatic part-specific cooling channel design and reducing design time, and using additive-manufacturing in the mould production. The expected outcomes include lightweighting of moulds, material saving, lower carbon footprint, efficient cooling and enhanced productivity by using these moulds.
The second use-case is the configuration of turbine systems based on sizing calculations, with output of the 3D CAD of the system including impeller geometry suitable for additive-manufacturing. This will be used for Pump-As-Turbine (PAT) technologies evaluation for small/medium power in water-supply networks.
In the first case the configurator accelerates the process from a 3D product design to production, while in the second case the input is the core requirements and the output is the 3D product design. In both cases the configurator will be used to explore the design parameters and their effects, based on a mix of geometry and additional calculations. Usability will be a critical factor to ensure that users can be guided to the optimum solution for them.