Product category:
CAD/CAM systems (not machine tools)
News Release from: TQC | Subject: Assembly system specification tool
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 August 2005
Assembly system specification tool
prototyped
The European E-RACE project that is developing a computer based, customer oriented, assembly system specification tool has produced a working prototype.
The European E-RACE project is currently developing a new, computer based, customer oriented, assembly system specification tool This has now produced a working prototype, as the project enters its final year
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 23 May 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Software generates assembly lines rapidly
A computer based, assembly system specification tool enables information to be rapidly entered in a traceable format that enables rapid generation of a complete assembly line specification.
Leak test instrument reckoned to be most flexible
Combining the most sensitive pressure differential leak test valving with the most advanced front-end interface available has resulted in most flexible combined leak test instrument on the market.
The specification tool will aid the rapid and accurate definition of the product to be assembled and the automated assembly equipment on which it is produced.
It also enables collaborative design of the assembly system solution by all of the participants; Supplier, System Integrator and Customer.
The other elements of the E-Race system assist in equipment specification for increased system flexibility.
Further reading
Assembly technology experience to be exchanged
November 6th and 7th sees the next meeting of Assembly-Net, a European funded project established in order to share and exchange the latest developments in assembly system technology.
Mini brochures cover handling and leak testing
For concentrated marketing in two niche areas, "Assembly and Testing of Automotive Panels and Components" and " Casting Leak Test Machines" 4-page mini colour brochures are now available.
When handling means assembly as well
Due to the increasing trend towards supplying modules, or sub-assemblies, as well as plastics components, TQC has supplied localised assembly systems for use by plastics moulders.
There is also a model of the system with 3D visualisation, plus the system provides detailed predictions of all performance and cost data.
This European project is led by TQC, Nottingham, UK and involves 23 partners in Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
A full list of the partners can be found at: www.e-race.info The E-Race project aims to develop a series of web-based tools that will; enable the rapid specification of a reconfigurable assembly system, assist in the negotiation and trade-off analysis between the customer and system integrator and will provide 3D visualisation and performance analysis of the design.
By achieving these goals, the E-Race tool will increase the accuracy of customer specifications and system reconfigurability whilst reducing both production lead times and overall costs.
The consortium has partially achieved some of these goals by the development of several different web tools as well as the architecture, state-of-the-art review and dissemination strategies necessary to support the tools.
The specific work areas are: * Analysis of the State-of-the-Art and of industrial requirements.
* Models and methodologies for requirements engineering and design for reconfigurability as well as the development of a knowledge meta-model.
* Tools for assembly planning, conceptual design and module selection.
* Visualisation, simulation, performance analysis and verification tools.
* Economic analysis, providing full cost predictions for the system lifecycle.
* System architecture and legacy modelling.
* Pilot implementation and assessment and the dissemination of the results.
* For more information please visit www.e-race.info.
Within the UK there are a total of nine consortium members.
The two main project development partners are TQC and The University of Nottingham.
TQC are the project co-ordinators and as such provide the overall management of the project.
TQC also provide information and research for the project.
The University of Nottingham are conducting research towards the system architecture, assembly planning and the requirement specification tool as well as the development of a prototype web portal.
There are five further industrial partners; Bespak Europe, Desoutter, GlaxoSmithKline, Riley Automation and System Devices.
These partners are providing the consortium with information and feedback from both a customer's and a supplier's point of view.
They will also be assisting with the dissemination activities, which is the specialist role of the final two partners; The British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) and The PRIME Faraday Partnership.
• TQC: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
