Internet-based manufacturing process optimization and monitoring system

E-intelligence for integrated product design, manufacturing and service is becoming the core of 21st century advanced manufacturing technology. This paper presents the current efforts at the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) to implement an Internet-based Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) facility for the development of new manufacturing processes. The facility, termed The Centre for Online Manufacturing Optimization (COMO), integrates advanced process simulation software, a remote machine monitoring system, and state of the art multimedia and Internet technologies, to realize a virtual manufacturing process optimization environment. This environment leads the manufacturing engineer through a set of procedures in which physics based process simulations allow process parameters and operational sequences to be evaluated and optimized with respect to desired product features. Once the process parameters are established, the part can be prototyped at the MMRI laboratory or the industrial facility. The Internet-based computer engineering facility will provide companies with predictive intelligence tools for process development, and production monitoring. A Case Study is presented, in which a 3-axis milling operation is defined, optimized and executed using the COMO facility.