A Multiscale Digital Twin-Driven Smart Manufacturing System for High Value-Added Products
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Design Manufacture and Engineering Man
Abstract
Driven by the ever-increasing demand for performance enhancement, light weight and function integration, more and more next-generation products/components are designed to possess 3D freeform shapes (i.e. non-rotational symmetric), to integrate different shapes/structures and/or to be made of multi-materials. Examples are seen in freeform lens array photovoltaic concentrators, integrated car head-up displays for improving road safety; Lidar (light detection and range) devices for autonomous vehicle; minimal invasive surgery tools for curing aging related diseases such as cataract blindness, osteoarthritis, and saving lives, to name a few. The ratio of required product tolerance to its dimension is less than 1 part in 10e-6, i.e. in the ultra-precision manufacturing domain. The design, manufacture assembly and characterisation challenges for these products are considerable, requiring a step change in the current manufacturing system to achieve the ambitious target of securing industrial efficiency gains of up to 25% (Industrial Digitalisation Interim Report, 2017) as Britain's productivity has long lagged behind that of its competitors.
The project will start from an established baseline in a unique flexible and reconfigurable hybrid micromanufacturing system developed from a recently completed EPSRC project (EP/K018345/1) and advance beyond state-of-the-art of system modelling, digital, control and automation technologies. It will research and develop the underlying science and technology for the creation of a new generation smart digital twin-driven manufacturing system that can sense consumer needs and actively self-optimise for customised next-generation high performance 3D products with enhanced productivity in a sustainable way. It will break new ground in understanding intrinsic links among product design, manufacturing and metrology with a novel product/process fingerprint approach. For the first time, a digital twin-driven automation approach which combines feedback and feed forward control algorithms with inputs from high-frequency digital twins of manufacturing process at machine level will be developed to bridge the real and virtual systems and eliminate dynamic errors and thermal errors which cannot be measured by machine encoders even the machine is running at an extremely high operational frequency to meet the required product performance through predictive control. As such, this project will make a step change in manufacturing automation which is based on linear control theory using semi-closed-looped feedback from encoders. As building blocks of the smart manufacturing system, smart multi-sense in-line surface metrology and smart assembly system will be developed to measure complex and high dynamic surface and to precision assemble large variety of parts that are difficulty to achieve before. A novel multiscale business modelling and system analysis approach will also be developed to allow integration of these smart systems and take the live data, model, predict product quality, delivery time, cost, emission, waste, and optimise the performance into the future in different scenarios. The effectiveness of the SMART will be demonstrated through manufacturing the selected demonstrators including minimal invasive surgery tools, Head-up displays, Lidar and solar cell concentrators.
The consortium will transform the research outcome to industry and our society through knowledge exchange, training, industrial demonstration and deployment. A unified expertise pool in smart manufacturing established in this project will be a "one-stop-shop" for the UK industry, particularly SMEs, who are keen to exploit the benefit of the project.
The project will start from an established baseline in a unique flexible and reconfigurable hybrid micromanufacturing system developed from a recently completed EPSRC project (EP/K018345/1) and advance beyond state-of-the-art of system modelling, digital, control and automation technologies. It will research and develop the underlying science and technology for the creation of a new generation smart digital twin-driven manufacturing system that can sense consumer needs and actively self-optimise for customised next-generation high performance 3D products with enhanced productivity in a sustainable way. It will break new ground in understanding intrinsic links among product design, manufacturing and metrology with a novel product/process fingerprint approach. For the first time, a digital twin-driven automation approach which combines feedback and feed forward control algorithms with inputs from high-frequency digital twins of manufacturing process at machine level will be developed to bridge the real and virtual systems and eliminate dynamic errors and thermal errors which cannot be measured by machine encoders even the machine is running at an extremely high operational frequency to meet the required product performance through predictive control. As such, this project will make a step change in manufacturing automation which is based on linear control theory using semi-closed-looped feedback from encoders. As building blocks of the smart manufacturing system, smart multi-sense in-line surface metrology and smart assembly system will be developed to measure complex and high dynamic surface and to precision assemble large variety of parts that are difficulty to achieve before. A novel multiscale business modelling and system analysis approach will also be developed to allow integration of these smart systems and take the live data, model, predict product quality, delivery time, cost, emission, waste, and optimise the performance into the future in different scenarios. The effectiveness of the SMART will be demonstrated through manufacturing the selected demonstrators including minimal invasive surgery tools, Head-up displays, Lidar and solar cell concentrators.
The consortium will transform the research outcome to industry and our society through knowledge exchange, training, industrial demonstration and deployment. A unified expertise pool in smart manufacturing established in this project will be a "one-stop-shop" for the UK industry, particularly SMEs, who are keen to exploit the benefit of the project.
Planned Impact
The major beneficiaries of the project include UK advanced manufacturing companies (especially SMEs), the collaborative partners and the society in general. The impact will be realised in terms of economy, knowledge, people and society.
Economy: The project is expected to make great contribution to the UK economy growth as it addressed the critical needs of the UK industry to establish its global leadership of industrial digitalisation and to reach future global market for high value-added products. These products are the key drives of UK high value manufacturing industry. To provide access to the novel manufacturing approach developed in this project UK high value manufacturing companies will gain a competitive edge to access multi-billion pounds markets for next-generation products as it will significantly improve productivity (up to 25%), precision (up to 50%) and sustainability. This project will form a unified expertise pool in smart manufacturing which could be a "one-stop-shop" to the UK industry, particularly SMEs, who are keen to exploit the benefit of the project.
Knowledge: The project will underpin manufacturing science and advancement of other disciplines such as computing science, automation and control, system engineering, management and even biomedical science. The multiscale modelling, digital twin-automation, product/process fingerprint, smart assembly and in-line metrology are the building blocks of future manufacturing system. The development of a better understanding of the intrinsic links among product function to its surface geometrical feature and manufacturing process control parameters is a step change for predictive design and autonomous control of manufacturing of many next-generation high value-added products, such as anti-bacterial artificial implants and anti-adhesion surgical devices with hydrophobic micro/nanostructures on their surfaces. Due to significant enhancement of machining capability and productivities offered by the manufacturing approach, the research will stimulate more ambitious design for next-generation high value-added products, such as freeform lens array photovoltaic concentrators, integrated car head-up displays for improving road safety; LiDAR (light detection and range) devices for autonomous vehicle; minimal invasive surgery tools for curing aging related diseases and saving lives, to name a few.
People: The research will influence peoples' perception of manufacturing as with such a developed disruptive technology high-value added products can be manufactured on-demand with great productivity and autonomy. The developed manufacturing system is also a kind of transforming technology which will redistribute digital manufacturing and ultra-precision manufacturing capability from the hands of a few to the hands of many.
Society: The project is a key enabler for the UK's grand societal challenges as it can help increase productivity, potentially create more jobs in high value manufacturing including the new merging autonomous vehicle sectors and increase value added by manufacturing products with desired function in a sustainable way. The project will result in high throughput production of affordable high value-added products to improve quality of life. It therefore contributes to fulfilling the ambitions identified within the EPSRC outcomes frame work of a productive, connected, resilient and healthy nation.
We will take an ambitious plan to engage stakeholders across the whole value chain of high value-added products to implement the impact of our research through knowledge exchange, industrial demonstration and deployment. AFRC and National Manufacturing Institute Scotland will support the project's impact activities. We also plan to set up an UK-wide "Centre of Excellence on Smart Manufacturing" and a world-wide "Smart Manufacturing Research Hub" for joint research and exploitation for sustainable development in this strategically important field.
Economy: The project is expected to make great contribution to the UK economy growth as it addressed the critical needs of the UK industry to establish its global leadership of industrial digitalisation and to reach future global market for high value-added products. These products are the key drives of UK high value manufacturing industry. To provide access to the novel manufacturing approach developed in this project UK high value manufacturing companies will gain a competitive edge to access multi-billion pounds markets for next-generation products as it will significantly improve productivity (up to 25%), precision (up to 50%) and sustainability. This project will form a unified expertise pool in smart manufacturing which could be a "one-stop-shop" to the UK industry, particularly SMEs, who are keen to exploit the benefit of the project.
Knowledge: The project will underpin manufacturing science and advancement of other disciplines such as computing science, automation and control, system engineering, management and even biomedical science. The multiscale modelling, digital twin-automation, product/process fingerprint, smart assembly and in-line metrology are the building blocks of future manufacturing system. The development of a better understanding of the intrinsic links among product function to its surface geometrical feature and manufacturing process control parameters is a step change for predictive design and autonomous control of manufacturing of many next-generation high value-added products, such as anti-bacterial artificial implants and anti-adhesion surgical devices with hydrophobic micro/nanostructures on their surfaces. Due to significant enhancement of machining capability and productivities offered by the manufacturing approach, the research will stimulate more ambitious design for next-generation high value-added products, such as freeform lens array photovoltaic concentrators, integrated car head-up displays for improving road safety; LiDAR (light detection and range) devices for autonomous vehicle; minimal invasive surgery tools for curing aging related diseases and saving lives, to name a few.
People: The research will influence peoples' perception of manufacturing as with such a developed disruptive technology high-value added products can be manufactured on-demand with great productivity and autonomy. The developed manufacturing system is also a kind of transforming technology which will redistribute digital manufacturing and ultra-precision manufacturing capability from the hands of a few to the hands of many.
Society: The project is a key enabler for the UK's grand societal challenges as it can help increase productivity, potentially create more jobs in high value manufacturing including the new merging autonomous vehicle sectors and increase value added by manufacturing products with desired function in a sustainable way. The project will result in high throughput production of affordable high value-added products to improve quality of life. It therefore contributes to fulfilling the ambitions identified within the EPSRC outcomes frame work of a productive, connected, resilient and healthy nation.
We will take an ambitious plan to engage stakeholders across the whole value chain of high value-added products to implement the impact of our research through knowledge exchange, industrial demonstration and deployment. AFRC and National Manufacturing Institute Scotland will support the project's impact activities. We also plan to set up an UK-wide "Centre of Excellence on Smart Manufacturing" and a world-wide "Smart Manufacturing Research Hub" for joint research and exploitation for sustainable development in this strategically important field.
Organisations
- University of Strathclyde (Lead Research Organisation)
- Metal Industries Research and Development Centre, Taiwan (Collaboration)
- Alan Turing Institute (Collaboration)
- Heriot-Watt University (Collaboration)
- University of Huddersfield (Collaboration)
- Harbin Institute of Technology (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF YORK (Collaboration)
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Collaboration)
- Loadpoint (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Lanner Group (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Aerotech Ltd (Project Partner)
- Renishaw (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Holoxica Ltd (Project Partner)
- Chitendai (Project Partner)
- Olympus (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
Publications
Abhilash P
(2023)
Hybrid Metal Additive Manufacturing - Technology and Applications
Abhilash P
(2023)
Convolutional neural network-based classification for improving the surface quality of metal additive manufactured components
in The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Badakhshan E
(2022)
Applying digital twins for inventory and cash management in supply chains under physical and financial disruptions
in International Journal of Production Research
Badakhshan E
(2022)
Using digital twins for inventory and cash management in supply chains
in IFAC-PapersOnLine
Badakhshan E
(2023)
A simulation-optimization approach for integrating physical and financial flows in a supply chain under economic uncertainty
in Operations Research Perspectives
Fan P
(2021)
An atomistic investigation on the wear of diamond during atomic force microscope tip-based nanomachining of gallium arsenide
in Computational Materials Science
Fan P
(2021)
Molecular dynamics simulation of AFM tip-based hot scratching of nanocrystalline GaAs
in Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing
Fan P
(2023)
Oblique nanomachining of gallium arsenide explained using AFM experiments and MD simulations
in Journal of Manufacturing Processes
Fan P
(2022)
Scanning Probe Lithography: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives.
in Micromachines
Fan P
(2020)
A Simulated Investigation of Ductile Response of GaAs in Single-Point Diamond Turning and Experimental Validation
in Nanomanufacturing and Metrology
Fan P
(2021)
Origins of ductile plasticity in a polycrystalline gallium arsenide during scratching: MD simulation study
in Applied Surface Science
Fan P
(2021)
Atomic-Scale Friction Studies on Single-Crystal Gallium Arsenide Using Atomic Force Microscope and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
in Nanomanufacturing and Metrology
Fang F
(2022)
Nanometric cutting: Mechanisms, practices and future perspectives
in International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture
Gao F
(2022)
Near optical coaxial phase measuring deflectometry for measuring structured specular surfaces.
in Optics express
Gao F
(2022)
Stereo deflectometry based automatic segmentation technique for measuring structured specular surfaces
in Optics and Lasers in Engineering
Gao J
(2022)
Insight into Atomic-Scale Adhesion at the C-Cu Interface During the Initial Stage of Nanoindentation
in Nanomanufacturing and Metrology
Gao J
(2023)
Atomistic insights into bias-induced oxidation on passivated silicon surface through ReaxFF MD simulation
in Applied Surface Science
Gao J
(2021)
Fundamentals of atomic and close-to-atomic scale manufacturing: a review
in International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing
Gao J.
(2022)
Three-dimensional nanostructures enabled by customised voltage waveform-induced local anodic oxidation lithography
in European Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology, Conference Proceedings - 22nd International Conference and Exhibition, EUSPEN 2022
Hasan RMM
(2020)
Rolling Nanoelectrode Lithography.
in Micromachines
Kong X
(2021)
Variable Degree-of-Freedom Spatial Mechanisms Composed of Four Circular Translation Joints
in Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics
Kong X
(2021)
Classification of a 3-RER Parallel Manipulator Based on the Type and Number of Operation Modes
in Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics
Kong X
(2022)
Classification of 3-Degree-of-Freedom 3-UPU Translational Parallel Mechanisms Based on Constraint Singularity Loci Using Gröbner Cover
in Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics
Kundu P
(2022)
A machine learning-based framework for automatic identification of process and product fingerprints for smart manufacturing systems
in Journal of Manufacturing Processes
Kundu P
(2022)
A novel current sensor indicator enabled WAFTR model for tool wear prediction under variable operating conditions
in Journal of Manufacturing Processes
Li M
(2021)
Study on the subsurface damage mechanism of optical quartz glass during single grain scratching
in Ceramics International
Liu J
(2021)
On-Machine Calibration Method for In Situ Stereo Deflectometry System
in IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement
Liu Y.
(2021)
In-situ high dynamic range inspection in Ebeam machine based on fringe projection profilometry
in Proceedings of the 21st International Conference of the European Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology, EUSPEN 2021
Luo X
(2023)
Flexible single-step fabrication of programmable 3D nanostructures by pulse-modulated local anodic oxidation
in CIRP Annals
Marrugo AG
(2020)
State-of-the-art active optical techniques for three-dimensional surface metrology: a review [Invited].
in Journal of the Optical Society of America. A, Optics, image science, and vision
Mir A
(2022)
Challenges and issues in continuum modelling of tribology, wear, cutting and other processes involving high-strain rate plastic deformation of metals.
in Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials
Murad Hasan R
(2022)
Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Nanomanufacturing (nanoMan2021)
Murad Hasan R
(2020)
Substrate orientation effects on nanoelectrode lithography: ReaxFF molecular dynamics and experimental study
in Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Description | Approve of concept of a new digital twin-driven automation approach is realised. It is found that the dynamic error can be predicted by an AI model . Approve of concept of a new digital twin-driven work handling appraoch is realised. It is found that the co-bot can operate a much higher acceleartion without comprising the speed limiation. |
Exploitation Route | We are collaborating with industrial partners to implement the approach in software package and new products. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | We have successfully integrated the digital twin driven automation software into a PC based controller and is exploring future commercialisation opportunity of the digital twin-driven automation approach. We have succssfully integrated the digital twin driven software into a Cobot controller and is explored the uture commercialisation opportunity with our industiral partner. |
First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | Contribution to national digital twin network |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | It will inform the DT network and form a new feasibility call |
Description | UK Manufacturing Forum-policy on sustainable manufacturing |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Description | (Carbo4Power) - New generation of offshore turbine blades with intelligent architectures of hybrid, nano-enabled multi-materials via advanced manufacturing |
Amount | € 7,898,458 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 953192 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 11/2020 |
End | 10/2024 |
Description | A hybrid precision manufacturing platform for next-generation of nanoscale products |
Amount | £766,513 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/V055208/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2021 |
End | 06/2025 |
Description | Developing Machine Learning-empowered Responsive Manufacture Of Industrial Laser Systems |
Amount | £1,376,131 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/V051164/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2021 |
End | 07/2024 |
Description | Digital twin guided minimally invasive, intelligent and intuitive surgery (MI-3 Surgery) |
Amount | £302,449 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/W004860/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2021 |
End | 12/2023 |
Description | EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account |
Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2021 |
End | 09/2022 |
Description | Real-time Digital Twin Assisted Surgery |
Amount | £3,989,538 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/X033686/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2023 |
End | 08/2027 |
Description | Towards deterministic atomic scale manufacturing of next-generation quantum devices |
Amount | £204,031 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/X021963/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2023 |
End | 12/2024 |
Title | Data for: "A sequential process for manufacturing nature-inspired anisotropic superhydrophobic structures on AISI 316L stainless steel" |
Description | Original Excel data of Figure 5 and 6 in the paper |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/datasets/a4a6a68a-dfc0-47df-8cdd-04db6207d927 |
Title | Data for: "Laser-assisted grinding of reaction-bonded SiC" |
Description | The dataset contains numerical data to illustrate variation of surface roughness Ra value of RB-SiC processed by a nanosecond pulsed fibre laser which has a central emission wavelength of 1064 nm under different grinding depth at several sets of laser power and frequency. The data can be read by using normal Words software. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/datasets/d80d1509-25d0-459d-813d-c60771fe6cc2 |
Title | Data for: "Manufacturing of anti-fogging Super-hydrophilic Microstructures on Glass by Nanosecond Laser" |
Description | The dataset contains numerical data to illustrate variation of surface roughness Ra value of glass processed by a nanosecond pulsed fibre laser which has a central emission wavelength of 1064 nm under different cutting feed rates and laser focus distances at two sets of laser power and frequency. The data can be read by using normal Words software. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/datasets/105e55c3-1444-4e44-8cd4-c146347e755e |
Title | Data for: "Rolling Nanoelectrode Lithography" |
Description | This data set contains the parameters value and the calculation method for the measurement of the contact area between stamp and the substrate that are used in the Rolling Nanoelectrode Lithography. The calculations has been done in an excel spreadsheet. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/datasets/10de90c2-f34d-4d18-ba4d-9dfc715cd12e |
Title | Data for: "Study on the subsurface damage mechanism of optical quartz glass during single grain scratching" |
Description | The dataset contains numerical data to illustrate variation of maximum depth of subsurface crack and plastic deformation at different scratching depths. The data can be read by using normal MS Word software. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/datasets/22062ced-ded2-4716-86be-629792a5002d |
Title | Data for: "Substrate Orientation Effects on Nanoelectrode Lithography: ReaxFF Molecular Dynamics and Experimental Study" |
Description | Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations dataset for the research output of 'Substrate orientation effects on nanoelectrode lithography: ReaxFF molecular dynamics and experimental study'. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/datasets/f92d7c9f-a52f-4908-afbf-c50330be2edd |
Description | Collaboration with GrowItYork vertical container farm, Spark! York |
Organisation | University of York |
Department | Department of Biology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Modelling of the vertical farm operation by creating a simulation model (digital shadow) that could extract the current status of the farm and produce optimised production schedules. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of static data, provision of access to the API and farm operating system |
Impact | Sustainable Design and Manufacturing conference paper published in 2022. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Collaboration with STFC Food Network+ scoping project Circular Urban Vertical Farms |
Organisation | University of York |
Department | The York Management School |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Creation of a simulation model to show agrifood waste flows into and out nodes such as restaurants, brewery and vertical farm, |
Collaborator Contribution | Guidance of scoping of modelling, provision of data, discussion on results. |
Impact | Simulation model of supply chain movements within an urban centre (York) Paper at Sustainable Design and Manufacturing (SDM) Conference 2022 |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Collaboration with UKRI Digital Twin Network+ |
Organisation | Alan Turing Institute |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Helping shaping the research themes during the proposal development stage through zoom meeting with Network PI; Attending the UKRI Digital Twinning Network Plus: DTNet+ launch general assembly; Contributing discussion on multiscale digital twin in panel discussion. |
Collaborator Contribution | Putting together a UK wide network of Digital Twin Technology academia, industry ang Independent Research Organisation; Call for feasibility study will be issued soon. |
Impact | The call of feasibility study will be issued soon. My team will aim to apply and if successful we will able to describe details of outcomes. |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | Fabrication of fibre alignment device |
Organisation | Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | My team is working on hybrid machining the fibre alignment device and comparing with our digital twin-drive automation approach. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provide design of the fibre alignment device. |
Impact | We are working on the study at the moment and will report the outcome in next submission. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Joint research with Heriot-Watt University |
Organisation | Heriot-Watt University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | University of Strathclyde researchers worked on this project with researchers from Heriot-Watt University |
Collaborator Contribution | We have worked together on the design of the material handling device in this EPSRC project. So far Heriot-Watt Team has completed the material handling design and are working on the 3D micro-assembly devices at the moment. |
Impact | We have completed the design of the work handling device and decided the work holding device. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Joint research with Huddersfield University |
Organisation | University of Huddersfield |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | University of Strathclyde researchers worked on this project with researchers from Huddersfield University |
Collaborator Contribution | we have worked together on thedevelopment of the in-process metrology system in this project. Huddersfield team has developed DRI system and completed an initial evaluation so far. |
Impact | We have developed the first generation of the DRI. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Research Strategic Alliance Agreement with MIRDC, Taiwan |
Organisation | Metal Industries Research and Development Centre, Taiwan |
Country | Taiwan, Province of China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Exchange of research staff and researchers; exchange of information on micro machine tool market; joint technical workshop and proposal applications |
Collaborator Contribution | Validation machining trials in MIRDC; promote University of Strathclyde's micro machining and machine tool development capacity in Asia market. |
Impact | First joint technical meeting has been held in November 2013 to discuss the CNC control system for micro machine tools; Ten sets of demonstrators (micro lens and mounts) have been machined in October 2014 at MIRDC which will be used as bench mark to evaluate the new machined to be developed in 2015 at the University of Strathclyde. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Visiting researchers from Harbin Institute of Technology |
Organisation | Harbin Institute of Technology |
Country | China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Host : Hosting academic visitors |
Collaborator Contribution | They have contributed to the conceptual design of the machine tools and bearing design in this EPSRC project |
Impact | We have published five journal papers and 2 conference papers (One paper got Best Paper Award on IEEE 20th ICAC conference) : 1 W Chen, Y Liang, X Luo, Y Sun and H Wang, Multi-scale surface simulation of the KDP crystal fly cutting machining, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 2014, doi:10.1007/s00170-014-5748-0 2 Y Liang, W Chen, C An, X Luo, G Chen and Q Zhang, Investigation of the tool-tip vibration and its influence upon surface generation in flycutting, Proceedings of IMechE Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 2014, doi: 10.1177/0954406213516440 3 Y Liang, W Chen, Y Sun, X Luo, L Lu and H Liu, A mechanical structure-based design method and its implementation on a fly-cutting machine tool design, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 2014, 70(9-12), pp. 1915-1921. 4 W. Chen, X. Luo, H. Su and F. Wardle, An integrated system for ultra precision machine tool design in conceptual and design stage, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 2015, DOI: 10.1007/s00170-015-7780-0 5 D. Wu, B. Wang, X. Luo and Z. Qiao, Design and analysis of aerostatic spindle with high load characteristics for large ultra-precision drum lathe, Proc. IMechE, Part J: Journal of Engineering Tribology, 2015, DOI: 10.1177/1350650115579678. 6 77. D. Wu, B. Wang and X. Luo, Research on load characteristics of aerostatic journal bearing with pocketed orifice-type restrictor, Proceedings of the IEEE 20th International Conference on Automation & Computing, Cranfield Bedfordshire UK, 12-13 September 2014, pp. 92-95. (Best Paper Award) 7. W. Chen, Y. Liang, X. Luo and W. Xie, An integrated dynamic design system for aerostatic spindle development, Proceedings of the IEEE 20th International Conference on Automation & Computing, Cranfield Bedfordshire UK, 12-13 September 2014, pp. 96-99. Also Prof. Yingchun Liang, Prof. Yazhou Sun and Prof. Shen Dong have delivered seminar talks at the University of Strathclyde. These talks allow the researchers working in the EPSRC project knowing the recent ultra precision machine tool development in China. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | 3rd International Academy of Engineering and Technology Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Organised an international Symposium on Digital Manufacturing and ACSM. 12 keynote speakers were invited to give talk on latest digital manufacturing and ACSM research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.aet-ac.org/copy-of-aet-symposium |
Description | A Keynote talk on International Conference and Expo on Optics, Photonics and Lasers |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Over 200 postgraduates attended the talk, which spark discussion on application of digital twin for photonics manufacturing. The department reported increased interests in digital twins. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://signatureconferences.com/europl2023/ |
Description | A keynote talk on Cutting Simulation International Conference 2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | over 200 postgraduate students attended the talk, which sparked intensive discussion on modelling techniques for photonics manufacturing, and the department reported increased interests in computational materials student projects. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | A keynote talk on IEEE Nanotechnology Materials and Devices International Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | over 200 postgraduates attend my talk, with sparked discussion on new nanofabrication approach , and the department reported increased interests in nanofabrication |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/conhome/10343386/proceeding |
Description | ASME IDETC2024 Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Workshop Facilitator; Presenter; Led to further discussion and international collaboration. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://event.asme.org/IDETC-CIE-2023/Program/Workshops-Tutorials |
Description | An invited talk on 10th International Conference of Asian Society for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | over 200 postgraduates attend the talk which provoke discussion on new control paradigm, the department reported more research projects were set up in precision motional control |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.polyu.edu.hk/sklumt/ASPEN2023/ |
Description | An invited talk on 2023 World Congress on Micro and Nano Manufacturing |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Over 150 delegates including academics, postgraduates students, professionals and NSF programme manager attends the talk, which sparked questions and discussion on role of artificial intelligence and its relationship with physical model and potential application in micro and nanomanufacturing. The school reported increased interest in AI and the NSF programme manager reported more proposal application of using AI in micro and nano manufacturing. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.wcmnm2023.northwestern.edu/ |
Description | Industrial sustainability: Developing new habits |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | In Sao Paulo, Brazil. Keynote presentation. Approx 50 attendees physically present, up to 50 online live. Recorded but no data available on later views. English, simultaneous translation. Covered global practice, global/local production, system transformation, research on system problems and solutions using modelling and simulation and digital twins. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Industrial sustainability: Developing new habits |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Organised by FIERN - Federação das Indústrias do Rio Grande do Norte. A regional industry association. For their industrial/business members in the state. Covered global practice, global/local production, system transformation, research on system problems and solutions including modelling and simulation and digital twins. English, simultaneous translation. Discussion around solutions, breaking away from dominant entrenched linear economy and ways to improve. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.fiern.org.br/ |
Description | Invited talk at Henry Royce Institute |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | 50 academics attended in-personal or on-line, which provoke discussion on multiscale digital twin approach for smart manufacturing, and the organiser feedbacked request on asking for slides or permission to share the video on Yourtube |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Invited talk on 7th International Conference on Nanomanufacturing |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Give an invited talk on new nanomanufacturing approach. over 200 postgraduates listened to the talk. The talk has encouraged more applications to PhD student at Xi'an Jiaotong University. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Invited talk on IEEE International Conference of Optical Imaging and Measurement |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Give talk on manufacturing of precision moulds and dies by nanosecond laser. It sparked discussion on application of laser to generated functional surface in the field of aerospace industry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Keynote talk on 7th Asia Pacific International Conference on Optics Manufacturing |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Keynote talk on ultra precision machining nanooptics. Over 100 Pupils from Shanghai Middle School listen the talk and encourage more applications to Fudan University (Shanghai) in the subject of optics manufacturing. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Keynote talk to EPSRC Early Career Forum Workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Over 10 EPSRC Engineering Early Career Researchers attended the work. It sparked discussion multiscale digital twin driven smart manufacturing system. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Scaling up manufacturing digital twins for sustainable and resilient supply chains |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Disseminating the research results to others working in this field. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://euroma-sustainabilityforum.org/the-11th-euroma-forum/ |
Description | Sustainable use of natural resources |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), Natal-Central, Brazil Keynote in a 2 hour presentation and discussion a specially organised session on environmental and social sustainability with mostly postgraduate students and some undergraduates and some academics from other universities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://portal.ifrn.edu.br/campus/natalcentral/ |
Description | Talk at the SPIE Asia |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk at the SPIE Asia |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Webinar Factory planning and simulation using discrete event simulation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Joint presentation with Lanner Group Ltd to the EPSRC Future Electrical Machines (FEMM) Hub membership of approx 30 attendees mixed between academic collaborators and industry collaborators. Purpose was to introduce the concept of simulation modelling and digital twins to a new engineering audience to encourage the take up of digital tools. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://electricalmachineshub.ac.uk/ |