The Development, Simulation and Optimisation of an Advanced Robotic Manufacturing Cell for the Rotational Moulding Process
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen's University Belfast
Department Name: Sch Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Abstract
The main aim of this project is to revolutionise the rotational moulding process for plastics through the introduction and exploitation of the latest technological developments in advanced digital manufacturing / Industry 4.0. The rotational moulding industry worldwide recognises there is an immediate need for the introduction of new, automated systems and sensors.
The introduction of intelligent automated processing, monitoring and digital control benefits, have the potential to fundamentally change, significantly improve and ultimately revolutionise rotomoulding practices.
Aims and Objectives:
The main technical objectives of the project are to:
(1) Complete a Process Manufacturing 4.0 audit - heating / cooling / material handling / product handling
(2) Develop a fully programmable robotic 'service' arm
(3) Simulate material dosing, mould heating and mould cooling - heat transfer, process optimisation
(4) Add Intelligent monitoring of in-mould temperature / in mould pressure / in process wall thickness
(5) Extend modelling capabilities to control of shrinkage / warpage, wall thickness distribution, internal mould heating and cooling.
(6) Develop a demonstrator platform and show case technology to industry partners worldwide.
ESPRC Research areas:
Control engineering - Use of sensor data (temperature, pressure) to feedback into the control system to improve Shrinkage, warpage and energy usage.
Manufacturing technologies - Use of robotics and Sensor data to develop an advanced manufacturing cell for rotational moulding process.
Robotics - Investigate the capabilities of Robotics arms and Co-bots within the rotational moulding process for loading powder, monitoring the process, de-moulding the part and post processing applications.
Sensor and instrumentation - Investigate the use of sensors (Infrared, ultrasound, vision systems) to provide useful information for the rotational moulding process that can be used for the optimisation of the part.
Collaborators Involved:
ARM- CE (Association of rotational moulders Central Europe)
Rotoconnect
Monthly meetings will be held with the industrial partners and during the project time will be spent with companies represented by ARM-CE and Rotoconnect.
The introduction of intelligent automated processing, monitoring and digital control benefits, have the potential to fundamentally change, significantly improve and ultimately revolutionise rotomoulding practices.
Aims and Objectives:
The main technical objectives of the project are to:
(1) Complete a Process Manufacturing 4.0 audit - heating / cooling / material handling / product handling
(2) Develop a fully programmable robotic 'service' arm
(3) Simulate material dosing, mould heating and mould cooling - heat transfer, process optimisation
(4) Add Intelligent monitoring of in-mould temperature / in mould pressure / in process wall thickness
(5) Extend modelling capabilities to control of shrinkage / warpage, wall thickness distribution, internal mould heating and cooling.
(6) Develop a demonstrator platform and show case technology to industry partners worldwide.
ESPRC Research areas:
Control engineering - Use of sensor data (temperature, pressure) to feedback into the control system to improve Shrinkage, warpage and energy usage.
Manufacturing technologies - Use of robotics and Sensor data to develop an advanced manufacturing cell for rotational moulding process.
Robotics - Investigate the capabilities of Robotics arms and Co-bots within the rotational moulding process for loading powder, monitoring the process, de-moulding the part and post processing applications.
Sensor and instrumentation - Investigate the use of sensors (Infrared, ultrasound, vision systems) to provide useful information for the rotational moulding process that can be used for the optimisation of the part.
Collaborators Involved:
ARM- CE (Association of rotational moulders Central Europe)
Rotoconnect
Monthly meetings will be held with the industrial partners and during the project time will be spent with companies represented by ARM-CE and Rotoconnect.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Conor Moore (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513118/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2302930 | Studentship | EP/R513118/1 | 01/10/2019 | 31/03/2023 | Conor Moore |