Course content

Comprehensive consideration of activities to accelerate main components in subtractive (e.g. milling), additive (e.g. Selective Laser Melting) and forming (e.g. Incremental Sheet Metal Forming) manufacturing processes. Introduction into Rapid Prototyping, Manufacturing & Tooling, integrated in modern engineering methods like Design for Manufacturing, Concept and Concurrent Engineering, Geometric Reverse Engineering, Closed Quality Loop -, Virtual Manufacturing. Theoretical basis and necessary Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for the practical use of both hardware and software applications including real-world examples from selected application areas. Comprehensive discussion of actual research and development problems. Special attention is being given to the implementation of an example for the hybrid fabrication of a complex workpiece with milling operations, Selective Laser Melting and metal forming.

Learning outcome

Theory and practice in production-adapted methodologies for time compression and acceleration in manufacturing of sophisticated free-form objects (work pieces, both with the special focus on tools). Course participants experience selected hardware and software tools for being able to contribute actively to problem solutions for manufacturing accelerations and bottleneck avoidances. It is to be focussed on dissemination of knowledge and selected skills for the value-adding process chains in Rapid Manufacturing & Tooling (as core area of Time-compression Manufacturing Technologies) and here especially on the application of relevant ICT support routines (e.g. Geometric Reverse Engineering, applied non-linear optimisation) throughout the whole value-adding process including an extensive discussion of actual research problems. Special attention is being given to the implementation of an example for the hybrid fabrication of a complex workpiece.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises, PC-exercise, one colloquium and project work. The course requires an accepted project report. The project work documented by a report gives 50 % of the final grade in an oral examination. The course is to be given in English.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge corresponding to TPK4105 Manufacturing Technology.

Course materials

Koch, W. H.: Rapid Manufacturing. Lecture Notes, Trondheim, 2011. Selected papers from scientific journals.

Credit reductions