SYSTEMS APPROACH TO MANUFACTURING



Systems Approach to Manufacturing



Abstract

Recent innovations implemented to achieve goal of improved manufacturing education in the small mechanical engineering department are described. Paper analyzes evolution of curriculum and facilities improvements, program's objectives, constraints that limit development and effects of modifications completed. Initial efforts targeted need to incorporate laboratory experiences in introductory course in manufacturing processes. Subsequent activities have focused curricular involved in integrating design and manufacturing, and associated use of geometric dimensions and practices tolerated. Most recent improvements include development of an elective course in computer-aided manufacturing, impact of the manufacturing program of research in evolution, and value of the partnership with local Small Business Development Center.

Systems Approach to Manufacturing

INTRODUCTION

WEAKNESS IN DESIGN and manufacturing capabilities in U.S. companies is often cited as the crucial factor in reducing nation's global competitiveness. Several studies focused on this shortfall has concluded that U.S. manufacturing would benefit from the more integrated approach to product development, including the greater focus on practice of concurrent engineering [1]. In its efforts to improve profitability of U.S. goods and underlying design and manufacturing practices more, two key issues continue to deserve attention and improvement:

1. Traditional separation of role of product design tasks factory.

2. Lack of the true appreciation for process manufacturing as an integrated system [2].

Both industry and academia have responded to these needs with the national effort to improve way that companies carry out product realization process, including systematic reform that affects way universities teach these concepts in undergraduate programs. In an effort to educate engineers who are able to compete domestically and globally, and the continuous adjustment to cope with developments in related materials, manufacturing methods and techniques, computer programs should focus on integration of product development activities.

In last decade, many universities have adapted their curricula to reintroduce manufacturing experience manufacturing practice in relation to reading materials on theory and analysis of basic tasks of product development.

Previously seen as more technical training in machine operation, computer-aided advances in late 1980 and early 1990 highlighted role of industry in the process of complex product realization [3]. Advances in flexible manufacturing, automated controls and robotics, material handling and rapid prototyping, for example, justifies main settings curricula. Schools benefit from presence of industrial departments and / or manufacturing were able to make substantial changes and improvements through collaboration between departments and organization. Similarly, universities with the large base of teachers, benefited from atmosphere associated with an ongoing strong and versatile, manufacturing research.

In contrast, Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) at Bucknell University consists of only eight members of full-time faculty, 130 undergraduate programs and approximately eight graduate students. Without benefit of the department of industrial engineering or manufacturing, Bucknell efforts toward improving education integrated manufacturing are particularly limited. This paper presents department's achievements to date toward development and implementation of the program that is compatible with the view of manufacturing systems and emphasizes importance of integrating product development

In fall of 1996, primary course design and manufacturing required in curriculum was ...