Vertical process integration in design and manufacturing of hardwood products.

摘要

Traditionally, design and manufacturing processes are sequentially connected. Material requirement is considered in these two processes. However, the consideration is based on the assumption that material flow is smooth and the material is abundant. Owing to the shortage and cost of materials, the utilization of some materials such as hardwoods must be considered early in the product design stage. This research presents a concept of Vertical Process Integration (VPI) and an implementation of Virtual Reverse Manufacturing (VRM) process model which will predetermine material usage and processing from the finished products. Based on a philosophy of product-oriented manufacturing in which every process of production is developed according to the information of the final product, VPI and VRM perform like a pull system in manufacturing, which will improve the utilization of material and facilities. Compared to traditional processes, VPI and VRM will allow the designers to understand the utilization of material in their designs and control the usage of the material by virtually reversing the material of the product back into the original form of the material. VPI and VRM can be used as an interactive process for design and manufacturing which will enhance the use of the material. The study will involve solid modeling analysis, three-dimensional packing, computer graphics simulation, and an evaluation of the system compared to the traditional processes.