This project seeks to enhance the application of modeling techniques that support full implementation of computer- integrated manufacturing. The curricular areas primarily affected are the Manufacturing Technology program and the Electro-Mechanical Systems program. The four key areas of coursework will be impacted directly range from freshman-level studies of automated manufacturing to senior-level research projects. The University has been supportive in program development especially through the establishment of computer laboratories in the Industrial Technology Center. Students gain experience with key software applications in numerous areas including computer-aided design (CAD), numerical control programming, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), process planning, cost estimating, statistical process control and computer simulation. This proposal seeks support for phase-one of a two-phase plan to upgrade the automated manufacturing laboratory facilities. Phase one establishes an automated manufacturing cell using industry-standard benchtop CNC machine tools with robot material handling and vision system for automated inspection. The cell would also serve as a focal point for student application of simulation and SPC techniques. Phase two would expand the cell to create a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) including ASRS, palletized automated conveyor and bar code I.D.
