February 13, 2013
SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 13 – MSC Software Corporation, the leader in multidiscipline simulation solutions that accelerate product innovation, today announced that Armor, a leader in producing inked ribbon used in thermal transfer printing, has increased the throughput of its coating machines by about 20% by using Adams multibody dynamics simulation and Easy5 control system simulation software. “Simulation helped us work out the optimal coating conditions and make engineering changes to our machines,” said Gildas Hubert, project manager for Armor. “Simulation is a great way to improve our manufacturing process at a relatively low cost without disrupting production as is required for physical experiments.”
Hubert began his simulation efforts on a machine that required continual adjustments in order to avoid defects. He constructed an Adams model of the machine and used Easy5 to simulate the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) closed loop motion controller. He modified the model and re-ran the simulation multiple times, seeking to move the machine to a point where small changes in operating conditions would have no impact on quality. In the end, he discovered more robust operating conditions that substantially improved throughput of the machine by reducing downtime required for adjusting operating conditions.
Based on this success, Hubert turned his attention to other machines that were seemingly operating well to see if improvements could be made in either throughput or quality. By optimizing control values, Armor was able to increase throughput of its coating machines collectively by about 20% over a one year period. The primary improvement came from increasing machine reliability and stability so that less time was required for repairs or adjustments.
“By simulating the operation of our machines we were able to determine the ideal parameters for operating them over a broad range of products,” Hulbert said. “These calculations make it possible to run each machine at the optimal coating conditions. The end result was that we improved quality while at the same time making substantial improvements in productivity.”
About Armor
Based in Nantes, France, Armor was one of the first companies to manufacture carbon film, introduce ribbon cassettes for typewriters and introduce thermal transfer technology in the early 1980s. The company has over 760 employees worldwide and produces 110,000 thermal transfer film rolls per day at five production sites around the world. Armor is the leading producer in Europe with a 53% market share. The company offers over 12,000 different ribbon configurations.
About MSC Software
MSC Software is one of the ten original software companies and the worldwide leader in multidiscipline simulation. As a trusted partner, MSC Software helps companies improve quality, save time, and reduce costs associated with design and test of manufactured products. Academic institutions, researchers, and students employ MSC’s technology to expand individual knowledge as well as expand the horizon of simulation. MSC Software employs 1,100 professionals in 20 countries.
-----
Source: MSC Software
So far, the story surrounding the industrial Internet has been centered around GE, and their plans to infuse their factories with thousands of sensors that will bring big data to manufacturing. But after record-breaking floods from Hurricane Sandy took their toll on New York and New Jersey, environmental and civil engineers have found a new application for the Internet-connected sensor system.
Read more...
As the cloud becomes an increasingly attractive option for manufacturers with big needs in IT, scalable options such as outsourced data centers have become a must-have for many companies. But General Motors has taken a step in the opposite direction when its $130 million datacenter went online Monday in the suburb of Warren, Michigan.
Read more...
When we talk to manufacturers of any size, one concern across the board has been finding engineers with sufficient education and training to do their job. Taking one step toward alleviating this issue is Siemens, who have launched a U.S. job training initiative for veterans, hoping to round out the training of engineers throughout the country.
Read more...
May 17, 2013 |
This week, Airbus towed its newest airliner, the A350 XWB, out of its hangar and is poised to roll it into the spotlight of the upcoming Paris Air Show. The A350 XWB has been designed with the goal of surpassing the 787 in fuel efficiency and comfort, and has forgone metal for composite materials to make it happen.
Read more...
May 16, 2013 |
Sander Veenhof and Joris van Tubergen, of the Netherlands, joined their skills in media art and design to merge 3D printing with augmented reality. They call the result "UltimARker" and like the 3D printer it works with it's been designed for the open source community to give consumers more detailed information about their 3D printer.
Read more...
May 16, 2013 |
A recent survey by Cisco Systems found that 57 percent of consumers worldwide are in favor of using driverless cars, with 60 percent approval in the United States, suggesting that the world might be more ready for autonomous vehicles to hit the road than previously thought.
Read more...
May 10, 2013 |
We've known since Obama's State of the Union address this year that 3D printing is a key pillar in the president's plan for America's future in manufacturing, but on Thursday this was made even more clear with the announcement of a competition to create three manufacturing innovation institutes, to be modeled after a government-funded 3D printing center.
Read more...
May 09, 2013 |
Finally, we have someone to look to when we have to assemble our IKEA furniture--or at least something. This week, this solution was showcased at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, proving that robots might soon be surpassing humans at yet another task. At least we can gladly hand this one over.
Read more...
03/20/2013 | SAS | This white paper examines how an enterprise-wide quality platform can turn existing data into substantial and sustainable revenue growth and cost savings for global manufacturers. The paper is based on the findings of the IW/SAS Enterprise Quality Survey completed by more than 400 manufacturing executives. The objectives of the survey were to determine concerns about quality among manufacturers; investigate the tools used to measure quality; and examine how using enterprise-wide analysis on quality data improves performance.
07/19/2011 | Univa | TATA Steel Automotive Engineering’s concern grew when open source Grid Engine support and development was discontinued by Oracle. Grid Engine is a business critical application in their environment. They recognized the likelihood that product enhancements and innovations would cease. Read how TATA Steel Automotive Engineering moved from a self-support solution to Univa Grid Engine. You can get more out of your environment and your budget with Univa Grid Engine.
Copyright © 2011-2013 Tabor Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Digital Manufacturing Report is a registered trademark of Tabor Communications, Inc. Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Tabor Communications Inc. is prohibited.
Powered by Xtenit.