Sigma Labs Inc (SASI)

[truthandlove]

Siemens' plan. https://www.cimdata.com/en/resources/complimentary-reports-research/commentaries/item/14540-product-manufacturing-information-provides-a-base-for-the-digital-twin-commentary

Seems like pr3d could fit in somewhere between the digital and physical part validation with its "fingerprint" of the part. glta

"For most products, the geometric definition is critical, and it is described using 3D solid models. These 3D models are exact, but the manufacturing processes that transform the models into a physical item produce to a tolerance. The product parts themselves need to be within a tolerance to meet overall product performance requirements. Manufacturing information historically was added to drawings as notes, dimensions, tolerances, and symbols after modeling was complete, when this information then was added to 2D CAD drawings, usually much later in the process. Design validation and manufacturing planning could not take place until those drawings were developed adding to the timeline. An engineering rule of thumb is that 3D modeling and 2D drafting each take about 50% of the time to develop a design and are done serially.

Proper use of PMI can be the foundation of an enormous digital transformation to the legacy design and drafting process. As an engineer models a product, manufacturing information can be added inline. That is, GD&T and datums can be assigned as a feature is created such as adding a flatness requirement to a mating surface, noting the absolute and relative position tolerance of a hole pattern, or adding an assembly note for a product reference dimension.

As the model is created, PMI checking software can validate GD&T syntax, and analysis tools can assess critical tolerance stack ups and note which tolerances have the biggest effect, enabling the engineer to make tolerances as loose as possible to minimize cost while still meeting performance requirements. The cycle time for the legacy process can be days or weeks yet with the modern process it can happen in real time. Verification and validation still need to happen, but because data is connected and validated with software applications more time can be spent on design functions not clerical tasks.

The semantic nature of the information has even greater impact in manufacturing. With product information stored as metadata on the part item, and computer readable PMI on the item model, automation can be applied. When a part is released manufacturing planning software can assess the part based on shape, size, material, dimensions, and tolerances and an appropriate manufacturing strategy developed. Additive or subtractive processes can be specified based on the part attributes and business requirements such as manufacturing location, cost, volume, and capacity. Once the strategy is set, CNC programs can read geometry, GD&T, manufacturing resources (work cells, cutters, etc.), and CNC programs and digital work instructions created. CNC validation software proves out programs on digital twins of factory machines minimizing rework.

The benefits of this type of manufacturing transformation are huge. The complete set of manufacturing information can be defined in minutes instead of days or weeks, and the bottleneck becomes factory capacity, maximizing capacity utilization. Furthermore, the information generated becomes more consistent since it is software generated and repeatable."