The self-assembling future of manufacturing

March 13, 2008

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) recently started a new initiative called “Innovations That Could Change the Way You Manufacture”. It outlines the emerging technologies that are making a positive impact on manufacturing and provides an educational framework for SME members and manufacturing practitioners to keep up-to-date on the industry's latest and greatest innovations. These innovations, which include such advancements as direct digital manufacturing (DDM), self- assembling nanotechnology, and ultracapacitors will be showcased at the upcoming Competitive Manufacturers Conference. The Conference, scheduled for June 17-19 at the Chicago Marriott, Schaumburg, Ill. is designed to connect manufacturing professionals to leading industry experts.

The innovations initiative was born out of a series of meetings, e-mail exchanges and other communications between SME's Technical Community Network (TCN) and the larger manufacturing community. The TCN requested nominations for ideas from the community, kept some and eliminated others, and then presented its findings to SME's Manufacturing Enterprise Council (MEC) for review. The Council selected five "innovations that could change the way you manufacture" based on such criteria as universality across industries, positive impact on manufacturing, current availability for integration, and overall industry value. These innovations include:

• Direct digital nanufacturing (DDM);
• Ultracapacitors;
• Self-assembling nanotechnology;
• Intelligent device integration (IDI); and
• Integrated 3-D simulation and modeling/desktop supercomputers

Some, like DDM, ultracapacitors, and self-assembling technology are already making an impact on industry, while others such as, IDI and integrated 3-D simulation and modeling/desktop supercomputers, hold great potential for industry-wide use.

As Richard "Dick" Morley, a Council member and founder of R. Morley Inc.

(RMI)—a consulting firm that specializes in the application of advanced technologies in the manufacturing and computer systems industries—explains, DMM “is becoming an essential part of our nation's key manufacturing industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical and even entertainment. The automotive industry uses DDM as a part of additive fabrication to build assembly aids. Orthopedic surgeons use it to create customized metal joint implants. It is even been used by video game designers to develop the latest gaming characters."

Ultracapacitors meanwhile show great promise for their ability to hold 10,000 times more stored power than a typical D-cell sized electrolytic capacitor. These devices also have an unparalleled life span, and already provide long-lasting power solutions for cellular electronics, medical equipment and most notably hybrid automobiles.

“This is one of manufacturing's "greenest" ways to go," says Morley.

Self-assembly nanotechnology also made the list because it has moved beyond theory to practice, most notably when IBM used it to enhance conventional computer chip manufacturing. The technology essentially allows objects, devices and even systems to form other structures without external prodding or manipulations. At the microscopic level self-assembly has potential uses in water purification, sanitation, agriculture, computer manufacturing and more. Alternative energy such as photovoltaics or solar power could transform self-assembly into a green manufacturing process.

IDI, meanwhile, occurs when any type of equipment, instrument, or machine possesses its own computing capability. Currently used in personal and handheld computers, IDI offers unprecedented visibility into and management of equipment, products, and even consumer interactions. By combining sensor data with two-way wireless communications, it promises more detailed, real-time views of activities and objects and should enable organizations to respond faster and even predict manufacturing incidents before they occur.

Finally, integrated 3-D simulation and modeling/desktop supercomputers are destined to revolutionize computer modeling. Imagine a large computer screen containing new automobile data. From it, users could see any segment or part instantly and in as much detail as desired from engine to component all with 3-D impact and full rotation. These super computers will make it possible for the computer to be used as a microscope, telescope and time machine to manage, view, and tool a complete manufacturing system. 

"This is not the modeling and simulation of 20 years ago or even two years ago," adds Morley.

These five innovations will be prominently featured in this summer's Competitive Manufacturers Conference. Other conference highlights will include interactive sessions on lean manufacturing practices and collaborative strategies with a special focus on ways a company can develop its own innovations.

For the most comprehensive information about the Competitive Manufacturers Conference or to register, visit www.sme.org/cmc.

SME's Member Enterprise Council is interested in hearing opinions about these technologies.  To submit your feedback, visit www.sme.org/forums and click on "Innovations that Could Change the Way You Manufacture.

SME Technical Communities: www.sme.org/communities.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers: www.sme.org

SOURCE: Society of Manufacturing Engineers