Advanced manufacturing systems and technologies

Our research investigates agent-based distributed systems and their applications in the modelling, simulation, optimisation and control of complex manufacturing systems and processes. We also lead research on business agility, agile manufacturing strategies and their implementation in conjunction with lean operations.

Our current research areas are:

Modelling and simulation of manufacturing processes
Dynamically integrated manufacturing systems
Ultrasonic and laser assisted manufacturing
Machinability of bio-composites
Agility and agile strategies
Knowledge management in manufacturing companies
New business models for manufacturing SMEs.
Adoption of metal 3D printing technology, and product design for metal 3D printing
Innovation models for the utility sector
Implementing Industry 4.0 technologies

Key Academics

Academic	Title	Relevant interests
Professor David Zhang	Professor of Manufacturing systems	Dynamically Integrated Manufacturing Systems (DIMS) and Products Supply Chain Optimisation, Design for Optimised Supply Chains Agile Product Development/Manufacturing and Innovation Road-mapping Multi-agent systems (MAS), complexity science and consumer dynamics modelling Adoption of metal 3D printing technology, and product design for metal 3D printing
Professor Voicu Ion Sucala	Associate Professor in Engineering Management	Modelling and simulation of manufacturing processes Lean operations Organisational analysis and adaptation to modern technologies
Dr Allen He	Lecturer in Engineering Management	Dynamically integrated manufacturing system Dynamically integrated multi-project management Agent-based modelling, simulation and decision optimisation Metal additive manufacturing
Dr Baris Yuce	Lecturer in Engineering Management	Manufacturing assembly line digitalisation and industry 4.0 applications ie sensory based system development, monitoring and control technologies Cloud ERP solutions and integration with other digitalised platforms
Dr Dong Wang	Lecturer in Engineering and Entrepreneurship	Advanced manufacturing with the assistance of ultrasound and laser Machinability of bio-composites
Dr Miying Yang	Lecturer in Engineering Management	Sustainable manufacturing Manufacturing servitization
Dr Peter Melville-Shreeve	Lecturer in Engineering and Entrepreneurship	Innovation in large organisations Innovation through supply chain collaboration Implementation of ubiquitous data systems through low power wide area networks

Projects

3D&FPP - Integrating Metal 3D Printing & Flexible Post Processing (Prof David Zhang and Dr Allen He)

The EU 3D&FPP project aims to develop a flexible, efficient and affordable retrofit post processing solution for metal 3D printing via integrating four main production processes: clamping, scanning, polishing and CAD/CAM-systems. For parts with features requiring CNC machining after 3D printing, due to thermal distortion in the printing process, the original coordinate basis and CNC code will be subject to change. The solution developed through the project consists of a validated algorithm embedded in a cloud-based compiler which is able to map the object and its orientation from the scanned model of the built part with the original design model, calculate the transformation matrix and adjust the CNC-code automatically. The FPP solution was successfully validated and demonstrated using user products. This has resulted in cost reduction of 26% on the total production costs and 15% on postprocessing, based on a mirror product. The approach is evaluated at Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL).

Development of a digital twin prototype for digitally enhanced advanced service value delivery system (Co-I: Dr Miying Yang)

Many manufacturing firms are transforming towards service-oriented business models, because advanced services allow manufacturers to generate greater levels of value from their products and services. The project aims to develop a digital twin prototype for the Heat-as-a-Service business model, in which boiler manufacturers sell heating as a total service rather than boilers alone.