Training for dimensional metrology in digital manufacturing
The changes that are observed from few years in the field of manufacturing and production engineering popularly known as "Fourth Industry Revolution" utilizes the achievements in the different areas of computer sciences, introducing new solutions at almost every stage of the production process, just to mention such concepts as: mass customization, cloud computing, knowledge based engineering, virtual reality, rapid prototyping or virtual models of measuring systems. To effectively speed up the production process and make it more flexible, it is necessary to tighten the bonds connecting individual stages of the production process and to raise the awareness and knowledge of employees of individual sectors about the nature and specificity of work in other stages. As an example of such diversity the training of industrial design students in field of coordinate metrology can be indicated, which allows them to design the product more consciously taking into consideration also the requirements of quality control departments. Such relations exist between all production stages and are described in more details in the proposal.
Unfortunately, basing on many feedbacks given by industrial partners of project's consortium members the understanding of mentioned relations is very limited in practice. This is why we concluded that finding and developing appropriate education methods adapted to the specifics of individual stages of the production process becomes extremely important issue which can be crucial to properly exploit the potential of the fourth industrial revolution. Because of it, we intend to develop complex training material for digital manufacturing including content for design, manufacturing and quality control with main focus on coordinate metrology and portable measuring systems as all participating organisations have coordinate metrology background.
OBJECTIVES
The main project objectives include:
- development of concept for unbroken chain of training covering design, manufacturing and verification,
- development of didactical methods covering several target groups (apprenticeship up to master degree studies),
- development of learning material (blended learning including e-learning, face-to-face, workshops),
- development of curriculum for training of design, manufacturing and dimensional metrology for digital manufacturing,
- organisation of training activities for the tutors,
- test of the learning material during Pilot Courses,
- optimization of learning content for students and tutors.
CONSORTIUM
Consortium consists of five partners from different countries. Three universities: Politechnika Krakowska (Poland), University of Padova (Italy), NTB (Switzerland) and two non-profit organizations CATIM (Portugal) whose mission is to contribute to the innovation and competitiveness of metalworking industries and related sectors and CMTrain (Germany) with the aim to enhance training activities in the field of coordinate metrology.
ACTIVITIES AND METHODOLOGY
Within this project the learning content will be developed with a learner-centred approach and using case studies from selected branches of industry to let learners understand the industrial relevance of the topic and show the linkage of principles and methods with relevant applications. Pilot courses will be run at different stages of education (from apprenticeship to master degree of studies) for integrated testing, assessment and optimization of developed tools and content.
RESULTS
The most important results of this project comprise:
- curriculum for training of design, manufacturing and dimensional metrology for digital manufacturing,
- learning material for digital design, digital manufacturing and quality assurance for different target groups,
- documentation of training concept and didactical methods,
- guideline for trainers how to use the learning material in an optimal way with respect to didactics and technical aspects.
IMPACT
The main impacts of the project include:
- new knowledge, skills and competences related to digital manufacturing, design and metrology,
- graduates and trainees better prepared for work in companies related to digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0,
- teachers/tutors with improved teaching, tutoring and networking skills, knowing new teaching methodologies,
- increased employability of learners,
- work-based virtual training before actual work on real manufacturing and measuring equipment,
- easier transition to work in advanced manufacturing organisations.
LONGER TERM BENEFITS
Because this project is related to better understanding of digital design, manufacturing and metrology, in long term it may lead to manufacturing of more reliable products and improvement of life quality related to noise and vibration reduction obtained through accurate manufacturing and precise dimensional measurements. Positive effects on environment should also be observed in form of reduction of production waste or lower emissions.