Production engineering
Four focus areas have been defined in order to describe and classify the research made by the group. These areas partly examine the same research area from different points of view. The two areas, Modelling and optimization of production systems and Modelling, programming and control of production processes can also be characterized as Digital manufacturing. The two latter ones, Cutting processes and New production methods, represent those manufacturing processes, to which the research, modelling included, is mainly focused.
Modelling and optimization of production systems
By modelling is meant the description of a real system using another media, usually in a simplified and idealised fashion. By optimizing a production system's operation using a computer model, large cost savings can be obtained. The cost of modelling is low compared to experimenting with a real system, which is often impossible. Modelling is economically risk free and safe, and controlled experiments are possible. Modelling in general increases understanding of the examined system and provides valuable insight.
The modelling methods in question here are mainly mathematical programming (optimization), queuing network models, simulation, various statistical methods and models fitted to data, and statistical design of experiments.
Modelling, programming and control of production processes
As a result of digitalisation development of production processes, manufacturing will soon be entirely designed, planned and tested using computer models before any physical realization of the production process takes place. The realization forms in focus here are mainly CAD/CAM modelling, application of the Finite Element Method and mathematical models fitted to empirical data describing single processes. Models and the information generated using them are used in controlling of the processes, for example in numerical control of machine tools. Taking into account the nature of the research area, the practical application of the research results is important. For example, verification of results of finite element analysis requires laboratory experiments, for which the laboratory equipment is used.
Cutting processes
Cutting processes have traditionally had a major role in the research and teaching of the laboratory. This will also be the case in the future, because machining has retained its important role in the mechanical engineering industry in Finland, and it is natural to build on the experience of the laboratory in this field. Cutting theory, cutting of hard materials, fixture design and residual stress induced deformation of work pieces are examples of relevant research topics.
New production methods
New machining methods are constantly being developed, and the laboratory has a natural role in this work. Examples of such research are recent projects on high speed cutting, micro electrical discharge machining, micro machining, and ultrasonic deforming.