Manufacturing Simulation For Industrial Projects

Manufacturing simulation is a major component of the technology program at our university, and has provided opportunities for numerous industrial projects. This software application is being used extensively by many major corporations to model, analyze, and optimize complex manufacturing operations, including Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Daimler-Chrysler and Toyota. Companies are utilizing these advanced 3D digital manufacturing tools as a component of their product life-cycle management to optimize and continuously improve the manufacturing processes. In many cases simulations are mandatory prior to implementation of any significant new operation, project or process. Manufacturing technologists and engineers need to be familiar with these modern tools and their applications, and to understand when and how to effectively utilize them. At our university these applications are being taught under the title of virtual simulation (VS). This paper explains how VS has been integrated into our curriculum, and has been used to establish effective partnerships with major manufacturing companies.