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Production Systems Group

The Production Systems Group supports the missions of the Engineering Laboratory and the Intelligent Systems Division by conducting research and development in the areas of measurement methods, models, instrumentation, sensors, and data to improve scientific understanding and control of manufacturing processes, equipment, and workpiece properties.

The group specializes in characterization, modeling, and improvement of geometric, thermal, elastic, and dynamic properties of high-precision motion systems and manufacturing equipment; development of theoretical models for measurement and analysis of complex coordinated motion generated by advanced manufacturing equipment used in manufacturing of high-value components; development of methods and instrumentation to characterize and evaluate manufacturing processes, such as for in-process tool-chip interface temperature, force and vibrations; integration of intelligent sensors and sensor information, through inter- and intra-network technologies, to monitor, evaluate, and control manufacturing processes; providing leadership and contributions to national and international standards development efforts in the above mentioned areas of research and development.

News and Updates

Projects and Programs

Advanced Machines, Monitoring, and Control for AM

Ongoing
Objective To develop, integrate, and implement real-time feedback and other cutting-edge process control techniques using advanced monitoring tools such as high-speed imaging and diffraction for single and multi-laser AM systems. Technical Idea The current methods for AM control predominantly rely

AM Machine and Process Control Methods for Additive Manufacturing

Completed
Objective Develop algorithms, methods and standard protocols for Additive Manufacturing (AM) process control, and implement it with software and hardware tools for open control of AM systems to enable more flexible process optimization by manufacturers. What is the Technical Idea? Additively

Augmented Intelligence for Manufacturing Systems (AIMS)

Ongoing
Objective To overcome existing measurement challenges via augmented intelligence, the fusion of integrated metrology, physics-based models, and artificial intelligence, to enable monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostics of manufacturing systems and their processes. Technical Idea One research

Characterization of Additive Manufacturing Materials

Completed
Objective: Deliver new standardized feedstock and AM-built material characterization methods, exemplar data, and databases to accelerate the design and use of additive manufacturing parts in high-performance applications (e.g., critical parts in high-stress applications such as turbine blades or

Publications

Awards