The Factory is Virtual...The Savings are Real
Abstract
Modeling and simulation of manufacturability and supportability have been used to different degrees in the JSF, AAAV, DD-21, Future Frigate, Virginia Class Submarine, and many lifecycle extension programs The use of digital manufacturing tools has resulted in innovative manufacturing techniques to significantly reduce tooling cost and to create modular build and test methodologies Supportability studies have impacted designs to reduce lifecycle costs by reducing manning levels, by eliminating the need for special tooling and by avoiding un-maintainable conditions, The number of physical product prototypes and tooling mock-ups has been reduced by proving out tooling and processes in the 3D digital environment Based on the learning curves experienced in the digital manufacturing environment, initial physical prototype builds have been completed with significantly fewer labor hours than have historically been required, and without the delays and costs associated with missing un-buildable conditions before the physical build, Reductions in nonconformances during the initial build versus previous programs have exceeded 90 percent, The modeling and simulation efforts of the IPT during the design and engineering, manufacturing and development phases are now being used for generating electronic 3D work instructions and serve as the build-to authority for the shop floor, The same models and similar processes can be utilized for service and maintenance processes,
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADP014151
Entities
People
- John M. Caddick
- Robert G. Brown