Business from technology

Manufacturing systems

Research content

Manufacturing systems research area is concentrating on manufacturing processes and systems. To enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry we develop new manufacturing methods, design methods and tools, as well as new processes and products together with industrial and academic partners.

The manufacturing systems research area includes technology competences in product processes, production and manufacturing process simulation and development, modern manufacturing methods, laser processing of components and products, filtration techniques and managing the production environment.

Digital manufacturing or digital engineering is a major research subject at VTT. Our expertise covers system modelling and simulation, automation concept development as well as product feasibility and manufacturing method analysis and development. The latest ICT solutions are applied in production as well as in product and production process development. Virtual and augmented reality techniques are widely exploited.

In manufacturing method development, the current focus areas are micro manufacturing, welding, forming and joining methods and rapid manufacturing. We also specialise in methods for producing materials and components for extremely demanding environments, laser applications in converting process lines for pulp and paper industry and roll-to-roll production processes for printed intelligence. We have experience also in laser applications for the food industry, machining various biotechnical and pharmaceutical materials, implants and instruments.

We also provide our customers with research, development and measurement services for product and personal protection in critical processes and in filtration techniques.

A thorough knowledge of products and production processes the efficient use of advanced ICT together with an intimate understanding of the connection between technology, humans and the environment – all these form a solid basis for competitive and sustainable solutions.

Applications

The results of our research and development work will be used in the enhancement of the manufacturing industry, mainly in the area of mechanical engineering but also in other industrial areas such as electronics, plastics, mechanical wood processes, food processing and pharmaceuticals.

Examples of applications are

• Advanced marking processes
  
• Decorative colour marking, marking for security and traceability
  
• Laser polymer welding solutions for both flexible production and mass production,
  
• Efficient use of new computer-based technologies such as Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
  
• Extensive use of simulation-based design in all phases of the product process
  
• Production modelling, simulation and visualization,
  
• Production analysis, forecasting, testing and optimisation
  
• Real-time global production optimisation
  
• Proactive production and layout planning
  
• Very little or no waste, almost unlimited geometric complexity and point-of-use fabrication by additive manufacturing methods
  
• Sensors for harsh environments by direct write
  
• Highly effective cooling of electronics by microfluidics
  
• Inexpensive injection moulded Lab-on-a-Chips for point-of-care diagnostics (POC)
  
• Clean room and industrial ventilation technologies
  
• Measurement, modelling and simulation of air quality in production areas
  
• Control and risk management of ESD
  
• Control of electrostatic contamination (ESA)
  

Future prospects

The major focus areas of the future are

• Adaptive intelligent production systems and advanced automation
  
• Digital engineering and knowledge-based factories (modelling and simulation, virtual and augmented reality, process integration, human-technology interaction)
  
• New production concepts for decentralised and customised manufacturing
  
• Rapid prototyping, micro manufacturing, laser technologies
  
• Sustainable production and eco-efficiency
  

Resources

20 experienced scientist in the field of production modelling and optimisation.