PLM Process and Information Mapping for Mass Customization Based on Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

Mass customization (MC) aims to support product individualization while maintaining scale advantages. There are different options to allow individual client influence throughout the product production process. Most efforts to bring the customer closer to manufacturing of their customized product are concentrated in the assembly stage, given the complexity to consider individual needs since design. Emerging information management and flexible manufacturing technologies can support advances in current customization approaches and levels. In this paper, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Additive Manufacturing (AM) solutions and technologies are applied to build a tailored customization scenario for the design and production of an assistive technology product considering individual characteristics of each customer. Based on the scenario simulation, the objective is to detail the process and information flow, which are essential in bringing clients’ specific needs into the design.