Technological process planning focused on complex manufacturing processes of the digital era

Abstract

The paper concerns the planning of complex technological processes (CTP). Nowadays, CTP are gaining new meaning in manufacturing environments. This is due to the increased number of innovative solutions having a crucial impact on the effectiveness of production. CTP can be defined as manufacturing approaches which are a blend of the traditional and verified manufacturing processes (TPs), such as traditional cutting, grinding or electro discharge machining, with modern technologies (emerging technologies, also known as complex processes (CPs)), which are under constant development, such as hybrid machining, 3D printing, micro and nanomachining, etc. The application of CPs in the process chain requires a calculation of risk and is usually acceptable in developed firms. Various research centers are looking for new applications of CPs and intensively studying their performance. New machine constructions, tools, manufacturing strategies and digital tools (DTs) are inter alia studied. As a result, some of the abovementioned developments reveal new perspectives for production performance. The paper discusses the role and place of these modern manufacturing techniques in CTP structures. It also points to and discusses a risk and reliability analysis. Moreover, teaching methodologies in the area of CTP are indicated, in order to formulate the proper approach of engineers within the CPs’ implementation phase. In this context, CTP may be supported by the use of digital tools (e.g. software tools).