Technology Management in Manufacturing
Fields of Expertise
The department of Technology Management in Manufacturing combines technological and methodological skills for the holistic design of optimized technology chains from individual and small series to large-scale production. The claim to enable holistic solutions for manufacturing is based on many years of project experience as well as close cooperation with experts in the various manufacturing technologies in the research and industry network of RWTH Aachen University.
Within the field of early technology identification, we evaluate the impact of current technological and social trends on the future application potential of manufacturing technologies and derive targeted options for action on the basis of manufacturing technology expertise. Within the field of technology planning, we develop methods and use them to support our project partners in evaluating and optimizing their manufacturing. Our portfolio ranges from basic technology selection/screening to the evaluation and design of technology chains as well as automated work plan generation to data-based, cross-process design of manufacturing process sequences. We use established models and methods for technology assessment or the evaluation of the entire technology chain with regard to the criteria of quality, economic efficiency, productivity and ecological sustainability. Our many years of continuous research activities ensure that the methods used, e.g. from digitization or life cycle assessment, always meet the latest requirements. A current project example for the design of economically and ecologically optimized production process sequences can be found here. If existing technologies are not suitable for the manufacture of innovative products, we also provide support in technology development. For example, in the area of sustainable technology development, there is great potential for your company here.
Services
Technology Screening
Systematic identification and evaluation of suitable manufacturing technologies and technology chains based on company-specific target criteria
Manufacturing Conception
Selection of the most suitable machines, tool systems or automation concepts in single-part and small-batch production (e.g. toolmaking) and series production, including profitability analysis and medium-term investment roadmap
Technology Assessment
(Data-based) assessment of the economic efficiency or/and environmental sustainability of manufacturing processes and process sequences using established and state-of-the-art methods
Manufacturing Analysis and Optimization
Analysis of existing manufacturing processes and derivation of optimization measures to increase efficiency and reduce costs based on manufacturing audits and the integration of our network of experts
Studies
Identification of technology trends and evaluation of the impact of current technological and social developments on the future use of manufacturing technologies; on request, including market and customer analyses; identification of options for action
Benchmarking
Methodical benchmarking of individual technologies as well as entire manufacturing processes (comprehensive tooling database with technological and organizational key figures and over 1,000 data records, not older than 5 years)
Optimization of CAx process chains: Analysis of CAx process chains and software systems used, reduction of interfaces and identification of potentials for efficiency increase as well as support for system selection according to requirements
Partners and Further Projects
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The WBA Aachener Werkzeugbau Akademie GmbH is the leading partner of the tool and die industry in the business fields of consulting, advanced training, research and network & demonstration tooling.
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In the Incubator Technology Chain, we research in an interdisciplinary team how companies can manufacture economically in the current competitive environment with the highest demands on quality as well as the increased importance of ecological sustainability. In doing so, we use innovative methods from digitization for the digital representation of complete manufacturing process sequences as well as for cross-process optimization. We then transfer the knowledge gained to industry.
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In the Method Workshop on Operational Technology Planning, we teach theoretical principles and practical skills for solving cross-technology issues. The focus is always on the economic efficiency of the entire manufacturing process. Participants learn the basic methods that can be used to systematically plan the manufacture of new products or to economically optimize existing manufacture.
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Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT as well as the Department of Business Development of the WZL of RWTH Aachen University, the Department of Technology Management in Manufacturing organizes the annual competition Excellence in Production, in order to identify the best tool making companies in the German-speaking region.