The mission of the COI is to support the PE manufacturing industry. This coincides with that of SIMTech. SIMTech has about 250 researchers whose focus is in developing manufacturing technologies. The broad range of technology capability enables SIMTech and the COI to provide direct assistance to the PE industry.
Machining
Micro-machining; Multi-axis machining; Cutter development; Jigs & fi xtures; CAD/CAM; Laser technologies (welding, cutting, material build-up, surface hardening); Productivity improvement.
Forming
Cold forging; Micro forming; Precision rotary forming; Liquid forging; Polymer injection moulding; Micro moulding; Injection/expansioncompression technology; Compounding of polymer; Processing polymer composite; Powder injection moulding of metals and ceramics.
Joining
Arc welding (including TIG, MIG, and plasma welding) & cladding, laser welding, laser aided additive manufacturing (LAAM), resistance welding, diffusion bonding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, sealing and lamination, micro/nanojoining, carbon nanotube (dispersion, interconnection, electrode and nanocomposites).
Surface Engineering
Super-hard coatings for wear resistant, dry lubrication, anti-stick, and anticorrosion for use in cutting tools, bearings, wear parts, moulds & dies; Hybrid composite coatings for anti-slip, easy- or self-cleaning and decoration.
Mechatronics
Precision machine design; Motion calibration; Multi-axis motion control; 3D error compensation; Machine vibration control; Automation and robotics.
Measurements and Diagnostics
Optic design and simulation; Optical system integration and characterisation; Machine vision system, Image processing; 3D surface measurement; X-ray 2D and 3D internal defect inspection; Metrology and thermal analysis, mechanical testing and SEM imaging.
Manufacturing Execution & Control (MEC)
RFID-based shop fl oor tracking & control; Manufacturing workflow; Dynamic job order optimisation; Distributed CNC management; Machine process modelling and performance degradation detection; Tool condition monitoring; Real-time control; Embedded sensors.
Planning & Operations Management (POM)
Production planning, scheduling and optimisation; Demand forecasting; Supply chain operation; Cycle time reduction; B2B integration.
Life Cycle Engineering
Product development & engineering process modelling; Managing one-off or small batch operational environment; Life cycle cost modelling; Return-of-investment analysis; Environmental impacts, eco-indicators, end-of-life considerations.
Product Innovation and Development (PID)
Product design and development; Feasibility study; Patent analysis; Industrial design; Mechanical design and prototyping.
Equipment Innovation and Development (EID)
Conceptualisation and design of automatic machinery, design for manufacture, low cost design, ultra-precision design, vibration analysis,etc.
Microfluidic Devices Manufacturing (MDM)
Polymer-based microfl uidic device design, fabrication, characterisation; Rapid prototyping, and pilot manufacturing.