Empowering decentralized production: A distributed manufacturing system for additive manufacturing processes
Michail Katsigiannis, Madison Evans, John Osho, Minas Pantelidakis, Julia Bitencourt, Konstantinos Mykoniatis
Abstract
This work presents a pilot distributed manufacturing system for decentralized additive manufacturing, focusing on the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS) capabilities at Auburn University. The paper outlines the first phase of a multi-phase implementation plan and demonstrates the developed capabilities. The vision is to coordinate geographically separated manufacturing facilities as a cohesive unit. In our work, we prioritize instantaneous communication for file and information sharing. The Manufacturing Hub and Remote Cell, two facilities within driving distance, are coordinated in terms of part design, printing, and inspection procedures for a distributed Additive Manufacturing process. To enable coordination between the two facilities, ICAMS addresses three technological needs. These needs consider information sharing, process standardization, and data collection and monitoring. A network attached storage facilitates information sharing, a database-connected graphical user interface streamlines and standardizes the manufacturing process, and a data collection system facilitates process monitoring. The graphical user interface allows for order placement, progress monitoring, and communication updates. The developed phased plan, collaborative workflow, technological solutions, and production protocols demonstrate the potential for decentralized additive manufacturing. Successful integration of communication, design, printing, and quality assurance processes sets the foundation for future advancements in decentralized manufacturing systems.