Flexible integrated computer-aided manufacturing systems increase productivity

In the field of metal cutting operations, the aircraft and helicopter division of MBB has closed the gap between theory and practical application in manufacturing by installing a flexible integrated CAM-system. This system covers the needs of a mid-volume, mid-variety production. Analysis of the problem leads to the conclusion that it is insufficient to aim towards stand-alone automated production solutions; rather an overall strategic concept of operational integration is required. It is also evident that such a concept must comprise the fields of engineering and production planning as well as that of manufacturing. This article examines the goals which were defined at the project's onset the preconditions which had to be considered and the solution which had been generated. It also illustrates the main system components and analyzes their economic efficiency.