FEA for the factory

Finite-element analysis (FEA) allows factory automation engineers to simulate specific elements of the manufacturing process in order to reduce waste and improve efficiency within the design process. The development of smaller and cheaper FEA software has made this within the grasp of even modestly sized companies. Simulation can involve aspects of the manufacturing process such as casting, stamping, and cutting. The software will examine how the equipment responds to stresses originating from shock, temperature, vibration, and fluid flow. In order to do the simulations with accuracy, it is important that the simulation software is based on finite-element solvers that have non-linear capabilities. Linear analysis would assume that displacements are proportional to applied loads. In a dynamic manufacturing environment, linear analysis is not usually a good predictor of performance. As manufacturing automation becomes more complex, these simulations are essential. For example, the vast number of calculations and variables that go into the single-crystal manufacturing process would be extremely difficult without running simulations during the design process. With the FEA software, a manufacturing company can have an accurate dynamic model in the design stage which can be redesigned over and over again.  Read full article at Machine Design.

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