Process Design

Abstract

The method of production as linked parts allows a significant increase of output rates compared to the production of loose micro parts. In the macro range, it is already applied to sheet metal forming, for example, in the production of structural parts in the automobile or aviation industry, but a simple downscaling is not appropriate. The goal of producing high volumes of high-quality parts requires micro-specific methods. A holistic concept is presented considering planning and production. The main aspects of planning are the design of linked parts and the production planning. Furthermore, an approach is introduced to widen the tolerance field for assemblies to the production of linked micro parts. This approach requires the consideration of all affected process chains during planning. Linking of the parts enables them to be conveyed as a string and thereby simplifies handling, but also causes new challenges during production. Specific handling technologies are studied to overcome these challenges. Finally, a concept for the physical synchronization with regard to the investigation of tolerance field widening is presented.