Virtual manufacturing: An emerging technology

Abstract

In this paper, Virtual Manufacturing (VM), an emerging technology, that provides the capability to "Manufacture in the Computer", and the modeling approaches necessary to realize VM are presented and discussed. VM has the ability to interchange models between their use in simulation and control environments. The use of VM concepts improves decision-making and quickly achieves products with high performance and quality at a low cost. VM can provide accurate and realistic means to predict schedule, cost, and quality; address affordability as an iterative solution; and bridge the gap between engineering (design) and manufacturing in an interactive fashion. The benefits, costs, limitations, and risks associated with adopting VM are highlighted and discussed.