Innovative manufacturing research centre, University of Bath

Abstract

The Bath Engineering Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre (IMRC) is a broad-based research centre located in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Bath, with interests across the spectrum of design and manufacturing.The focus of the centre's work is integrated product development.The centre is built upon broad foundations of research in design and in manufacturing processes and systems.The acknowledged strength in design research can be traced to the internationally recognised Engineering Design Centre in Fluid Power Systems (EDC) complemented by the leadingedge research in machine design and design information management.The manufacturing research is based upon established strengths in process and system modelling and simulation and is integrated into the design research through work on design for changeover.The centre's work is widely supported by industry, with strong support from the aerospace and packaging sectors, and with emerging strengths in the medical and electronic sectors, both of which build on the core skills in the centre. Research within the IMRC currently follows three main themes: manufacturing processes and systems, design technologies and design information and knowledge.The ability to compete in today's world of globally distributed engineering teams rests on the ability of engineering organisations to respond to change. Central to this is the need to combine an understanding of manufacturing processes, design technologies and human issues, all supported by reliable and up-to-date information and knowledge.Two of the research themes have a strong design focus and are described in the following sections. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2005.