4iR Technologies

4iR Technologies specializes in smart manufacturing for Discrete products and intends to implement Virtual Manufacturing System (VMS)...

4iR Technologies specializes in smart manufacturing for Discrete products and intends to implement Virtual Manufacturing System (VMS) based manufacturing Enterprise Resource Planning (mERP) suite of software permitting use of Digital Twins in Discrete Manufacturing.

Discrete Manufacturing Machines basically operate discretely (producing countable components, structures, assemblies, mechanism and machines) but may involve processes (non – discrete in nature) to produce a modern discrete product.

Examples from early development of some of the VMS modules based on Virtual Twins can be accessed through following URLs:

Other modules include: VMS Fault Diagnostic, VMS Quality Assurance, VMS, VMS Vendors, VMS Business, VMS Training, VMS Digital Twinning, and VMS Help

mERP uses Unity for Graphics and Microsoft C# for developing the Inference Engine. The Digital Twin interface with prime mover – mechanical equipment involves legacy and Industry 4.0 Communication standards such as Industrial I2C, USB2, EIA RS 232, Industrial Ethernet/ SERCOSE IV etc.

There is use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning supporting the domain knowledge for smart Virtual and Digital Twinning.

After the development of pseudo codes for mERP, it will be possible to convert all User Interfaces (UIs) to any language that is supported by Unicode providing a satisfactory User eXperience (UX) taking care of some of the aspects of Industry 5.0.

The existing conventional discrete manufacturing machines in the local industry will be upgraded using Manual Data Interface (MDI) terminal for implementing the Horizontal and Vertical Integration pillar of Industry 4.0.

Once implemented completely, the mERP suite of software will permit complete remote operation of the manufacturing industry through the user Dashboard with appropriate authentication and cybersecurity.

After the implementation of discrete manufacturing based mERP suite of software; the mERP suite of software can also be extended to include process-based manufacturing.

The manufacturing process is considered as System with flow of information, flow of energy and flow of material as input. The manufacturing process itself constitutes the process in the system. The output from the system is product and waste. The product fulfills the objective function by providing ease, convenience and comfort to the user. Classification of Discrete Manufacturing Processes can best be described as follows:

Metal Casting Processes
Sheet Metal Forming Processes
Metal Removal Processes
Joining Processes
Polymer/ Plastic Reinforced Processes
Processing Metal Powders, Ceramics, Glasses, Composites & Super Conductors
Fabrication of Micro Electrical and Mechanical Devices
Non – Conventional Machining
Additive Manufacturing
Woodworking
Leather Products Manufacturing
Textile Machinery

Bulk deformation — Overview of bulk deformation processes: A visual guide

Bulk deformation visual — A visual description of some bulk deformation processes

Sheet metal forming list — A list of common Sheet Metal Forming Processes

Sheet metal forming overview — Overview of Sheet Metal forming processes: A comprehensive figure

Non-chip forming — Illustration of non-chip forming processes in manufacturing

Chip-forming — Illustration of chip-forming processes in metalworking

Joining — Temporary and Permanent joining Processes

Temporary joining — Overview of key temporary joining methods

Permanent joining — Illustration of permanent joining techniques

Polymer manufacturing — A list of common Polymer/ Reinforced Plastics parts manufacturing processes

Polymer reinforcement — Polymer Reinforcement Processes: A 3D overview of enhanced material strength and durability

Plastic manufacturing — The art of plastic manufacturing: A 3D insight into precision and performance

General classification — General Classification of Manufacturing Processes applied to the Processing of Metal Powders, Ceramics, Glasses, Composites & Superconductors

The procedure to develop Virtual Twins of the above manufacturing processes is described in the following flow chart. The cyber asset developed through virtual twin needs operational harmony with physical assets to convert it to digital twin for use in mERP suite of software. An example of operational virtual twin of a manufacturing process and manufacturing cell (Discrete Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprise – SME) can be accessed through following URLs:

ERP in manufacturing in the form of a cybersecure mERP as detailed above is currently non-existent. Extensive work is needed to develop such a system to augment control and productivity in SMEs and LSEs and in their sustainable operation.

For details, please contact us using the following tab: