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The application of advanced computer technology to the new product development process in the ceramics industry

Objective



The aim of this proposal is to develop and integrate the different computer based New Product Development (NPD) processes to form a single NPD environment for ceramics at a cost which will not be prohibitive to SME's. Individual companies will then be able to adopt all or part of this computer based NPD environment which they find to be appropriate for their needs. The adoption of these different computer based technologies, when properly integrated, will have the effect of maintaining the competitiveness of the industry in Europe with respect to the rest of the world (including the USA and the Far East); particularly in the high quality sector of the market where variety of good design is especially important. It has been identified through the feasibility study that there is a need to implement advanced computer technology in the ceramics industry. To date most implementation has been through the use of two dimensional Computer Aided Design. The use of these technologies in most industries is further developed and the benefits have been shown in the reduction in time to market. The initial aim ofthe project is to develop software which is designed for the industry. From this development, different manufacturing techniques will be explored to identify the optimal method of implementing advanced computer techniques in the mdustry. The development of a methodology for this implementation is important in order to evaluate these methods amd to demonstrate that there is economic and environmental advantages in using these techniques. CPD(Ceramic Product Development) in conjunction with Staffordshire University and TNO from Holland have brought together a number of companies from Europe who have a common interest in this development. The following areas of work have been identified: 1. The development of a methodology for the implementation of an integrated computer based system, which will enable the company to improve the NPD process enabling lead times to be reduced by at least 30%. 2. The integration of computer technologies mcluding CAD, CAM, Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Machining into a cohesive form suitable for the ceramics industry. These developments can bring about saving in NPD of the order of 50% on the current costings. 3. Develop or adapt technologies including specific software and hardware to meet the needs of the industry. 4. Run trial implementations of these techniques mto the proposers mdustry covering different production techniques to ensure the manufacturer will be able to capitalise on the benefits that will be brought about by this research. The outcome of the project will be an mtegrated implementation method, amd its supporting system, for advanced computer technology for the ceramics mdustry. This will include a set of guidelines produced predominantly for SME's.

Fields of science

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Topic(s)

Call for proposal

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Funding Scheme

CRS - Cooperative research contracts

Coordinator

Ceramic Product Development
EU contribution
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Address
Weston Coyney Road
ST3 5JU Stoke-on-Trent
United Kingdom

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Participants (13)

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Last update: 21 October 2002

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/BRST975108

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