MTC targets manufacturers willing to explore the benefits of 3D technology
MANUFACTURING businesses in the West Midlands have been invited to find out how they can benefit from a cutting edge 3-D virtual reality suite which is capable of drastically reducing process development times.
In a project known as CASiM2 (Centre for Advanced Simulation and Modelling), the four-walled immersive environment suite has been installed at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.
The facility can simulate advanced manufacturing processes in real time and three dimensions. The state-of-the-art technology means engineers can test complex processes without time-consuming and expensive investment in hardware and plant.
The revolutionary multi-million pound facility has been installed at the MTC to help large firms test technology before major investment, but also to provide small and medium companies with an opportunity to technology otherwise out of their reach.
The MTC said it was targeting Manufacturing Design Engineers, Operational Directors and Managers, Innovation Managers, Creative Directors, Virtual Reality Specialists, Programme Managers, Studio Managers, Strategists and Technologists.
It said any decision maker who wanted to learn more about how they could use immersive environments and virtual reality to increase their competitive advantage, improve operational efficiencies and factory layouts, improve collaborative working and reduce their programme development costs would benefit.
The technology is aimed at a wide variety of industry sectors including aerospace, automotive, medical, education and entertainment.
The MTC facility is being used in support of a vast range of activities including commissioning factories and cells, ergonomic issues, analysing welding and robotic tasks, visualisation of product design and hard-to-access manufacturing processes and non-destructive testing.
The day-long experience takes place at the MTC on Thursday, June 12. It will feature presentations from among others, MTC chief executive Clive Hickman.
The technology available can also be used for education and training purposes: training operators in a potentially hazardous environment, or marketing products and processes ahead of real-world implementation. The technology can even be used by supermarkets planning the ergonomics of shopping.
CASiM2 is a collaborative project supported by £2.2m funding from the European Regional Development Fund managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Match funding and staff skills are provided by the MTC, the University of Birmingham and Rolls Royce.
Further details on the event are available from the MTC website.
