The future role of DNC in metalworking SMEs

SUMMARY

This paper provides a framework to describe the current status, and many configurations of DNC that can be encountered today. Major research issues relating to the design and implementation of future DNC are highlighted, in view of new manufacturing paradigms such as the Holonic and Fractal Factory. The characteristics, techniques, beliefs and values that compose these paradigms are already present to a limited degree in the small to medium sized companies. This paper will present a novel view of DNC, and how the latest advancement in PC based controller technology in combination with the manufacturing paradigms, will create a new role for DNC on the manufacturing shop floor.

Notes

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