Aims

The student learns and knows the structure of machine tools and flexible manufacturing systems. He can analyze an existing production system and explain the functions of the various components and systems (construction of the machine, machine tool control from CAD, ...,..). Given a CAD-model of a mechanical product, the student can select the most optimal operations (process planning) and can generate the different programs required to control the flexible production system. More specific objectives can be found under the description of the various related learning zctivities (OLA's).

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1. The student knows and learns how modern production machines and/or systems constructed. The student can explain the role and function of the different components (frames, guides, actuators, control,..) of an existing machine or system (based on real machine or a drawing/model). 
2. Based on a given product specification (dimensions, precision, lot sizes, ..), the student can conceptually design a machine / system conception (component selection).
3. The student knows the different ways to automate a production machine/system (computer control). He learns how the control of a production system is performed.
4. The student knows the problems related to the thermal and dynamic behavior of production machines and systems. He also learns the methods / procedures for the improvement of the thermal and dynamic behavior of the machine tool/system. 
5. The student knows the procedures (and methods) for the purchase of a production machine and system. This will include methods to measure the accuracy, dynamic and thermal behavior of the machine tool.  

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Based on the knowledge gained in the lectures, this learning activity has the following goals: 
1. The student can indicate the different components of an existing machine tool and explain the functions of these components. 
2. Based on a given production order a production machine and / or system, the student has to conceive a production machine, including the necessary calculations
3. The student can automate an existing machine (switching of components (eg. actuators) and programming of it  using a PLC.
4. The student performs the quality control and evaluation of a machine tool (dynamic, thermal)

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The student can independently generate the input (data files) for the computer controlled machining of a workpiece. Given a CAD model of a workpiece, the student has to make, using a commercially available CAPP/CAM system, a process plan and for each operation the required machine tool programs 

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1. The student learns and knows the various methods (hand-programming, programming languages​​, CAM,...) to program computer controlled machine tools and measuring machines 
2. The student knows the various software blocks and databases (e.g. CAM postprocessor, CL-data,...) and know how they are linked to each other.
3. The student learns and knows the different algorithms to calculate toolpaths for various machining methods: point to point machining, contour machining and operations for complex shaped surface machining. He should also know the different CAD representation models and know what can be achieved with each model. He learns the capabilities of feature-based programming systems.
4. The student learns and knows the various methods of computer aided process planning (CAPP). He knows the principles, algorithms, advantages and disadvantages. The student can make, for given work piece, a complete process plan using the algorithms he has learned.