Additive Manufacturing: A process that creates objects by adding material layer by layer, often referred to as 3D printing.

 

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle): A mobile robot that follows predetermined paths for transporting materials in a facility.

 

Analytics: The systematic computational analysis of data or statistics.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.

 

Big Data: Large and complex datasets that can be analyzed to reveal trends, patterns, and insights in manufacturing operations.

 

Bill of Materials (BOM): A comprehensive list detailing all the materials, parts, and components used in the manufacturing of a product.

 

Casting: An object made by pouring molten metal or other material into a mold.

 

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics): A branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical analysis and data structures to analyze and solve problems involving fluid flows.

 

Cobotics: Robots that work alongside people to assist them with their jobs.

 

Conceptualized Design: The design that is proposed in this report with the client’s design preferences built in.

 

Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Software used to create precise drawings and technical illustrations for product design.

 

Control System: A system designed to manage, command, direct, or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems using control loops.

 

Data Mining: The process of analyzing large datasets to identify patterns and relationships that inform decision-making.

 

Data Science: A multi-disciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data.

 

Design for Manufacturing Analysis (DFMA): An analysis when an engineer studies a design with “how to manufacture it” in mind.

 

Design Specifications: Key design features, components, or aspects needed to fulfill a client's quality objectives.

 

Digital Twin: A virtual representation of a physical asset or process used for simulation, analysis, and optimization.

 

Die Casting: A manufacturing process in which molten metal is forced into a mold cavity under high pressure to create a part or component.

 

Drilling: A machining process that uses a rotating tool to create cylindrical holes in a workpiece.

 

Edge Computing: Processing data near the source of data generation to reduce latency and bandwidth usage, enhancing real-time analytics.

 

Enclosure: A body or bodies that enclose around a design providing a protective barrier.

 

Fabrication Blueprints: Blueprints for manufacturing your design, usually two-dimensional with dimensions and fabrication information.

 

Final Product Design: The final design derived from the use of prototyping.

 

Finite Element Analysis (FEA): A numerical method for solving problems in engineering and mathematical physics.

 

Generative Design (GD): An iterative design process involving a program that generates outputs meeting specified constraints.

 

IM (Injection Molding): The process in which molten plastic is injected into a mold for creating parts or assemblies.

 

Infill: The amount and style of material placed on the interior of a 3D print for strength and durability.

 

Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Index: A monthly composite index based on surveys of purchasing managers in 20 manufacturing industries.

 

Interference: Volumes of overlapping material between bodies or components.

 

Lead Time: The amount of time taken to make a part, batch, or complete an order without shipping time included.

 

Lean Manufacturing: A production practice that considers the identification and elimination

of waste in manufacturing processes.

 

Machine Learning (ML): The study of algorithms that systems use to perform specific tasks without explicit instructions.

 

Machining: To make or operate on something with a machine.

 

Mass Manufacturing: The production of 1000 parts or more.

 

Manufacturing Execution System (MES): Software that monitors, tracks, and controls manufacturing processes in real-time.

 

Modular Design: A design practice that subdivides a system into smaller parts for independent development or replacement.

 

PCB (Printed Circuit Board): A board that supports and connects electrical components using conductive tracks.

 

Photorealistic Render: A simulated computer image of a 3D drawing that resembles a real photograph.

 

Post-Processing: The final stage of manufacturing operations where parts receive finishing touches.

 

Process Optimization: The practice of making adjustments to processes to improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality.

 

Quality Assurance (QA): A systematic process to ensure that products meet predefined quality standards and specifications before delivery.

 

Quality Control (QC): Techniques and activities used to measure, maintain, and enhance the quality of products and processes.