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.

 

Engineering change order (ECO): when a customer wants to update a print or make any type of fundamental change to a design in such a fashion that it would trigger an engineering review and Engineering change order is what's used. The ECO provides documentation for the customer and for the business to know what change was made and the impacts thereof. The ECO has been standard issue for manufacturing businesses for many years and it's an established practice that maintains quality in somebody's work.

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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.

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First Article Inspection (FAI): is a quality assurance and control process that involves verifying and documenting the specifications of the first produced item from a production or prototyping run before full-scale production begins. This process confirms that the item meets the required design and manufacturing standards, including dimensions, materials, print annotations, and performance characteristics.

 

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.

 

Initial Sample Inspection Report (ISIR): is a measurement system that we use to provide proof that matches the dimensions on the print to the product. This documentation is available for customer review and is included in the final delivery of the product.

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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.

 

Production Part Approval Process: is a critical quality technique aimed at ensuring that suppliers can produce parts that meet all engineering design specifications and quality requirements.

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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.