LOUNGES 2020 in Karlsruhe - New topics will further expand the range in the future

(Image rights: Inspire GmbH)

(Image rights: Inspire GmbH)

Digitalization - BIM - Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things

The term digitalization is currently present in many - including private - conversations and in the target plans of companies. Developments in digitalization evoke on the one hand enthusiasm about what is possible, and on the other hand, this term also triggers fears not only among employees but also among entrepreneurs. Where is the journey heading for my company or what will become of my workplace? When engaging with this topic, one notices that the variety of opportunities, e.g., for new applications and business models, is increasing rather than decreasing. One must shape the process of change; this is the solution for us.

Digitalization, simply put, is the transfer of an analog world (e.g., measurements, data, information) into a world that "only" consists of 0s and 1s, which are processed via software programs and algorithms to offer solutions and services. There is no clear definition for the term digitalization. Depending on the context, it can have multiple meanings. In summary, digitalization is the umbrella term for the digital transformation of society and the economy.

An example of transferring the analog world into the digital is Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction. The goal of BIM is to achieve the introduction of digital methods throughout the entire value chain of a building.

To enable the entire value chain via BIM or for BIM, a uniform designation of products and their characteristics (features) is necessary. An internationally used product classification key "eClass" is suitable for this purpose.

Fully automated processes for most workflows (e.g., production, order processing, procurement) within a company can only be implemented through digitalization if the "language - the exchange of data" within a company, with suppliers, and with customers is unambiguous or can be executed clearly. This requires unambiguous classification keys for processes and products. Product data and their classification are needed on a broad basis to optimize the entire value chain and thus in BIM. Besides BIM, this approach also plays a fundamental role in Industry 4.0 and the "Internet of Things" (IoT).

Production Technology

Production technology, as a subfield of engineering sciences, emerged during the industrial revolution in the 18th century. It is understood as the transformation of scientific knowledge into procedures and processes that are technologically controlled by humans and can be integrated into economically usable production systems. Production technology thus encompasses all measures and facilities for the industrial manufacture of goods. The development and design of goods precede production. Production technology is preferably divided into three main groups: energy technology, process technology, and manufacturing technology.

Over the centuries, many developments have taken place in various production techniques, with enormous optimization potential up to the present day.

Innovative production technology is the engine of modernity. From smartphones to solar panels, from turbochargers to gas turbines, from rubber ducks to induction stoves – we owe an increased quality of life and prosperity to production technology. Whether single items, in the form of custom manufacturing, or mass-produced goods, the knowledge of efficient manufacturing makes products affordable and economically viable. Here, the technological revolution "Industry 4.0" plays an important and decisive role.

As simple as the question "How can it be produced?" sounds, it is always exciting and challenging to find the right answer again and again. Thanks to extensive experience, specialized knowledge, and broad technical expertise, production engineers keep an eye on the entire product creation process. In this process, intelligent manufacturing and assembly technologies have long replaced traditional assembly line production. Entire productions can already be controlled with a smartphone today. Whether such an approach is considered sensible will be seen in the future. Communication in a technical sense, but also in dialogue with experts from other disciplines, is increasingly becoming a fixed part of the daily work of production engineers. In the future, the influence of information technology, digitalization, and developments in artificial intelligence will continue to grow. The human-machine interface in communication is shifting.

Besides the rapid changes in information processing and the machine control independent of humans, there are other developments in production technology, such as additive manufacturing technology.

Additive processes are the major future topic of production technology. Applications range from manufacturing machine parts from metal to 3D printing of concrete for construction projects.

To make additive manufacturing processes profitable for industrial mass production, it will be essential to achieve the best possible result through suitable, practice-oriented simulations already during the first print. Reliable prediction of the mechanical properties of printed components is a major challenge because many factors must be considered. In laser metal printing, such as selective laser melting, extremely high but very localized temperatures can possibly lead to unwanted deformations or even material damage. Here, too, the process can be optimized through simulation, considering material properties and, for example, the shape of the component, to produce stress-free parts.

"Additive manufacturing processes, especially those that produce metallic components, have the potential to revolutionize production processes." (Quote: Prof. Dr. Rank)

"The future technology of Additive Manufacturing has the potential to change the world in areas of product design, production, and post-processing." (Quote: Prof. Wolfgang A. Herrmann)

Progress with new technologies will permeate all areas of product manufacturing. Significant optimization potential is also seen in the construction industry, where there have been hardly any efficiency gains for decades.

All the contents listed have been developed together with the companies and compiled for the event.