Manufacturing Current Research

Parallel Computing Based Automation of Machine Tool Path Planning

The goal of this research is to perform automatic path planning for multi-axis machine tools by generating new algorithms that exploit the latest graphics hardware and parallel programming technologies. This research is focused on identifying the obstacles to accomplishing this task and providing a framework by which to solve them. (Read more)

Machining Process Monitoring on Superalloys

Superalloys are a relatively new class of materials which exhibits high mechanical strength, ductility, creep resistance at high operating temperatures, high fatigue strength, and typically superior resistance to corrosion and oxidation even at elevated temperatures. These properties make superalloys ideal for applications in aircraft, cryogenic tanks, submarines, nuclear reactors, and petrochemical equipment. (Read more)

Manufacturing the Tweel for Passenger Vehicles

This area focuses on the prototyping, manufacturing, metrology and reliability in producing commercial Tweel assemblies. (Read more)

Machining Accuracy Improvement Through Visual Control of an Active Display

The goal of this proposal is to investigate a new class of spatial position measurement systems where the sensing element observes an active target whose properties are dynamically controlled by the user. (Read more)

Integrating Light-Weight Automotive Materials: Automotive Component Manufacture in Titanium

The purpose of this project is to explore the use of titanium as an automotive component material in order to reduce vehicle weight and energy consumption. (Read more)

Micro-Feature Mold Development and Testing

The objective of the project is to produce sample molded parts built in mold plates to be supplied by sponsor. (Read more)

Combined Ultrasound and Thermography Approach for the Inspection of Adhesive Bonded Structures

This project aims at establishing a combined inspection of full-field thermography, and localized ultrasound to quantify the bond quality in adhesively bonded sandwich structures. (Read more)

Non-Contact, Precise Gap Measurement Systems and Methods

This project aims at developing a new instrument for the non-contact gap measurement for vehicular interior trim components. The system should be repeatable and reliable with high accuracy, in addition to robust scan methods. (Read more)

Automated Steel Sheet Evaluation

This research aims at developing new systems and methods to evaluate the quality of the zinc coated steel sheets used in the automotive industry. The CU-ICAR team have developed novel imaging techniques capable of scanning steel sheets, in real-time and contactless fashion. Also new processing codes are developed to quantify and locate acquired images based on self-calibrating algorithms. (Read more)

Thermal Analysis of Printed Circuit Boards and Sandwich Materials

This project aims at analyzing the thermal signature of PCB to help correlate it with their behavior and quality. (Read more)

Closed Loop Robotics Employing Non-contact Feedback

A range of closed loop robotic control applications are considered, where non-contact feedback information, such as thermal signature, is used to boost the energy efficiency of certain automotive manufacturing processes without sacrificing product quality. (Read more)

Control of Precision Positioning Machine

Manufacturing companies often lose time by having multiple machines in various locations and having to re-tune these machines. This research goal is to develop a method to automate the modeling and tuning process for high-precision control purposes. (Read more)

Deformation Machining: A New Hybrid Manufacturing Process

Deformation machining is a unique new manufacturing process that will enable the creation of features that are monolithic, less expensive and more accurate. The project’s goal is to establish the scientific bases for this new process, to create an efficient numerical simulation modeling and simulation method, and to integrate the experimental and modeling approach with in-process control strategies. (Read more)

Development and Engineering Center for Commercial Automotive Applications for Titanium

In this project, researchers will be looking into the application of titanium. Three areas are being looked at: application in the commercial automotive industry, titanium vehicle components’ structural integrity and what affects titanium’s machinability. (Read more)

Gauging of Large Bearing Rings Using a Rotary Encoder-Based Instrument

The goal of this project is to design and test a novel instrument to be used for measuring the diameter and taper of large bearing rings without the need for a master. (Read more)

Predictive Molding of Precision Glass Optics

As the need for smaller optic lenses rises, so does the need to have a molding process capable of predicting the optic’s final form given a shape and set of processing parameters. This change could be a great improvement for lenses used in cell phone cameras. (Read more)

Using Graphical Processing Units for Enhancement of Metrology Systems

Researchers target the development of specialized metrology routines capable of utilizing new commercially available hardware systems to accelerate the data processing aspects of coordinate metrology. (Read more)