Product category:
PLM and collaboration software
News Release from: Delmia | Subject: PPR, Process Engineer and DPM
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 18 May 2004
Whirlpool is sold on virtual environment
White goods giant Whirlpool is embarking on digital manufacturing by implementing Delmia software.
White goods giant Whirlpool is embarking on digital manufacturing by implementing Delmia software Anders Claesson, Production Manager at Whirlpool in Norrkoping, Sweden, explained: "With three new microwave platforms about to be introduced and with no interaction between our materials and planning system, we recognised it was a good time to move to 3D simulation"
"We like to adopt a 'clean paper approach' to product design, whilst keeping the best of the features from our current range".
"In the past, our simple database did not connect CAD data with assembly times or cost of materials and there was no link between the ordering of tools or materials".
"After studying the marketplace and learning that Delmia's PPR hub could be integrated with our current PDM system, ProductCenter, we realised that product and manufacturing data could be transparently shared".
"In addition, we hope to improve our concurrent engineering by using Process Engineer and DPM, both from Delmia, for process verification and documentation".
A side benefit of the implementation of Delmia software during the pilot stage was that it was used to communicate a multi-million-pound redesigned factory layout to senior management.
The pilot was completed at the end of last year by Delmia, and since Christmas four Delmia applications engineers have worked to implement Delmia and the work flow around the software, as well as a integration with ProductCenter.
All the data entry is now complete and Whirlpool's designers are exploring their virtual prototypes in 3D.
The first family, or platform, of microwaves is already complete, but the second will be the real test for the system.
Not only will the design of the microwaves be accomplished in 3D, but the continually updated PPR hub will manage all processes and equipment orders.
It is envisaged that, in the future, the company's engineering department will be able to provide the CAD models and the engineering bill of materials and develop the necessary assembly processes and the manufacturing bill of materials all in one completely seamless and interactive process.
The structuring of data analyses and calculations will be handled by DPM and Process Engineer.
The new factory layout has been created and visualised in 3D, including detailed workplace design.
Whirlpool is developing ergonomic analyses, based on proposed production flow and work content at the different assembly stations.
The manufacturing concepts generated by the new system will include time analyses, rough balances, ramp-up scenarios and capacity analyses.
The fact that both historic data and current data are stored in the PPR hub means that there is speedy access for either reuse or to support managerial decisions.
"Ultimately, we anticipate that Delmia technology will accelerate time-to-market through faster product and process verification and validation", said Anders.
"Manual data transfers should become a thing of the past and our assembly line workers may even complete their training in a Delmia environment".
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