Digital manufacturing is a complete integrated approach to automated, multilayer production based on computer technology. The transformation to digital manufacturing has grown in popularity with the growth in the number and quality of electronic computer systems in many manufacturing plants. Computer numerical control technologies have enabled manufacturers to reduce cycle times and improve product quality. There are other benefits associated with this technology such as reduced operator fatigue, increased production and efficiency, and greater capacity for rapid prototyping.
Digital manufacturing can be seen sharing the same goals as lean manufacturing, flexible manufacturing, computer-integrated manufacturing, and design for manufacturability. Industry 4.0 is the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. Digital manufacturing allows real-time inventory monitoring that allows companies to master their entire production line and intervene when necessary to adapt the product to a changing market. Digital manufacturing allows manufacturers to improve quality, reduce inventory, eliminate bottlenecks, expand the number of products made, pivot quickly to meet customer needs, and, shorten time to market.
Digital manufacturing is the use of an integrated, computer-based system that includes 3D visualization, simulation, analytics, and collaboration tools to create product or manufacturing process definitions simultaneously. Therefore, manufacturing companies are moving towards digital manufacturing to leverage the advantages of this new technology. For example, digital transformation is visible in many places in the German manufacturing sector. According to the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), about 50% of German establishments feature Industry 4.0 technologies, creating more jobs than it is destroying.
In a nutshell, digital manufacturing is when a company leverages digital technologies to benefit their manufacturing operations. The transition has become more popular with the rise in the quantity and quality of computer systems in manufacturing plants. It can be broken down into three main areas; such as product life cycle, smart factory, and value chain management.
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