1. Introduction to CIM

This lab presents to the students the main theoretical concepts of CIM including: flow of information during the manufacturing process, computer-aideddesign and manufacturing tools, material handling, automation, robotics, sensors, communication and supervisory control. The theoretical explanations are followed by detailed demonstrations of the lab equipment (hardware and software).

2. Computer Aided Design (CAD)

This lab covers theoretical and practical concepts of CAD. Various mechanical artifacts are designed with CAD software such as Cimatron\AutoCAD. computer-aideddesign and manufacturing tools, material handling, automation, robotics, sensors, communication and supervisory control. The theoretical explanations are followed by detailed demonstrations of the lab equipment (hardware and software).

3. Robotics

This lab covers the design and control of industrial robotics applications. Topics include the theoretical principles of control and its relation with robot control language, various components of a robotic system, positions definition in space and introduction to kinematics, the use of inputs/outputs and conditional statements in robotics control, and writing simple robotics application by using on-line and off-line programming schemes. Examples for industrial application are: pick-and-place, material handling and statistical process control.

4. Vision System

This lab introduces theoretical concepts of vision machines, e.g., binarization, thresholding, recognition algorithms etc and the basic concepts, capabilities and applications of industrial vision systems. Obtained is a practical experience in designing and controlling a vision system. Covered in the lab is the definition of the vision system components, an understanding of the relationship between the vision system and its environment (light condition, part type, production flaws etc.), and programming a simple vision application, which involves the creation of a parts' database followed by an automatic on-line identification process.

5. Human Machine Interface (HMI)

This lab covers the main principles of HMI. Included are designing and applying a Graphic User Interface (GUI) to various industrial applications that were programmed in the PLC lab. The GUI includes computer screens, functional buttons, and presentation of monitored information in real time.

6. Programable Logic Controller (PLC)

This lab goes over the main principles of PLC. Included are general applications and capabilities of PLC's and their use in the industry, basic programming and troubleshooting Boolean Logic, and the Ladder Diagrams programming language and other advanced PLC languages. Students program various industrial applications, such as controlling traffic lights, controlling and monitoring elevators, and controlling washing machines.
 

7. CAM and CAPP

This lab covers the main concepts of CAPP and CAM and the fundamentals and basic skills involved in making a process plan. There is hands-on experience by creating a machining process and a NC code using the proper software packages. Included is how to describe part information in a CAPP system, how a part surface is generated geometrically by various machine processes, and how to select the proper process sequences according to the design requirements. In addition, the basic principles of milling and turning processes and how to operate the CNC machines are given.

8. Virtual Manufacturing

Virtual manufacturing became a standard simulation and design tool in advanced industries during the last decade. The Virtual Manufactoring Lab covers how to create a virtual manufacturing setting, such as a small manufacturing cell, that contains operators, robots, machines, storage\retrieval systems and other devices. Simulation runs are performed to check for the validity and operability of the cell. A systematic approach is then applied to improve the manufacturing setting according to predefined performance measures.
 

9. Smart Card

This lab exposes students to the Smart Card tool and its capabilities. The Smart Card is an I/O memory device that enables wireless recording and retrieval of the phases along a manufacturing process. In the lab, the card is attached to a block of raw material and stores manufacturing parameters according to a process plan. Its applications include quality control, machining control, monitoring and tracing.
 

10. Communication and Integration

This lab teaches the theoretical principles of CIM control and communication. In addition it covers how to use different features of the control software to issue communication commands, recognize different layers of communication networks in the manufacturing cell, manipulate the manufacturing cell by attaching several work stations together, using communication commands to control and supervise various cell operations, and to develop and implement supervisory control systems based on controlled automation theory.

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