In this subject, concepts and components used in various production systems are investigated, including their application and programming. Components will include industrial robots, parts handling systems and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). The course surveys the principles of lean systems and the importance of efficient lean methodologies where the traditional methods can result in a net loss of competitiveness in the global market. Therefore, we will analyze basic concepts on non-conventional machining such as EDM, electrochemical machining, chemical milling, machining by ultrasound, electron beam melting and laser processing. We will conclude by examining manufacturing by means of additive techniques.

At the end of the subject, students will:
- know the structure of flexible manufacturing systems especially with reference to lean production
- identify design features that make automation difficult
- describe the basic concepts of numerical control
- identify the basic programming methods used in manufacturing
- understand CAM methodologies to define process planning
- compare various robot geometries and working parameters
- know principles for setting automation levels and process integration in relation to production rates
- know the fundamentals of additive manufacturing
- identify the most appropriate production technology according to the product requirements.

Knowledge of technical drawing rules and of industrial manufacturing technology with particular emphasis on techniques for metal cutting and machining cycles. It is essential that the student has familiarity with the use of computers.

Introduction to Integrated Manufacturing Systems
- Components of a Manufacturing System
- Classification of Manufacturing Systems
- Overview of the Classification Scheme
- Manufacturing Progress Functions (Learning Curves)

Numerical Control of Machine Tools
- Basic concepts
- Machine Tools Structure (Design Principles, Materials, Loads, Slideways)
- Tools And Workpiece Management (Automatic Tool Changers, Tool Magazines, Tool Changing Methods, Tools Management, Automatic Pallet Changer)
- Drives and Actuation System (Spindle Drives, Feed Drives, Ballscrews, Linear Motors)
- Feedback Devices (Optical Encoders, Inductosyns, Resolver, Tachometer)
- Machine Control Unit (Man Machine Interface, Numerical Control Kernel, Interpreter, Interpolator, Position Control, Programmable Logic Control, Adaptive Controls)
- Applications

Industrial robotics
- Basic concepts
- Structures of Robotic Systems
- End Effectors
- Robot Control Systems
- Sensor Technology
- Applications

Inspection Technologies and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
- Basic concepts
- Inspection Techniques
- Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
- Computer-Aided Inspection
- Applications

Management of production systems
- Introduction to industrial systems analysis
- Production planning
- Analysis of main scheduling methods
- Material requirement Planning (MRP)
- Just In Time (JIT)
- CONstant Work In Process (CONWIP)

Non-conventional machining
- Basic Concepts
- Mechanical Processes
o Ultrasonic Machining (UM)
o Abrasive-jet (AJM)
o Water-jet (WJM) and Abrasive Water-jet (AWJM)
- Thermal Processes
o Electrical-Discharge Machining (EDM ¡V WEDM);
- High-Energy-Beam Machining
o Electron-beam (EBM)
o Plasma-arc cutting (PAC)
o Laser (LBM)
- Chemical Machining (CM);
- Electrochemical Machining (ECM);
- Applications

Additive Manufacturing
- Basic concepts
- Additive processes (Stereolithography, Polyjet, Selective Laser Sintering, 3D Printing, Laminate Object Manufacturing, Fused Deposition Modelling, Drop on Demand, Multi Jet Modelling, Electron beam melting)
- Applications

Industrial manufacturing systems examples will be analyzed during lectures.

Seminars
Some seminars on topics related to the course will be presented by industrial experts.

Groover, M. P. (2014). Automation, Production Systems, and Computer Integrated Manufacturing (4th ed.). Prentice Hall
Groover, M. P. (2011). Fundamentals of modern manufacturing : materials, processes, and systems (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: J. Wiley & Sons
Kalpakjian, S., & Schmid, S. R. (2008). Manufacturing processes for engineering materials (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Education
De Toni, A. F., Panizzolo, R., & Villa, A. (2013). Gestione della produzione. ISEDI. (an excerpt in English will be uploaded on the Portale della Didattica)

PowerPoint slides presented during lectures and other teacher’s lecture notes uploaded on the Portale della Didattica

The aim of the final exam is to verify the student’s knowledge on modern integrated manufacturing systems.

--- Engineering and Management Students ---
The final exam consists of a oral exam and the evaluation of technical reports
About the topics covered by Alessandro Salmi, the oral exam will consist of 3 (three) questions and will cover all the material that was presented during lectures and seminars. The oral exam will account for 18/30.
About the topics covered by Teresa Taurino, students are required to complete some technical reports (due before the end of the course, more information will be given during lectures). The evaluation of technical reports will account for 12/30.

--- Mechanical Engineering Students ---
The final exam is only oral exam. The oral exam will consist of five questions and will cover all the material that was presented during lectures and seminars.
About the topics covered by Alessandro Salmi, the oral exam will consist of 4 (four) questions. This part of the oral exam will account for 23/30.
About the topics covered by Teresa Taurino, the oral exam will consist of 1 (one) question. This part of the oral exam will account for 7/30.

Students must enroll for the exam via the Portale della Didattica.