In-process measuring of large parts: Verify your workpiece while you can still react

As part of the Mechanical Engineering Department of KU Leuven, the Flexible Sheet Metal Working research group is specialised in the development of innovative processes for versatile sheet metal based production. For this purpose the research group works closely together with industrial partners, both machine tool developers and software solution suppliers. For the CNC controlled processes on which the research group focuses, the dimensional accuracy of the targeted parts is an important quality aspect and thus early feedback, while still in process, is key to facilitate adaptive strategies during which the accuracy can still effectively be improved. However, measuring in-process poses several challenges: geometric constraints in the machine environment, non-standardized ambient conditions such as temperature, process influences such as light effects, heat output, elastic deformation of the workpiece under gravity conditions etc. The envisaged in-process measurement system requires versatile and fast in-process measurements with intelligent reuse of information where relevant. The targeted methods and techniques will be of a generic nature, suitable for a wide applicability in a broad manufacturing domain where larger workpieces are to be treated.
Website unit

Project

Zero scrap manufacturing and optimal quality assurance require timely verification of the achieved part accuracy during production.   For this purpose in-process dimensional measurement systems, contributing to a real time dimensional follow up of an emerging component, are envisaged.  The present non-contact measurement methods show limitations and the process conditions under which observations can be made need to be taken into account to determine a digital twin of the emerging workpiece.

Profile

Offer

A PhD scholarship is available to support this research.  The candidate will work in a team of three research partner organizations and will intensively collaborate with colleagues focusing on complementary process categories and on facilitating non-contact measurement techniques.  The industrial relevance of the research work will be assured by interaction with a number of industrial end-users of the envisaged functionality.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Joost Duflou, tel.: +32 16 32 28 45, mail: joost.duflou@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.