July 31, 2018

Integrated Manufacturing Variation Management

MxD has invested $90 million in more than 60 research projects and connects industry partners with cutting-edge research to ensure that outcomes address real-world needs. For example, Caterpillar and researchers from Missouri University of Science and Technology and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign generated new algorithms and methodologies for using laser trackers and scanners to improve quality and reduce waste in manufacturing large die-cast parts.

Key Outcomes
The software can reduce a machine’s volumetric error by more than 80% and detect insufficient stock 100% of the time so that valuable machining time is not wasted.
Completion Date
July 31, 2018
Team Members

Caterpillar (lead)
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Outcome

The software can reduce a machine’s volumetric error by more than 80% and detect insufficient stock 100% of the time so that valuable machining time is not wasted. MxD helped identify a small business that will commercialize this technology and assist Caterpillar and other manufacturers to deploy the software in their factories.