Applications of virtual manufacturing in materials processing

Virtual manufacturing (VM) is an emerging technology that mimics real manufacturing operations with models, simulations and artificial intelligence. VM is a knowledge and information-based technique developed in recent years. With the use of the VM technologies, many aspects of the activities can be integrated and realised into one system. The manufacturing cost and time-to-market can be reduced. The associated technologies of VM and their key techniques related to materials processing and current research work are highlighted. Emphases are placed on the social and technological aspects in the development of VM systems. Some practical application examples of VM in materials processing are presented. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.