This book introduces readers to various tools and techniques for the design of precision, miniature products, assemblies and associated manufacturing processes. In particular, it focuses on precision mechanisms, robotic devices and their control strategies, together with case studies. In the context of manufacturing process, the book highlights micro/nano machining/forming processes using non-conventional energy sources such as lasers, EDM (electro-discharge machining), ECM (electrochemical machining), etc. Techniques for achieving optimum performance in process modeling, simulation and optimization are presented. The applications of various research tools such as FEM (finite element method), neural networks, genetic algorithms, etc. to product-process design and optimization are illustrated through case studies. The state-of-the-art material presented here provides valuable directions for product development and future research work in this area. The contents of this book will be of use to researchers and industry professionals alike.
Dr. S. S. Pande is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India. He was a Visiting Professor at the University of Cincinnati, USA. His research interests include Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) with a focus on Manufacturing Process Modelling, Simulation and Optimization, Algorithms for Additive Manufacturing, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining and Computational Metrology, Artificial Intelligence Techniques and Internet-based Collaborative Product Development. He has published 140 research papers in international journals and has authored a book titled “Computer Graphics and Product Modelling for CAD/CAM” published by Alpha Science (UK)/Narosa (India). He is the Associate Editor of the International Journal of Precision Technology, Inderscience, UK.
Dr Uday Shanker Dixit received his BE degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Roorkee (now the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee) in 1987, his MTech degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) in 1993, and his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the IIT Kanpur in 1998. He has worked in two industries―HMT, Pinjore and Indomag Steel Technology, New Delhi, where his main responsibility was designing various machines. Dr Dixit joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, where he is currently a Professor, in 1998. He was also the Officiating Director of the Central Institute of Technology, Kokrajhar from February 2014 to May 2015.
Dr Dixit has been actively engaged in research in various areas of design and manufacturing for the last 25 years. He has authored/co-authored 75 journal papers, 91 conference papers, 20 book chapters and 6 books on mechanical engineering. He has also co-edited 3 books on manufacturing. Presently, he is an associate editor of the Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India), Series C and Vice-President of the AIMTDR conference.
