Design methodology for innovative hybrid manufacturing technologies

Current research activities in the field of manufacturing technology design increasingly focus on integrated approaches for process performance enhancements. As in many process development activities, systematic design methodologies are either not applied or even unknown in such instances. The main problem in such research efforts of finding integrated solutions is getting the relevant information or knowledge. The technology knowledge which has to be integrated for such new technology designs often is not available. Thus the availability of knowledge about the mechanisms of different manufacturing processes has to be improved in order to find new interdisciplinary (hybrid) process solutions. This article introduces a methodology approach for a systematic design of integrated technology solutions such as hybrid manufacturing processes.