Development of an air impact wrench in a network-centric environment

This work presents a highly practical framework that can be used to develop new mechatronics products in a network-centric environment for small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). The network-centric environment is developed using a Web server as technology transfer center where SMEs can enter it to seek what they need and search for partners. The particular R&D problems or needs put by the SMEs are transferred to research centers and universities where the problems are solved through collaboration work. The SMEs´ participation with the research center and universities is thus linked through Internet. The engineering software tools like GAD-CAE, CAPP, PDM are used to model and analyze a particular product. Java, v-conference, netmeeting, Web-based 3D collaborative software are used for product information sharing. The framework is applied to the development of an air impact wrench to make effective and efficient collaborative designs.