Holger Kreilkamp
Fraunhofer-Institute for Production Technology, Germany
Title: Glass optics replication in a digitalized production environment
Biography
Biography: Holger Kreilkamp
Abstract
Digitalization, adaptivity and networked production are dominant issues for state of the art manufacturing technologies and will continue to have a substantial impact on their advancement and development. Th is applies especially to complex process chains, characterized by multiple and non-trivial interdependencies, such as the replicative manufacturing of optical components. Ranging from the optical design, the FEM simulation and the mold manufacturing, down to the actual molding process and the assembly of the optical system, this process chain today reveals a low level of automation as well as insuffi cient (data-)standards and an inadequate information fl ow over the diff erent process steps. Since most of the single technologies are at the brink of technical feasibility, future components will need the ability to exploit the vast potential of interconnected and adaptive process chains. In order to promote and advance this transition in the fi eld of replicative optics manufacturing the Fraunhofer IPT has elaborated an innovative and comprehensive data solution concept, which has been implemented within the precision glass molding process (PGM). In a specially equipped glass molding machine, tailored sensor systems are collecting multiple data concerning the molding process, such as temperature, force and pressure profi les. Th is information is acquired in real time and serves the purpose of immediate visualization. Beyond this, all data are fed into a superior data backbone, allowing the reconstruction of an exact digital image of the component, highly valuable to adapt downstream and upstream processes, granting a glance on what future optics production in a totally digitalized production environment will look like.