Vertically-integrated manufacturing chain optimization in a connected laboratory

Manufacturing of modern structural aluminium components in the automotive sector involves a series of interrelated operations that each contribute to the quality of the products. The industry keeps pushing the envelope of individual processes through dedicated research and development (R&D) and introducing new processes to meet the continuing challenges of lightweighting and the new ones of electromobility and sustainability. While such isolated optimization of each step can certainly provide a robust chain, there may be missed opportunities or unexpected issues arising when one step changes. Looking at the manufacturing chain as one entity can shed light on interrelations between processes.