META

The Digital Tools Manufacturing Group is a major part of the Scottish Manufacturing Institute (SMI) and focuses its research on the development and application of computer-based tools to support the generation of product design data. This varies from a detailed understanding of the concepts of computational geometry and how it can be modified and represented in other forms to support engineering decision making through to the study of virtual reality and haptics to support human-in-the-loop engineering functions. The aim being to continuously expand the frontiers and knowledge of digital tools for industrial applications as new technologies and solutions become available to provide engineers with tools which will allow them to focus on developing products in a more agile, flexible and practical way to the overall competitive benefit of UK industry.

Research:

The main issues being addressed currently within DTMG include the following:

Computational Geometry: investigating how tools can be developed to automate the recognition of features for wide-ranging applications from machined components, assembly methods and manufacturing planning intent through to applications within shape searching and rapid prototyping.

Virtual Reality (VR): studying how immersive and haptic VR systems can enhance the cognitive and functional abilities of engineering designers and manufacturing experts and comparing these with traditional technology solutions.

Virtual textiles: using photometric stereo for the capture, analysis, synthesis and visualisation of surface texture

Microelectromechanical systems: investigating how digital information can be used to generate data for the design and manufacture of MEMS systems through new digital tools' interfaces, e.g. haptic VR. 

Engineered materials: tailoring the manufacture of materials to meet the requirements of high performance technology and biomedical applications.

Projects
Advanced Manufacture	Digital Design	Engineering Materials
Rapid Prototyping	Haptics	Heterogeneous Materials
Laser Scanning	Feature Recognition	Biomaterials
	3D Shape Retrieval