DIGITAL TWIN IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM MANUFACTURERS: AN APPLICATION DRIVEN APPROACH

The goal of this research was to design and develop an application driven approach for digital twin (DT) implementation at small and medium manufacturers (SMMs). The research problem investigated the barriers preventing digitization of manufacturing operations. The research questions explored the justification required to adopt innovative technology with limited resources of SMMs. The research methods embraced a phased approach to developing the elements needed to create a DT. Three progressive stages were used to develop the DT based on data flows maturing from manual to automatic. The implementation Framework consisted of four distinct elements interconnected with the fifth element being multiple networks. The physical object, virtual entity, user dashboard, and analytics database composed the four distinct elements. The proximity, service, user, and access networks composed the fifth element interconnecting the other four. The proof-of-concept, using a CNC router, validated the DT design. Once the phased approach proved effective, a DT implementation was performed using a CNC mill at a small PA manufacturer. The successful demonstration can now be deployed to other SMMs through the Manufacturing Innovation & Learning Lab at Penn State’s Berks campus. Technology transfer to the local manufacturing industry is intended to enhance the region’s economy.

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Work Title DIGITAL TWIN IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM MANUFACTURERS: AN APPLICATION DRIVEN APPROACH
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Terrance Speicher
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Professional Doctoral Culminating Experience
Sub Work Type Praxis
Program Engineering
Degree Doctor of Engineering
Publisher
  1. ScholarSphere
Publication Date June 2025
DOI doi:10.26207/ekah-8835
Deposited June 26, 2025

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Version 1
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  • Updated
  • Updated Degree, Program, Description, and 2 more Show Changes
    Degree
    • Doctor of Engineering
    Program
    • Engineering
    Description
    • The goal of this research was to design and develop an application driven approach for digital twin (DT) implementation at small and medium manufacturers (SMMs). The research problem investigated the barriers preventing digitization of manufacturing operations. The research questions explored the justification required to adopt innovative technology with limited resources of SMMs. The research methods embraced a phased approach to developing the elements needed to create a DT. Three progressive stages were used to develop the DT based on data flows maturing from manual to automatic. The implementation Framework consisted of four distinct elements interconnected with the fifth element being multiple networks. The physical object, virtual entity, user dashboard, and analytics database composed the four distinct elements. The proximity, service, user, and access networks composed the fifth element interconnecting the other four. The proof-of-concept, using a CNC router, validated the DT design. Once the phased approach proved effective, a DT implementation was performed using a CNC mill at a small PA manufacturer. The successful demonstration can now be deployed to other SMMs through the Manufacturing Innovation & Learning Lab at Penn State’s Berks campus. Technology transfer to the local manufacturing industry is intended to enhance the region’s economy.
    Sub Work Type
    • Praxis
    Publication Date
    • 2025-06
  • Added Creator Terrance Speicher
  • Added Speicher Praxis June2025.pdf
  • Updated License Show Changes
    License
    • https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/
  • Published Publisher Show Changes
    Publisher
    • ScholarSphere
  • Updated