Smart manufacturing multiplex

Abstract This letter introduces a concept smart manufacturing multiplex (SMM) capable of executing multiple process chains and thermodynamic pathways to control the geometric, morphological as well as microstructural integrity of custom components. A proof-of-concept based on hybrid machine tools consisting of additive and subtractive processes integrated with high resolution sensors via a novel sensor wrapper to track the spatiotemporal evolution of the process states is implemented. The value of SMM to discrete part manufacturing in realizing low-volume, high variety parts and its ability to handle multiple processing pathways in a single machine is discussed.