Virtual Reality in design and manufacturing is not just a possibility, but a very real path for many market leaders in Design and Manufacturing.
“The global virtual reality in the manufacturing industry was USD 924.7 million in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 14,887.0 million by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 39.2% during forecast period.”
The use and benefits of Virtual Reality in manufacturing is what this article is all about – specifically, how BEP Surface Technologies is using VR for growth. A few years ago, no one could have foreseen the leaps and bounds VR would make in traditional manufacturing.
Factory Chief Engineer Wearing VR Headset Designs Engine Turbine on the Holographic Projection Table. Futuristic Design of Virtual Mixed Reality Application.
But today, we have a case study for Virtual reality in product design that challenges our imagination in a way that only VR can. Let’s dive right in.
The Challenge: How BEP Surface Technologies Came to Use Virtual Reality in Design and Manufacturing
BEP Surface Technologies was already a multi-million dollar behemoth in the electroplating, precision grinding, and surface finishing processes. But with their growth, they were faced with a unique set of problems:
- Their European competitors were capable of taking on projects involving larger components. As a result, the biggest projects in the UK were being outsourced to other countries.
- They needed to expand to two factories to expand their growth further. But it was difficult to anticipate the real dimensions of the factory along with the different specifications for their equipment.
These were real-world problems that required extremely expensive solutions and lots of trial and error to even come to an estimate. So, the most logical solution was to use Virtual Reality in the design and manufacturing of both factories.
The Solution: A Case Study in the Benefits of Virtual Reality in Manufacturing
BEP Surface Technologies proposed to use Virtual Reality in product design to resolve their challenges. The process they used:
- Take a laser scan for 3-D remodeling of the site
- Add depth to the foundations using GPR technology
- Create a 3-D walkthrough VR environment
What did this rather outlandish use of Virtual Reality in design and manufacturing accomplish?
- The VR model answered several logistical questions such as:
- How much headroom would there be for the equipment?
- Where and how could the energy source be implemented?
- Would there be sufficient room to house the necessary staff?
- The implementation of Ground Penetrating Radar Scans made it possible to estimate the foundations required for the factories.
- The in-house VR capabilities made it feasible for BEP to market to prospective customers and ensure the health and safety protocols in the workplace. Of course, this was an application of Virtual Reality in health and safety, but it was still a major benefit.
- Layout Optimization took a front-row seat and using VR ensured minimal downtime and disruption while relocating the workshop.
- Testing workflow processes even before commencement made it easy to come up with efficient resource policies.
“Rather than just reading through a document, our vision is to use VR technologies to enhance our induction process, so the new starter or visitor is familiar with the factory and its hazards before they even set foot inside.”
- Andrew McClusky, Managing Director at BEP Surface Technologies
Wrapping Up
Virtual Reality has made leaps in terms of its application. Every industry is trying to integrate disruptive technology such as VR. The same ideas have already been introduced in the real estate industry as well, but maybe that can be a separate case study! Let us know if that interests you in the comments section below.
