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Manufacturing
innovation is fostered by research and development of technologies
that are aimed at increasing the competitive capability of
manufacturing concerns. Broadly speaking, manufacturing-related
R&D encompasses improvements in existing methods or processes,
or wholly new processes, machines or systems. Four main areas
include:
| 1. |
Unit
process level technologies that create or improve manufacturing
processes, including: |
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fundamental
improvements in existing manufacturing processes that
deliver substantial productivity, quality, or environmental
benefits |
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development
of new manufacturing processes, including new materials,
coatings, methods, and practices associated with these
processes. |
| 2.
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Machine
level technologies that create or improve manufacturing
equipment, including: |
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improvements
in capital equipment that create increased capability
(such as accuracy or repeatability), increased capacity
(through productivity improvements or cost reduction),
or increased environmental efficiency (safety, energy
efficiency, environmental impact) |
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new
apparatus and equipment for manufacturing, including additive
and subtractive manufacturing, deformation and molding,
assembly and test, semiconductor fabrication, and nanotechnology. |
| 3.
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Systems
level technologies for innovation in the manufacturing
enterprise, including: |
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advances
in controls, sensors, networks, and other information
technologies that improve the quality and productivity
of manufacturing cells, lines, systems, and facilities |
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innovation
in extended enterprise functions critical to manufacturing,
such as quality systems, resource management, supply chain
integration, and distribution, scheduling and tracking |
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technologies
that enable integrated and collaborative product and process
development, including computer-aided and expert systems
for design, tolerancing, process and materials selection,
life-cycle cost estimation, rapid prototyping, and tooling. |
| 4. |
Environment
or societal level technologies that improve workforce
abilities and manufacturing competitiveness, including:
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technologies
for improved workforce health and safety, such as human
factors and ergonomics |
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technologies
that aid and improve workforce manufacturing skills and
technical excellence, such as educational systems incorporating
improved manufacturing knowledge and instructional methods. |
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