Parag Vichare

Teaching and research experience in design and manufacturing across a broad range of industrial and academic sectors. This consists of 3 years of industrial experience in the automotive industry and die and mould manufacturing industry as a Design Engineer, 7 years of academic research experience in optics manufacturing, manufacturing information modelling and aero-structure design and verification as a research staff and then intensive university teaching as a Lecturer and Programme Leader for BSc Computer aided Design programme at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

Though my past work experience, I have worked on various commercial PLM systems; thus I recognise various bottlenecks while working on multi-CAD environment in the supply chain. Current state of the art in concurrent product development has introduced revolutionary modelling concepts such as unite technology for multi-CAD environments using PTC Creo platform, flexible/direct/synchronous modelling for agile product revision and to manage legacy product data.

My previous position as a post-doctorial research officer at the University of Bath has given me an opportunity to work on several research projects in collaboration with leading aerospace manufacturers. The research project with Airbus UK was in metrology integrated modelling for simulating dimensional variability for the Advanced Low Cost Aircraft Structures (ALCAS) wing build philosophy. I was responsible for developing dimensional uncertainty model for deformable components and complex aerospace assemblies while considering the effects of designed GD&T, material compliance and assembly processes. The model was developed using commercial PLM system modules such as DELMIA, CATIA, 3DCS and Spatial Analyser. Thus, this research contribution allowed aerospace manufacturers to analyse and revise initial and in-processes design specification using state-of-the-art computer aided engineering tools. Similarly, I was also involved with a research project SAMULET 6.3.1 in the collaboration with Rolls Royce with specific goal of reducing machine tool verification time to 1 minute, where I was responsible to highlight current technological gaps in building and managing machine tool verification profiles.

My PhD research involves development of versatile data modelling methodology for representing information related to diversified CNC machining system resources for making a variety of manufacturing decisions. This enables end user to convert state-of-the art PLM assisted process specific decisions to resources specific decisions without using resource specific post processors. My methodology has been well received in the ISO technical committee 184 SC1 for development of the international standard ISO14649 (STEP-NC) part 110: a data model for intelligent computerized numerical controllers, due to its versatility and capability in addressing the broad manufacturing resource domains. This research has contributed in 2 EU-FP7 projects Dematerialised Manufacturing Systems DEMAT (no 246020-2) and STEPMAN (no. 286962) with funding over €750K for Bath's involvement.

Previously to my PhD research, I undertook a Master’s degree by research program in the University Technology Malaysia, Malaysia. My research project was the development of a low cost precision grinding process for generating glass and silicon lenses, in collaboration with leading academic and industrial partners. This experimental research work involved design of CNC grinding experiments, measurement of quality parameters, process-based analysis and deploying learned knowledge in the production environment.

Summarising on my past experience, my areas of expertise are:

Product data / Information management in Multi-CAD environments

Product design and manufacturing processes

3-5 axis CNC machining, CAM process planning, Process simulation and verification, CNC post-processor development

Plastic mould design and mould flow simulation

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Dimensional management

Data modelling using EXPRESS, STEP (ISO10303), STEP-NC (ISO 14649)

Remanufacturing strategies for circular economy

Recently, I was awarded a grant from Scottish Institute of Remanufacture (SIR) for developing a coating process for reusing existing street lamps. I am also collaborating with Spirit Aerosystems on number of investigative projects. In addition to working with industrial partners, I am also working with Prof Stuart Raid on nano-kicking project funded by EPSRC. I am responsible for designing and manufacturing a mould for producing culture well plate to conduct nano-kicking experiments. Currently I am supervising 2 PhD students: i) investigating design optimisation of Pelton Turbine blade for enhancing system efficiency ii) Stack plate optimisation for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC).

Aerospace/ Automotive / General Engineering component manufacturers.

Research and Innovation centres