If digital thread can work for composites, the lessons apply to almost anything.
Digital thread enables model-based systems engineering, meaningful AI integration, and more efficient product development.
The challenge for building a digital thread for composites is that composites manufacturing is inherently variable – dependent on layup sequences, cure conditions, and manual processes that are difficult to capture digitally.
At NCC, we're demonstrating how technologies like the Immersive Workbench and open-source, neutral file formats can solve key challenges.
Watch the video below to learn more.
Next steps
The above example represents digital thread within a single system. What we need next is the infrastructure to capture and move data across the entire UK supply chain.
Together with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and our industry partners, we’re leading efforts to validate and refine solutions.
This forms part of NCC's work to put digital tools, AI, and machine learning to the test in live environments.
Useful definitions
The High Value Manufacturing Capatapult MBE working group recommends the following definitions for terms related to digital thread and model based enterprise.
Digital thread
A seamless, end-to-end flow of digital information, connecting all aspects of the product lifecycle. (source)
Model based enterprise (MBE)
An organisation that creates a digital thread connection model based definition and model based engineering, across the product lifecycle. (source)
Model based definition (MBD)
A digital model associated with metadata that defines the product specification. (source)
Model based engineering (MBEng)
An approach to product development, manufacturing, and lifecycle support that uses digital models to drive all engineering activities. (source)
Model based systems engineering (MBSE)
The formalized application of digital modelling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities throughout the product lifecycle. (source)