PMA’s research activities in the domain of "computer integrated manufacturing" focus on the development of advanced CAD/CAM & NC-programming tools for the design and manufacturing of complex shaped surfaces. Specific research topics focuses on reverse engineering, tool path generation strategies for multi-axis milling, process planning tools for the machining of complex shapes by multi-axis milling and collision free NC-programming through the integration of tool path generation and machine simulation.

• CAD/CAM, process and production planning
• CAD Modelling
• Tool Path Generation & NC-Programming
• Process & Operations Planning
• Production Planning
• NC-Controls

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During the past five years the PMA Computer Integrated Production Research Group has been involved in the following national and international research projects:

• TEAMS I-II
  Thematic Network Advanced Manufacturing Systems II
• Autofett
  Affordable flexible sustem for off-line automated fettling and finishing
• ...

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For research as well as for external services, the Production Research group of PMA makes use of the following computational and experimental facilities:

• Unigraphics Software (CAD/CAM)
• Prototype and home made software for 5 axis NC programming and for robot programming
• Robot Simulation Software Igrip

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PMA's spin-off companies active in the domain of computer integrated manufacturing are Metris and Materialise

Prof.Dr.ir.  Bert Lauwers
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division PMA
Celestijnenlaan 300B, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
tel: +32 16 322485 
fax: +32 16 322987