# Advances in Multi-Process Hybrid Production Cells for Rapid Individualised Laser-Based Production
## 2 HyProCell Implementation
### Modular Architecture, Automation, and Pallet Handling System  
Modular architecture is considered a pillar of flexible production cells in today's digital age [10]. In HyProCell, a highly modular factory architecture was developed and implemented, which allows:  
1. High interoperability between various manufacturing modules/processes/technologies
2. Quick and easy reconfiguration of the production cell
3. Scalable production infrastructure that is adaptable to other situations and demands. This modular architecture using OPC-UA adapters is required to connect the machines and the integration layer with CAx, MES and monitoring system. The implementation and testing of the modular system architecture for generic hybrid production cells in an industrial environment was done by SmartFactory KL ([[https://smartfactory.de/](https://smartfactory.de/)]([https://smartfactory.de/](https://smartfactory.de/)) (accessed on 16 January 2021)) within the project, and the work was published by [PERSON] et al. [11] based on results obtained in HyProCell. In Figure 5 the final scheme of SLM sub-pilots in POLY-SHAPE and RAMEM in terms of the middleware (integration layer) and monitoring/reconfiguration layer is shown. The LMD pilot facility at AUTODESK focuses more on the Hybrid LBM process and the CAx integration and does not need as much automation as SLM pilots, as the whole hybrid manufacturing process could run in one closed machine with a special mounting device and 3D scanning system specific for the ABB use case. The layout of the LMD pilot is shown in Figure 6.  
Figure 5: Layout and information of material flow of the SLM production cells [11]. Copyright 2018/2019 SmartFactory-KL (collaborative work). The basis for development was the main high-level requirements for the HyProCell MES and the integration of the MES within the architecture to derive the design of the MES's internal architecture, with the identification of the main needed functional components particular to the industrial AM pilot cells. SmartFactory-KL developed the OPC-UA adapters and middleware components that enable data acquisition and process control for both additive and conventional manufacturing machines in the context of a reconfigurable and standardised system architecture (see simplified diagram in Figure 7). Using this architecture not only modularised production, but also decoupled the engineering processes such that each cell could be developed independently and later encapsulated within a functioning cell. In terms of automation and pallet handling system, the modules implemented on the AC AddCreator system for operating in a production environment are described in this section. Machine adaptations were performed by ADIRA in collaboration with EROWA. Process development and studies were conducted with the support of the Fraunhofer ILT institute. The pallet handling system designed and adopted for HyProCell has the following novel characteristics:  
Figure 6: Layout of the LMD hybrid production cell. Figure 7: Simplified diagram of the HyProCell modular architecture ([[http://www.hyprocell-project.eu/project/innovation-highlights/](http://www.hyprocell-project.eu/project/innovation-highlights/)]([http://www.hyprocell-project.eu/project/innovation-highlights/](http://www.hyprocell-project.eu/project/innovation-highlights/)) (accessed on 16 January 2021)) developed by SmartFactory-KL [12]. Copyright 2019 [PERSON] (Smartfactory-KL). 1. A long travel arm to access the inside of the ADIRA machine combined with a high potential transfer weight of over 300 kg, which required a new high-accuracy (2 \(\upmu\)m) robot arm design;
2. A new fork gripper and special pallet design to deal with the impact of the powder on the robot gripper system;
3. Sealing the pallet to the machine table inside the ADIRA machine, which was solved with a special chuck base plate and fitted sealing;
4. The transfer of the pallet from the ADIRA machine to the SOLUKON powder removal system without leaving an unacceptable amount of powder in the environment.