Abstract
A new Co-platforming methodology is introduced for mapping product features platform and corresponding manufacturing system machines platform. A cluster of platform and non-platform system machines are derived using matrix formulation and manipulation. The objective of Co-platforming is to establish the mapping between platforms of products and manufacturing machines for use in synthesizing systems capable of adaptation to changes in product variants without significant changes in the platform machines. This prolongs manufacturing systems useful life and reduces the cost of re-tooling as products evolve and new models are introduced. Fabrication of automobile cylinder blocks is used for demonstration and verification. (c) 2015 CIRP.