Manufacturing Process Control Laboratory (MPCL)

The Manufacturing Process Control Laboratory comprises a research activity within the MIT Laboratory for anufacturing and Productivity. The MPCL is focused on the problem of controlling the final output of unit manufacturing processes through the application of modeling, measurement and feedback control methods. To date our applications have included welding, sheet metal forming and most recently micro embossing. In addition to the use of advanced methods such as multivariable adaptive and self-tuning regulators for in-process control, we have also explored “cycle to Cycle” control whereby measurement and control adjustments are made between rather than within processing cycles.

The key features of this simple process are the distinction of the manufacturing equipment from the material being processed, and the distinction of equipment inputs from material inputs. Finally, it makes clear that the ultimate variables to be controlled are those that correspond directly to the design specifications for the part.