XXL products work group

While definitions already exist for smaller scale device structures e. g. nanotechnology, the conceptual distinction between standard large products and large scale or XXL products is currently insufficient. This study presents a basic definition of large scale products. At first hypotheses are being derived and examined at an empirical study of three sample products threaded nuts, screw presses and passenger aircrafts. It will be shown that the transition from conventional products to XXL large scale products is characterized by a disproportionate increase in the ratio of product costs to the augmentation of a characteristic product’s feature. Based on the results a definition for the characterization of large scale products is established referring to the technical, organizational and economical restraints and to the available processes and tools.

xxl-product, large-scale, xxl, definition

The range of structure sizes for industrial products produced today is increasingly expanding. This trend is evident in both small-scale (e.g. semiconductor applications) and large-scale (e.g. wind turbine rotors) products. While definitions already exist for smaller scale device structures, the conceptual distinction between conventional large products and large scale products is currently insufficient. In this study, we present a potential basis for the definition of large scale products. To achieve this, we derive hypotheses and examine these in the context of an empirical study using the examples of several sample products. It is shown that the transition from conventional products to large scale products is characterized by a disproportionate increase in product costs due to the augmentation of a characteristic product feature. Eventually we derive a proposed definition which characterizes large scale products in the field of production engineering.

xxl-product, large-scale, xxl, definition

Products have historically been subject to continuous development. On the one hand, these are to fix known issues and bugs compared to the original product. On the other hand, companies are forced by globalization to optimize their products globally in order to stay competitive in the market. Such development often involves not only a function of growth, but also needs a development of the geometric dimensions. For Example, the VW Golf has been added more and more safety and comfort features with each generation. In this way, the length of the VW Golf with every model change has increased by an average of 9cm.

xxl products, large-scale products, xxl definition

The lecture introduced IPH – Institut für Integrierte Produktion Hannover gGmbH with its three fields of activity: forming technology, logistics and automation technology. Furthermore, research and consulting projects were discussed. In addition, the challenges regarding the production of large-scale products were presented as a major focus of current research.

xxl products, large-scale products, production technology, logistics, automation technology

The lecture introduced IPH – Institut für Integrierte Produktion Hannover gGmbH with its three fields of activity: forming technology, logistics and automation technology. Furthermore, research and consulting projects were discussed. In addition, the challenges regarding the production of large-scale products were presented as a major focus of current research.

research and development, xxl products, large-scale products, production technology, logistics, auto

In the past, scientific analysis of development and production of large-scale products has not been conducted very often. In the joint project „Innovations for the production of large-scale products“, sponsered by two German ministries in the state of lower saxony, IPH – Institut für Integrierte Produktion Hannover gemeinnützige GmbH will make a contribution to reply scientific questions in consideration of development, production and recycling of large-scale products.

xxl-products, development, manufacturing, recycling