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Virtual Manufacturing presents a new technique for discrete manufacturing systems that combines computer interfaces with virtual reality. Before introducing the method, the text addresses relevant concepts of manufacturing engineering, virtual reality, and computer science and engineering.

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Virtual Manufacturing presents a novel concept of combining human computer interfaces with virtual reality for discrete and continuous manufacturing systems. The authors address the relevant concepts of manufacturing engineering, virtual reality, and computer science and engineering, before embarking on a description of the methodology for building augmented reality for manufacturing processes and manufacturing systems.

Virtual Manufacturing is centered on the description of the development of augmented reality models for a range of processes based on CNC, PLC, SCADA, mechatronics and on embedded systems. Further discussions address the use of augmented reality for developing augmented reality models to control contemporary manufacturing systems and to acquire micro- and macro-level decision parameters for managers to boost profitability of their manufacturing systems.

Guiding readers through the building of their own virtual factory software, Virtual Manufacturing comes with access to online files and software that will enable readers to create a virtual factory, operate it and experiment with it.

This is a valuable source of information with a useful toolkit for anyone interested in virtual manufacturing, including advanced undergraduate students, postgraduate students and researchers.

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1. Augmented Reality for Manufacturing.- 2. Manufacturing Processes and Systems.- 3. Automation and Control in Manufacturing.- 4. Augmented Reality for Sensors, Transducers and Actuators.- 5. Augmented Reality for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Based Applications.- 6. Augmented Reality for Industrial Manipulators, Gantries and Conveyors.- 7. Virtual Reality Design for Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Based Applications.- 8. Augmented Reality for Embedded Systems.- 9. Augmented Reality for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Based Application.- 10. Augmented Reality for Mechatronics Based Application.- 11. Virtual Manufacturing for Discrete Manufacturing Systems.- 12. The Future of Virtual Manufacturing Using Augmented Reality Technology.

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