Academic Research Role in Encouraging the Use of Affordable 4.0 Technology in SME’s Product Design Development (Case Studies: The Use of Manual Two-sided Machining Method on 3-Axis CNC Milling Machine for Wooden Wristwatch Prototype Making)

Abstract

The 4.0 Technology is proven to be able to give benefits for modern industry in many aspects. The technology commonly used by large scale industries due to the high cost and advanced skill needed to operate the industry. The use of 4.0 technology needs to be encouraged in the SMEs, but the readiness of the SMEs need to be put as consideration. This paper examine the role of university research in making the technology ready to be used in the SMEs, with the case studies of the use of 3-axis milling machine for wooden watch prototype making. The research method consist of 4 stages including the identification of SMEs needs, the identification of suitable 4.0 technology that match the SMEs readiness, Designing function optimization of chosen technology, and Trying the method in real production process. The result of the research is a manual method that can be used to do two-sided machining process on 3-axis CNC Milling Machine is offered as a solution in encouraging the use of 4.0 technology in the SMEs due their lack of capital abilities and technical skills.