Assembly Area Research Articles

Selection of key visual cues in real and virtual environments for assembly tasks

Previous research identified that learning assembly tasks in Virtual Environments (VEs) is more difficult than in Real Environments (REs). This work's objective is to identify the key visual areas for both environments when performing an assembly task for ten consecutive cycles, when following visual instructions and when having visual distractors. Using an eye-tracker, we identified the key visual areas required for an assembly task in both environments. Results indicate that practice allowed participants to reduce their assembly time in both environments. They also indicate that two areas, Assembly Area and Blocks, concentrated a higher proportion of eye-fixations; 59.98% for REs and 81.48% for VEs, with a statistically significant observation difference between environments (t-test value = −14.23, with p-value <0.00001 and Cohen's d = 6.36). We conclude that participants considered the same key visual areas for both environments and that VE interaction has a significant role in observation behavior.

Fabrication of porous TiO2 nanosheets assembly for improved photoreactivity towards X3B dye degradation and NO oxidation

Porous nanosheet can enhance the adsorption performance and light-harvesting ability of the photocatalyst due to the enlarged surface area and improved multi-reflection of the incident light between nanosheets. In this work, porous TiO2 nanosheets (TiO2-NSs) assembly was obtained by transformation TiO2 nanocubes in NaOH solution via hydrothermal reaction and followed by acid wash and heat treatment. The effect of reaction time (t) -dependent on photocatalytic activity of the obtained TiO2-NSs (St sample) was systematically investigated. It was found that TiO2-NSs exhibits superior catalytic activity for X3B dye degradation and NO oxidation when compared to pristine TiO2 nanocubes (S0 sample). The optimized photoreactivity of TiO2-NSs improved 8.1 and 5.0 times for X3B degradation (S1.5 sample) and NO oxidation (S3.0 sample), respectively. The enhanced photoreactivity of TiO2-NSs assembly is ascribed to the combined effects of enlarged surface area and unique structure of nanosheets assembly which facilitates the absorption of incident light. Both hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals are important reactive oxygen species (ROSs) responsible for the degradation of organic dye and NO oxidation. The present study provides a novel way to prepare high efficient semiconductor photocatalyst for water treatment and air purification.

Studies and Research on the Stress – Strain Analyses of the Polyethylene Pipe-Fitting Assemblies Accidentally Subjected to an External Force

The paper aims at analyzing the behavior of the polyethylene pipe - fitting assembly in the case of accidental stress due to the accidentally occurring external forces (mechanized excavation in the assembly area). The study will identify the necessary computing relationships and the minimum value of the force to which the analyzed assembly breaks, as well as some solutions for avoiding these accidental stresses. A three-dimensional model of the assembly will be made by applying the external forces on three main directions, following the maximum stresses for the same value of the external force. Also, a welding of a polyethylene pipe-fitting assembly will be carried out and it will be subjected to three stresses on the three directions so that a parallel can be made between the results. The study will also observe the way in which the temperature is distributed throughout the assembly and the areas where the obtained temperature reaches the highest value during welding.

Simulation of Hull Panel Logistics Improvements in a Shipyard

Supply chain system sets a foundation for production facilities to utilise hardware and software applications to optimise and improve productivity. In the current trend of the marine industry, shipyards were able to introduce automation and cyber-physical system to their hull panel lines and pipe fabrication facilities due to the presence of established logistical arrangements, factory-like manufacturing feature with fixed conditions of inputs, outputs, and flexibility of modifying production processes. Some of the supply chain systems that have been adopted by many include the lean production concept, Toyota Production System (TPS), just-in-time production (JIT), one piece flow and Kanban system which were proven effective by the automotive industry to eliminate waste and improve their manufacturing line. However, in the context of shipbuilding, there are three construction stages in chronological order, respectively; fabrication, assembly and block erection. Such logistical system does not extend beyond fabrication stage due to various circumstances; therefore the disproportion in logistical flow between the fabrication facilities and the assembly areas are often not optimised which is counterproductive and overshadows the improvement efforts contributed by the fabrication facilities. This paper presents a logistical process flow between panel fabrication and assembly stage through Flexsim software simulation. An actual case study of a TPS integrated panel line and the block assembly bay will be modelled and validated with the fabrication of a realistic offshore design vessel. Virtual performance of the flow will be investigated to understand the implication of different operating conditions. The outcome of the paper will provide a framework for actual panel line to analyse the feasibility of implementing TPS, and also identify the critical control point to mitigate the effects caused by the disproportion in the panel logistical flow.

Microstructural analysis of Nd:YAG laser welding for Inconel alloy

Abstract Nd:YAG Laser welding is the widely used in the welding process in which quality of micro welded area for assembly of small components mainly depends on the input parameters are Laser beam power, Welding speed and Frequency. By considering responses are microstructure for pre and post heat treated welding samples of the Inconel 625 alloy material. These work we are mainly focused on the microstructural analysis for before and post heated for welding samples, after post heat treatment of welding samples the welding area, parent metal and Heat affected zone are Slightly changes occurs on the microstructures of welded area and Heat affected zone for before post heat treatment of welding samples.

Precise on-line non-target pose measurement for cylindrical components based on laser scanning

PurposeCylindrical components are common in industry assembly areas. It is necessary to obtain their precise positions and orientations for their assemblies. But some measurement approaches relying on measuring targets are not allowed, as they may not meet the efficiency requirement of on-line measurement or may cause surface damages to the components. Thus, this paper aims to provide a precise on-line non-target scanning method based on 3D vision.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a laser profile sensor is used to acquire point cloud of the side surface of the measured cylindrical component. Then a composite process is conducted to estimate the pose and position of the axis. Aiming at this purpose, two fitting approaches, i.e., axis fitting and generatrix fitting, are tried respectively to estimate the pose parameters from the point cloud.FindingsThe results of Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that neither the axis fitting nor the generatrix fitting could solely obtain the needed accuracy and precisions roundly. Thus, a new synthesis method is presented. And the results of prototype experiments validate the excellent accuracy and precision of the synthesis method.Originality/valueThis proposed new synthesis method combines the advantages of both the above fitting methods and can be easily integrated into the assembly line to guide the automation assembly process of the cylindrical components precisely.

A Method for Rapid Evaluation of Thermal Performance of Wall Assemblies Based on Geographical Location

In this study, we present a method for the rapid evaluation of thermal performance of building envelopes without the need of using sophisticated and time-consuming computational modeling. The proposed approach is based on the prediction of monthly energy balances per unit area of a wall assembly using monthly averages of temperature and relative humidity, as well as the elevation of a building’s location. Contrary to most other methods, the obtained results include how moisture content in the wall effects its thermal performance. The developed formulas for calculation of monthly energy balances are verified for nine commonly used wall assemblies in Central Europe in 10 randomly selected locations. The observed agreement of the predicated data was determined using advanced finite-element simulation tools and hourly climatic data, which makes for good prerequisites for the further application of the method in both research and building practices.

AUTOMATION OF ASSEMBLY OPERATION BASED ON DUAL-ARM ROBOT

Urgency of the research. Automation as a whole, together with increasing of demands from customer push companies at all levels to the implementation of new and innovative solutions of robotic devices. This reason we consider as sufficient for realization of special customized solution for deployment at assembly operations. Target setting. Purpose of article is to give an example how to increase a level of automation based on specific requirements that consists from assembly area. Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. Actual research is nowadays focused at such problematics, because return of investments based on robotic devices seems to be reliable and people at workplace can realize and focus to another type of tasks. Uninvestigated parts of general matters defining. Specific automated solution based on dual arm robot implementation into the assembly process brings us a new possibility for assembly flow realization together with required assembly sequence for whole operation. The research objective. The aim of article is to provide an idea how to automate such manual assembly tasks with focus to robotic devices implementation. The statement of basic materials. For realization of automated solutions is good to have a suitable material how to solve assembly sequence and assembly process. Conclusions. Published article presents an innovative idea for dual arm robot implementation into the assembly process. Proposed assembly sequence based on human – robot cooperation at this specific workplace gives an example and view how automation of assembly processes can be solved.

Managing escape, evacuation and rescue (EER) risk on aging offshore facilities

Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd own numerous offshore facilities, which have been operated by Esso Australia Pty Ltd (EAPL) for over 40 years. With respect to escape, evacuation and rescue (EER), the long standing philosophy for these facilities has been to muster at the external assembly areas (EAA) near the evacuation lifeboat stations, to allow for swift evacuation when the need is apparent. This philosophy has underpinned the design of these offshore assets to date. For new-build offshore facilities, typical EER philosophies include the provision of an enclosed temporary refuge (TR), specifically to maintain a safe environment for personnel (in the event of an emergency) such that they can muster before evacuation, or remain on the facility until the event is brought under control. TRs typically provide protection to personnel from hazards that the EAA may not (i.e. smoke), but may increase the duration of a potential evacuation if they are not located within close proximity to evacuation stations. This paper considers the potential changes in risk presented by the two evacuation philosophies, and the potential implications of changing from one philosophy to another on an existing facility. The analysis expands to facility operational and design considerations. This paper also describes a methodology to leverage existing quantitative risk assessments to assess (a) how the risk profile to personnel may change depending on the EER philosophy; (b) how the implementation of additional risk controls will impact risk; and (c) how the results of the assessment can be used to establish an ‘as low as is reasonably practicable’ (ALARP) position.

Synchronizing Digital Process Twins between virtual products and resources – A virtual design method

Modern technologies, such as cyber-physical systems and the digital twin, are driving current developments in digital production and its virtual planning tools. Thus leads to specific need for consistent methods that can be used across projects, especially on the future production planning’s long term view. Existing approaches deal with the cross-sectoral, virtually supported integration of cyber-physical properties in production structures by using multiple software structures. However, the potential of current production-related simulation tools in the field of systems virtual validation in the planning phase has not yet been exhausted. Based on this, the present work deals with a method for model data enrichment within virtual model-based systems development process that is executed in front of systems’ virtual commissioning. The elaborated method presupposes the successful procurement of the necessary CAD data as geometrical information and is divided into four steps, starting from the analysis of the process parameters on the basis of the product to be produced. In the second step, a property determination of the existing and planned production structure is carried out. In order to transfer the findings to the virtual modeling process, the third step is to determine the modeling needs between the current state of production and the planned cyber-physical production. Finally, a data enrichment of the products and resources behavioral models takes place that causes possibility of the mutual production-technical influence for example, by synchronizing the process structure that is stored in virtual products and resources. The method is to be classified as a total consideration of products, processes and resources in simulation-based functional verification and physical property validation. In addition, the four steps will be verified, by using the automated car-underbody assembly demonstrator for the physical relief of workers in the final assembly area of ​​automobile production, including many variants.

Моделирование теплофизических процессов в ядерном реакторе на быстрых нейтронах

The development of reactors on the fast neutrons and nuclear power engineering is generally responsible for its formation. One of them is that the responsibility for the reliability of the reactor equipment, its calculation, creation and operation sharply increases. For the development of projects in the field of nuclear energy, it is necessary to carry out various thermalhydraulic calculations. Using the results of calculations will allow for timely adjustment in the engineering. This work is devoted to the study of the processes of hydrodynamics and heat exchange of reactor on fast neutrons with an electrical power of 600 MW with a volumetric energy release up to 0.494 GW / m3. In the process of work, 3D model of the selected fuel assembly area was created in the program Gambit. Computer modeling was carried out in the ANSYS FLUENT software package as a result of which thermal state of fuel assembly for established mode of heat transfer was defined. The calculations were carried out using the k-ε coolant motion turbulent model. This article presents the results of calculations on hydrodynamics and heat transfer in a segment of the selected fuel assembly of a fast sodium reactor. The non-uniformity of temperature distributions along the height of the active zone in various areas of fuel assemblies, the distribution of the heat carrier velocity, as well as pressure indicators are shown. The analysis of the results obtained shows that the temperatures of the structural elements do not exceed the permissible temperatures; the pressure drop is significantly lower than in reactors of another type.

Module layout optimization using a genetic algorithm in light water modular nuclear reactor power plants

Abstract The Small Modular Reactor (SMR) concept is designed such that it will solve some of the construction problems of large reactors. SMRs are designed to be “shop fabricated and then transported as modules to the sites for installation” (IAEA, 2018). As a consequence they theoretically have shorter build schedules and require less capital investment (Locatelli et al., 2014). Factory built modules can also increase safety and productivity, due to higher quality tools and inspection available. A literature review has highlighted substantial work has been undertaken in the research, development and construction of different types of reactors and reactor modules but the design of balance of plant modules has not been extensively researched (Wrigley et al., 2018). The focus of this paper is a case study for balance of plant modules in a light water reactor which also could have applications to other reactor types. Modules that are designed for factory build and transport may be built in a standardized module approach. By maximizing module size for transport, this maximizes work offsite, to achieve the cost and schedule savings associated. A design method needs to be developed to help support this approach. To enable this, a three step method is proposed: group components into modules, layout the modules and arrange components inside the modules. The Shearon Harris nuclear power plant was chosen for its publically available data. A previous study on this plant used matrix reordering techniques to group components and heuristically assign them to large modules, built for construction in an assembly area on site, highlighting a potential capital cost savings of 15%. This paper utilizes the same allocation of components to modules as the previous study but aims to undertake the challenge of how balance of plant modules should be arranged. The literature review highlighted that although the facility and plant layout problem has been extensively researched, mathematical layout optimization has not been applied to nuclear power plants. Many techniques for layout optimization have been developed for facilities and process plants however. The work in this paper develops an optimization model using a genetic algorithm for module layout and allocation within a nuclear power plant. This paper analysed two configurations of modules, where balance of plant modules are located on either one or two sides of the nuclear island. The objective function was to minimise pipe length. In the original research, where the plant was configured for assembly on site, the balance of plant modules are located around three sides of the nuclear island. The objective function was calculated at 14,914. As the distances are calculated rectilinearly, this number would be higher in reality as pipework has to be routed around containment. The optimization reduced the objective function by 33.9% and 37.8% for the three and four floor layouts respectively when balance of plant modules are located on two sides of the nuclear island. Furthermore, when modules are located on one side of the nuclear island, the objective function was reduced by 45.4% and 46.1% for three and four floor layouts respectively. This will reduce materials used, reduce build time and hence reduce the cost of a nuclear power plant. This method will also save design time when developing the layout of modules around the plant.

Gene Pathways Analysis of the Effects of Suspension Culture on Primary Human Renal Proximal Tubular Cells

Drug-induced acute kidney injury causes massive morbidity and mortality at exorbitant cost, yet there is currently no effective method for preclinical in vitro testing for nephrotoxicity. Proximal tubule cells are a key target for nephrotoxins, but heretofore, it has been a challenge to maintain their differentiation in vitro. One promising approach is to culture them in suspension, under physiological levels of shear, so as to induce and maintain structural and functional differentiation. Advances in materials, additive manufacturing, and injection molding have reduced the complexity and cost of suspension cultures hardware by orders of magnitude, making it a viable alternative for high throughput screening. This study defines the global transcriptome responses of human renal proximal tubular cells to suspension culture. GSEA/Cytoscape/ClueGO analysis showed near perfect concurrence with GPS-SIGORA analysis in the areas of mineral absorption and ribosome assembly, and defined the nucleic acid and protein mechanisms underlying the transcriptome response to suspension culture. Proximal tubular cells in suspension culture showed increased growth and viability assayed as reducing potential compared to cells cultured under static conditions. Suspension culture of human renal proximal tubular cells now allows investigations in basic cell biology, toxicology, drug screening, and tissue engineering, free of artificial matrices, feeder layers, fetal gene expression, or the need for complex engineering technologies.

Probabilistic Trajectory Optimization Under Uncertain Path Constraints for Close Proximity Operations

Rendezvous and docking operations have been an integral component of manned spaceflight from the beginning of the space age. However, there is now a growing interest in close proximity spacecraft operations in the new areas of orbital debris removal, on-orbit assembly, on-orbit refueling, and on-orbit servicing and repair missions. Current trajectory planning methods focus on performing rendezvous and docking to very well-known targets and in very well-known conditions. Inherent to these new mission types, however, is an increasing element of uncertainty to which new trajectory optimization architectures will need to be robust. There is an inherent tradeoff here between safety and performance. This paper attempts to address the uncertainties underlying path constraints while maintaining a probabilistically optimal level of performance. The goal is to find baseline trajectories with the best expected performance over large uncertainties in mission critical parameters, such as knowledge of an obstacle’s position or attitude of a target spacecraft while knowing that the trajectory is able to be replanned on board the spacecraft when higher-precision information is obtained. Results specific to this problem and the associated analysis motivate the use of this probabilistic planning framework in future space missions.

GIS for School Libraries Emergency Planning

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a means of providing great contributions to users in decision making processes based on location. It presents the information to the users serves and provides data collecting, storing, processing, managing, analyzing, querying. GIS ensures that a lot of data are layered on the architectural plans of school libraries. A data that is not well evaluated due to the data intensity in the analysis studies may prevent both the delay and the accuracy of the desired diagnosis for solution. For this reason, GIS technology is used in places where intensive data usage. GIS, which has been started to be used by different disciplines together with technological developments, enables the storage and processing of all kinds of data to be analyzed. It is a system consisting of necessary hardware and software and users for these processes. It is a tool that enables effective management of data. Complex data is easily analyzed by users in a database by GIS software. It is also concerned with the association of spatial data and non-graphical (verbal) data. GIS is able to compare measurement results successfully according to conventional measurement evaluation methods. There are also a number of projects where GIS has been implemented in interior areas. School libraries can also serve in many areas or more than one floor. The GIS layers must be shown on floor plans as emergency exit doors, location of emergency intervention tools (fire extinguisher, fire hose, hydrant, fire alarm buttons, electric panel, gas valve, first aid kit etc.), nearest emergency service centers (fire brigade, police, ambulance, etc.), evacuation routes leading to emergency assembly area, external, main and service ladders, building non structural materials. As there are many people in schools and school libraries as a number of users, in case of fire, their evacuation must also be fast. GIS will also provide effective planning for rapid evacuation of schools and school libraries. Digital data obtained from service providers such as municipalities, water, natural gas companies can also be used as separated GIS layers. All building elements in the building can be classified in different colors and typologies for each floor (Balcony, wall, threshold, hall, stairs, room, window, shelves etc.). Emergency lighting kits should be installed in school libraries. Sensors, which are part of the fire alarm system, must also be located in the GIS layers. Furniture and furnishings used in the floors can also be shown on the GIS. Routes to be used by disabled users in emergency situations should be specified in these plans and physical arrangements such as ramps should be implemented. Area names in the school and in the school library should also be included in the GIS layers. The joint meetings should be held with the school library experts working in this field in the world, problems should be discussed, national and international networks should be established.

Aksaray Üniversitesi Öğrencilerinin Aksaray Kent Merkezindeki Yeme-İçme Mekânları Algısı (Perceptions of Aksaray University Students About Food-Beverage Places in the City Center of Aksaray)

Turkish Abstract: Bu calismada, Aksaray Universitesi merkez kampusunde ogrenim goren ogrencilerin Aksaray kent merkezinde yer alan yeme-icme mekânlari algilarinin belirlenmesi amaclanmaktadir. 2006 yilinda Aksaray Universitesi kurulmus ve universitenin kurulusundan gunumuze kadar kentsel gorunumde ortaya cikan en onemli degisim yemeicme mekânlarinda olmustur. Bu mekânlari hem beslenme hem de sosyallesme amaciyla en fazla kullanan nufus grubunun universite ogrencileri olmasi sebebiyle calisma universite ogrencilerine yonelik olarak gerceklestirilmistir. Calismanin amaci dogrultusunda; “Aksaray Universitesi ogrencilerinin zihin haritalarinda, yeme-icme mekânlarinin toplanma alani olarak kentin hangi bolgesi yer almaktadir?”; “Aksaray Universitesi ogrencilerinin zihin haritalarinda daha cok hangi tur yeme-icme mekânlari yer almaktadir?; “Aksaray Universitesi ogrencilerinin yeme-icme mekânlari zihin haritalarinda belirttikleri unsurlar, Lynch (1960)’in kentsel imajini olusturan elemanlara uyarlanabilir mi?” sorularina yanit aranmistir. Veri toplama araci olarak anket ve taslak harita tekniginin kullanildigi calisma 324 ogrenci ile yurutulmustur. Haritalarin analizinde nitel analiz teknikleri kullanilmistir. Taslak haritalarda ogrencilerin cizdikleri bolgeler ve cizimlerinde yer alan yeme-icme mekânlari betimsel olarak degerlendirilmistir. Isaretlenen mekânlarin sikliklarina gore haritalar olusturulmus ve degerlendirilmistir. Sonuc olarak, ogrencilerin eski kentsel bolgeler yerine universitenin kurulmasi ile gelisen alanlari daha fazla algiladigi ve universitenin kurulusu ile birlikte kentin yeme-icme mekânlarinin gorunumunde gerceklesen donusume uyum sagladiklari belirlenmistir. Ogrencilerin zihin haritalarinda, donerciler ile kafelerin algilanma sikligi yuksektir. Ayrica, calismada Lynch’in kentsel imaj elemanlarindan yollar ve nirengi noktalarinin yuksek siklikla ogrencilerin algilarinda yer aldigi tespit edilmistir. English Abstract: In this study, it is aimed to determine the perceptions of students receiving education at the central campus of Aksaray University about food-beverage places in the city center of Aksaray. In 2006, Aksaray University was established and the most important change in the urban view has been observed in food-beverage places since the establishment of the university until today. As these places are mainly used by university students for both nourishment and socialization, the study targets university students. According to the study objective, answers are sought to the following questions; “Which region of the city is involved in mind maps of Aksaray University students as the assembly area of food-beverage places?”; “What kind of food-beverage places are generally involved in mind maps of Aksaray University students?; “Could the elements specified in mind maps of Aksaray University students regarding food-beverage places be adapted into elements that constitute Lynch (1960)’s urban image?”. The study where the data were collected via questionnaire and draft map techniques was conducted with 324 students. The maps were analyzed by using qualitative analysis techniques. On draft maps, the areas drawn by students showing food-beverage places were evaluated descriptively. Maps were formed and evaluated according to the frequency of places being marked. As a consequence; it was determined that students mainly perceived the areas that developed after the establishment of the university rather than former urban regions and adapted to the transformation caused by the establishment of the university in the appearance of foodbeverage places of the city. Doner shops and cafes were perceived more frequently in mind maps of students. In the study, it was also determined that roads and triangulation points, which are among Lynch’s urban image elements, were perceived more frequently by students.

Risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders in a refrigerator manufacturing company

To establish the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders in operative workers of a refrigerator manufacturing company in Barranquilla, Colombia. Cross-sectional, descriptive research. A convenience sampling was carried out, consisting of 79 workers. The instruments used were: PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire), BMI (Body Mass Index), Nordic questionnaire and REBA method. Of the total population surveyed, 60.8% reported some musculoskeletal symptoms; 48.1% said they had a single body segment affected, 10.1% had 2 segments affected, and 1.3% had 3 or 4 segments involved. The most involved body segment was the thoracolumbar segment, which was related to positions such as assembly operator, veneer operator, injection operator and welder. The group of workers in the areas of assembly, veneer, injection and welding is especially exposed to risk factors that increase the likelihood of suffering discomfort and musculoskeletal damage. Moving the upper limbs repeatedly and handling loads manually are some of the ergonomic risks and demands for attention, while psychosocial risks to which this group is exposed include high work rates and short deadlines. In addition, the body mass index is an important factor for the onset of musculoskeletal disorders.

Passengers’ perceived ability to get out safely from an underground train station in an emergency situation

Many recent studies have been done on the development of evacuation systems and plans. There are also several studies on human behaviour in fire. However, little research has been done to understand how peoples' likely behaviour relates to their perceived ability to get out safely during an emergency, especially in a major transport hub like an underground train station. This study explores the beliefs and perceptions of 1134 train passengers and finds that those who report that they are likely to move to the exit immediately, wait for directions from the station staff, wait at assembly areas, help others with difficulties, choose the least crowded exit and/or use the escalators to get out also report that they expect to get out safely. In contrast, passengers who report that they are likely to do nothing and/or push others if necessary also report that they are less likely to get out safely.

Development of a primary standard for dynamic pressure based on drop weight method covering a range of 10 MPa–400 MPa

In this paper we present the development of a primary standard for dynamic pressures that is based on the drop weight method. At the moment dynamic pressure transducers are typically calibrated using reference transducers, which are calibrated against static pressure standards. Because dynamic and static characteristics of pressure transducers may significantly differ from each other, it is important that these transducers are calibrated against dynamic pressure standards. In a method developed in VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Centre for Metrology MIKES, a pressure pulse is generated by impact between a dropping weight and a piston of a liquid-filled piston-cylinder assembly. The traceability to SI-units is realized through interferometric measurement of the acceleration of the dropping weight during impact, the effective area of the piston-cylinder assembly and the mass of the weight. Based on experimental validation and an uncertainty evaluation, the developed primary standard provides traceability for peak pressures in the range from 10 MPa to 400 MPa with a few millisecond pulse width and a typical relative expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 1.5%. The performance of the primary standard is demonstrated by test calibrations of two dynamic pressure transducers.

Combining lean tools application in kaizen: a field study on the printing industry

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the lessons learned from two kaizen events for productivity improvement in a printing company. The paper suggests how to organize lean tools to improve productivity through the use of organized kaizen events in the printing industry to meet defined targets.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a field study involving participant observations. The relationships among the three specific tools, line balancing, standardized work and standardized layout that are used in a kaizen event of a printing factory, are examined.FindingsApplication of a mix of lean tools resulted in significant productivity improvements of 10-30 percent in the assembly area of the printing company. Based on the outcomes of the lean tools that are applied in various work areas, the best combinations of lean tools are identified and several key considerations are discussed.Practical implicationsThis paper shows that a combined set of lean tools such as line balancing, standardized work and standardized layout can be applied to improve productivity in the printing operations, which is identifiable with a mix of processes that are both labor intensive and equipment flexible.Originality/valueThe paper fills the literature gap on the use of specific lean tools: line balancing, standardized work and standardized layout in the printing industry. The findings from this research can be applied to other assembly systems that are similar to the printing industry.