Innovative Manufacturing Research Articles

Analysis of the Rheological Properties of Natural Hydraulic Lime-Based Suspensions for Sustainable Construction and Heritage Conservation.

Natural hydraulic lime (NHL)-based binders play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage structures, ensuring integrity and longevity. Beyond traditional uses, these binders exhibit potential for integration into both non-structural and structural components, being compatible with innovative manufacturing processes such as digital fabrication. Meticulously designed grouts, with applicability in their fresh and hardened states, are essential for heritage stability. This study explores the relationships between mineral additions, chemical admixtures, and lime for grout formulations, aiming to advance our understanding and inform the optimization of materials for heritage restoration. Key questions include the influence of natural volcanic pozzolan (NVP) and metakaolin (MK) on rheology and the impact of varying ratios of superplasticizer on NHL-based grout's rheological behavior. This systematic evaluation of rheological parameters aims to innovate mix designs, expanding NHL-based binders' applicability in construction and science. Our hypotheses suggest that well-designed lime grout formulations, incorporating NVP and MK, can enhance rheological properties, addressing challenges in sustainable construction and heritage conservation. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing lime-based materials, fostering advancements in heritage restoration, and promoting wider NHL-based binder adoption in diverse construction applications.

Privacy-Preserving Neural Networks for Smart Manufacturing

Abstract The rapid advance in sensing technology has expedited data-driven innovation in manufacturing by enabling the collection of large amounts of data from factories. Big data provides an unprecedented opportunity for smart decision-making in the manufacturing process. However, big data also attracts cyberattacks and makes manufacturing systems vulnerable due to the inherent value of sensitive information. The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within smart factories also exposes manufacturing equipment susceptible to cyber threats, posing a critical risk to the integrity of smart manufacturing systems. Cyberattacks targeting manufacturing data can result in considerable financial losses and severe business disruption. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop AI models that incorporate privacy-preserving methods to protect sensitive information implicit in the models against model inversion attacks. Hence, this paper presents the development of a new approach called mosaic neuron perturbation (MNP) to preserve latent information in the framework of the AI model, ensuring differential privacy requirements while mitigating the risk of model inversion attacks. MNP is flexible to implement into AI models, balancing the trade-off between model performance and robustness against cyberattacks while being highly scalable for large-scale computing. Experimental results, based on real-world manufacturing data collected from the computer numerical control (CNC) turning process, demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves the ability to prevent inversion attacks while maintaining high prediction performance. The MNP method shows strong potential for making manufacturing systems both smart and secure by addressing the risk of data breaches while preserving the quality of AI models.

The Effect of Smart Factory on the Continuous Improvement of the Production Process: A Review

This in-depth exploration uncovers the game-changing effect of smart factories on the continuous improvement of the production process, harnessing the power of advanced technologies. By closely examining key components such as Machine Learning, Virtual Reality, Additive Manufacturing, and Big Data Analysis, this study provides a detailed understanding of how these innovations shape the smart factory landscape. It highlights the adaptability and efficacy of these techniques by showcasing real-world implementations through case studies across several industrial sectors, going beyond the technical aspects. Moreover, the review delves into the practicalities of implementation, discussing strategies like Advanced Sensing, Control, Platform, and Model (ASCPM), and Visualization, Informatics, and Digital Manufacturing (VIDM). A SWOT analysis reveals the internal strengths and weaknesses, recognizing factors like interoperability, decentralization, and modularity, while also addressing challenges such as the need for personnel training and substantial investment. Looking ahead, the paper emphasizes the exciting opportunities presented by smart factories, including sustainable development, cost reduction, and the emergence of new business models. It also addresses potential threats, such as job losses and cybersecurity concerns. Ultimately, the review paints a human picture of smart factories, showcasing their roles or significance in the continuous improvement of the production process through their transformative impact on efficiency, waste reduction, cost savings, and innovation in manufacturing. The future research recommendations underscore the need to focus

European funding for research in EV battery materials

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is committed to supporting innovative European manufacturing in strategic net-zero technologies.

Can Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones Promote the Operational Efficiency of Commercial Banks? — Empirical Research Based on 40 Commercial Banks in China

The Chinese government is placing significant emphasis on green development. From 2017 to 2021, the central and local governments in China established 9 green finance reform and innovation pilot zones in 6 provinces to explore the pillars of China’s green finance system. Although these zones and related policies have been proven advantageous for innovative manufacturing enterprises and environmental quality, the impact on commercial banks, pivotal players in China’s green finance landscape, has been understudied. This paper employs the DEA-Malmquist and DID models to investigate the impact of pilot zones on the operational efficiency of commercial banks. The results indicate that the establishment of pilot zones significantly improves banks’ operational efficiency, and the mechanisms are reducing non-performing loan rates and increasing green credit balance. In addition, state-owned banks have benefited more. Further research shows that the improvement mainly comes from increased pure technical efficiency, due to better management practices and resource utilisation. These findings can be used to evaluate the impact of the government’s green finance policy on the operation of commercial banks.

Hierarchical heterogeneities engineering towards sustainable high-performing alloys

High-performing alloys are the backbone of decarbonising innovations in manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and transportation. There is an increasing demand for superb structural materials to tackle the significant economic, energy-efficient, and environmental issues. However, after decades of exploration, many engineering alloys seem to have approached their performance limits because the fundamental challenges lying in mutual exclusion among material properties, particularly in materials with homogeneous microstructures, are not readily surmounted. It is progressively realised that intentionally deploying structural or chemical heterogeneities into metals can produce noticeably improved global properties that are not attainable in traditional homogeneous materials. In this perspective, we briefly introduce the recent relevant progress and propose an innovative design concept of hierarchical heterogeneity engineering to develop sustainable high-performance alloys. This novel design strategy aims to enable an intelligent modulation and integration of the hierarchical chemical/structural heterogeneities with length scales spanning several orders of magnitude, breaking the existing ceilings of the attainable combinations of exceptional properties. Developing such a “do more, with less, for better and longer” design strategy would allow us to exploit most of the material potency to mitigate environmental burden and improve long-term sustainability.

Exploration of material recovery framework from waste – A revolutionary move towards clean environment

Reduce environmental impacts and guarantee a steady supply of critical chemicals by practising sustainable waste management and chemical production. By advancing circular economy ideas and decreasing dependency on finite resources, this research has the potential to alter the industrial landscape radically. The technological, economic, regulatory, and social barriers to waste material recovery and chemical production are explored in this paper. The key to resolving these issues is the identification of solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally benign. This paper introduces the sustainable Chemical Production and Waste Material Recovery Framework (CP&WMRF), which incorporates innovative recycling and upcycling methods, innovative chemical manufacturing processes, and the incorporation of digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to maximize the efficiency with which resources are employed. It is possible to reduce waste and energy use in the production of Interfaces with the help of CP&WMRF. Chemicals can be manufactured using sustainable feedstocks as an alternative to fossil fuels. The system standardizes how e-waste can be recycled and recovered metals and materials can be used. To prove the viability and efficiency of these methods, they require innovative simulation and modeling tools. The assessments help decision-makers understand the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed technologies in terms of their performance, environmental effect, and economic viability. When pitted against AI-ML, which achieved 94.2 %, CP&WMRF's 96.2 % result reveals a significant edge. AI-ML is less efficient, with a score of 93.8 %. The field of sustainability analysis, with a score of 95.2 %, is higher than AI-ML's decent lower score of 93.2 %. The impressive 97.5 % score of CP&WMRF in terms of resource efficiency substantially surpasses the 92.8 % score ascribed to AI-ML. The remarkable success of CP&WMRF in optimizing waste recovery, with a score of 98.7 %, higher than the 91.5 % associated with AI-ML. The present research establishes the framework for a revolutionary move toward circular and green chemistry by integrating innovative methods, all-encompassing applications, and rigorous simulation analysis.

Biased innovation and network evolution: digital driver for green innovation of manufacturing in China

ABSTRACT The study aims to explore the spatial association network characteristics of biased green innovation in the manufacturing sector and its core drivers. This study constructs a Malmquist-Luenberger decomposition index model to identify the input and output biases of green technological innovation (GIIM and GIOM) in the manufacturing industry. This study uses a modified gravity model and social network analysis method to conduct a robust assessment of GIIM spatial association network of 30 provinces in China from 2012 to 2021. The results show: (1) The GIIM association network structure is stable and has good accessibility, with close connections between provinces and blocks, and significant spillover effects between provinces. (2) The regional network shows a “core-periphery” spatial variation, with the core area expanding and the peripheral area shrinking. (3) The digital transformation characteristics of the network components and the intensity of environmental regulation have a significant impact on GIIM.

Rovers with Rocker-Bogie Mechanisms: A review of progress and innovations in design, manufacturing, and control

Rovers equipped with Rocker-Bogie mechanisms have emerged as pivotal assets in the domains of interplanetary and terrain exploration. To carry out scientific investigations, Rovers have undergone significant advancements. This review comprehensively examines the progress and innovations associated with the design, manufacturing, and control of these robotic systems. The Rocker-Bogie Mechanism and its kinematic variations available are identified and discussed. Given the importance of kinematic studies, viewpoints on wheel-terrain interaction and framework models for analyses are presented. A key limitation in the analyzed papers was the restriction of choice of design process to the conventional method for which, an approach to design through a Generative Design algorithm has been indicated. The studies indicated the material choice of Titanium and other alloys, the manufacturing choice of Additive Manufacturing which has been analyzed, for which suggestions for advancements and alternatives are highlighted. It was observed that a standard and general procedure to automate the operations of the rovers is still lacking. This review can provide a guide for new advancements in Rocker-Bogie-based rovers.

THE NEXUS OF BIG DATA ANALYTICS, KNOWLEDGE SHARING, AND PRODUCT INNOVATION IN MANUFACTURING

In today‘s highly competitive business environments, manufacturers face stiff competition. As digital technologies have become more pervasive, many businesses in the manufacturing sector have begun to tap into the potential of big data analytics to gain an edge in their markets. Companies in the manufacturing sector can gain a significant competitive advantage by strategically utilizing big data analytics to uncover profound insights that have the potential to significantly enhance their capabilities in product innovation. This research delves into communication’s role as a go-between for big data analytics and product innovations’ success at manufacturing firms. The validity and reliability of the measurement scales were first thoroughly examined in this study. The research model was then tested using structural equation modeling and process macro analysis. The analytical findings unveil those big data analytics exert a pronounced, positive, and statistically significant impact on product innovation performance and information-sharing dynamics. Furthermore, it is discerned that information-sharing exerts a substantial and affirmative influence on the capacity for product innovation. Additionally, it is established that the impact of big data analytics on product innovation performance undergoes moderation by the information-sharing mechanism.

Emerging Multiscale Biofabrication Approaches for Bacteriotherapy.

Bacteriotherapy is emerging as a strategic and effective approach to treat infections by providing putatively harmless bacteria (i.e., probiotics) as antagonists to pathogens. Proper delivery of probiotics or their metabolites (i.e., post-biotics) can facilitate their availing of biomaterial encapsulation via innovative manufacturing technologies. This review paper aims to provide the most recent biomaterial-assisted strategies proposed to treat infections or dysbiosis using bacteriotherapy. We revised the encapsulation processes across multiscale biomaterial approaches, which could be ideal for targeting different tissues and suit diverse therapeutic opportunities. Hydrogels, and specifically polysaccharides, are the focus of this review, as they have been reported to better sustain the vitality of the live cells incorporated. Specifically, the approaches used for fabricating hydrogel-based devices with increasing dimensionality (D)-namely, 0D (i.e., particles), 1D (i.e., fibers), 2D (i.e., fiber meshes), and 3D (i.e., scaffolds)-endowed with probiotics, were detailed by describing their advantages and challenges, along with a future overlook in the field. Electrospinning, electrospray, and 3D bioprinting were investigated as new biofabrication methods for probiotic encapsulation within multidimensional matrices. Finally, examples of biomaterial-based systems for cell and possibly post-biotic release were reported.

Revolutionizing contact lens manufacturing: exploring cutting-edge techniques and innovations for enhanced vision and comfort

Abstract This review paper delves into the advancements and innovations revolutionizing contact lens (CL) manufacturing, focusing on techniques and technologies aimed at improving vision quality and wearer comfort. The article begins by tracing the evolution of CL fabrication techniques, paying homage to Leonardo da Vinci’s early contributions. It then discusses traditional methods such as lathe-cutting, spincasting, molded lens fabrication, and the recent advent of 3D printing in CL production. The review further explores advanced CL designs, including spherical, aspheric, toric, and bifocal/multifocal CLs, highlighting their specific applications and benefits. Material innovations in lens manufacturing are examined, with an emphasis on silicone hydrogel CL, hybrid lenses combining different materials, and the development of biocompatible and gas-permeable (GP) materials. Evaluation of optical design efficiency is another crucial aspect covered in this paper, encompassing visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, through-focus curves, reading performance, peripheral refraction, and patient-reported outcomes for quality of vision. Additionally, the role of nanotechnology and surface modifications in enhancing lens properties is explored, along with advances in lens coating and surface treatments, including antimicrobial and UV protection coatings. Nanocomposites of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and TiO2 showed refractive indices between 1.52 and 1.59, while combining TiO2 NPs with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) yielded values ranging from 1.47 to 1.53. PGMA-TiO2 nanocomposites exhibited refractive indices between 1.47 and 1.50. Furthermore, nanocomposites of PVP-PVA-Ag with silver (Ag) NPs achieved higher refractive indices within the range of 1.45 to 1.49. This article concludes by discussing the challenges and future directions in CL manufacturing, focusing on addressing lens discomfort, improving oxygen permeability and moisture retention, and enhancing manufacturing efficiency and scalability. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into the cutting-edge techniques and innovations transforming CL production and paving the way for improved vision correction and wearer satisfaction.

An Approach to 3D Printing Techniques, Polymer Materials, and Their Applications in the Production of Drug Delivery Systems

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) technologies are characterized as a set of innovative manufacturing techniques that allow for the creation of complex and/or personalized three-dimensional physical objects on the work surface of a 3D printing machine (based on the computer-aided design (CAD) project designs of these parts). Three-dimensional printing techniques are widely used in various areas of knowledge, such as education, engineering, and biomedicine. Polymeric materials are widely used for these applications, mainly due to their desirable workability during part manufacturing, compatibility with other chemical materials, the wide range of polymers with different physical and chemical characteristics, and the possibility for recycling. The development of polymeric drug delivery systems (DDSs) by 3D printing is currently an active field of research, both in academia and industry, given the potential of this technique for medical purposes. In this context, this work reviews potential polymers for the production of drug delivery systems via 3D printing techniques. The demonstrations of the main 3DP techniques used for drug delivery applications include their working principles and advantages and how the technologies develop the final product. In addition, potential synthetic and natural polymers that are currently used in 3DP drug delivery devices are presented and discussed based on recent scientific studies.

How does technological complexity affect manufacturers' innovation? Based on the perspective of vertical separation structure

PurposeComplex technology not only provides potential economic benefits but also increases the difficulty of application. Whether and how upstream technological complexity affects downstream manufacturers' innovation through vertical separation structure is worth discussing, but it has not been effectively discussed.Design/methodology/approachThrough theoretical analysis and empirical testing, this article discusses the cost effect and market competition effect caused by upstream technological complexity on downstream manufacturers and further elucidates the impact of upstream technological complexity on downstream manufacturers' innovation.FindingsResearch has found that the impact of upstream technological complexity on the downstream manufacturers' innovation depends on the cost effect and market competition effect. The cost effect caused by the complexity of upstream technology inhibits the innovation of downstream manufacturers. In contrast, the market competition effect promotes the innovation of downstream manufacturers. There are differences in the cost effect and market competition effect of upstream technological complexity on different types of downstream manufacturers, so there is also significant heterogeneity in the impact of upstream technological complexity on innovation of different types of downstream manufacturers.Originality/valueThe conclusions of this article improve the understanding of the relationship between upstream technological complexity and downstream innovation and provide helpful implications for industrial chain innovation.

Smile renaissance: Monolithic marvels with cad-cam crown

Progress in materials science, bonding protocols, and innovative manufacturing techniques promotes the creation of new ceramic materials. These advancements aim to address the growing need for fixed prosthodontics restorations that are not only highly aesthetic but also biocompatible and durable. The recently launched ALD ceramic, designed for the "Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics" (CEREC) system, yields restorations that are both aesthetically satisfying and superior clinically. The reduced processing time, coupled with elevated flexural strength, enhances efficiency of chairside workflows. In this particular case report, restoration was deemed necessary for anterior tooth. This tooth underwent preparation, scanning, and design processes using CEREC-Omnicam, with subsequent fabrication using MCXL The rehabilitation accomplished with the ALD blocks resulted in a visually pleasing and functionally sound outcome. Notably, this approach contributed to a more efficient overall treatment time, resulting in heightened satisfaction for both the patient and the practitioner.

Optimizing Smart Factories: A Data-Driven Approach

Since the first industrial revolution, the leading role of emerging technologies has been highlighted in modernizing the industry and developing the workforce. This study explores the impact of Industry 4.0 digital technologies on manufacturing competitiveness, focusing on Finnish SMEs within the EU with a sample (n = 123). It utilizes extensive 2022 European Manufacturing Survey (EMS22) data. Advanced statistical techniques reveal complex connections between automation, competitive edge on services, and innovation models, among other factors. Robust statistical methods, including component and reliability analyses, reinforced the findings. The conclusion offers critical insights and identifies areas for further research in combining innovative manufacturing practices with technology education.

Investigations to improve the tool life during thermomechanical and incremental forming of steel auxiliary joining elements

Modern vehicles as well as structures consist more and more often of a multi material mix. In addition to the use of light materials (e. g. aluminium) to optimise lightweight construction potential, higher strength alloys are being used more and more frequently. With the different material combinations, the requirements for the joining technology also increase. Thus (due to restrictions in the area of thermal joining processes) the joining of different material combinations is often realised by mechanical joining technology. Even though different joining tasks (dissimilar material or sheet thicknesses) can be solved by mechanical joining technology in general, it is often required to switch between appropriate auxiliary joining elements and even joining technique. To adapt the auxiliary elements to the individual requirements of each joint an innovative manufacturing process of customisable auxiliary joining elements has been developed. The use of the incremental, thermomechanical manufacturing process called friction-spinning for the manufacturing of adaptive auxiliary joining elements enables to individualise each element for the subsequent joining process. However, this advantage comes at the cost of a high mechanical and thermal loads on the forming tools. These loads also depend on the process design (trajectory, feed, rotational speed) and have to be controlled in order to improve the tool life. For a more profound process knowledge and to better understand the corellation of the individual process variables, a series of tests with varying process parameters were carried out in a partial factorial design of experiments. The results show not only an possible improvement in the tool life, but also the required process design for a higher reproducibility of the auxiliary joining element geometry and the possibility of positively influencing the geometry to achieve a force-closure of the joint.

Editorial: Rolling bearing optimization through innovative manufacturing processes

Editorial: Rolling bearing optimization through innovative manufacturing processes

Complexity of green innovation in manufacturing: a case in a foundry

Nowadays the improvement of environmental performances is one of aims of innovation in factories, to implement the sustainable development. For the achievement of the environmental goals, a firm can follow Green Innovation, namely developing environmentally friendly products and processes. In spite of the interest on Green Innovation, the progress towards the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, at halfway, is insufficient. In searching for solutions probably the complexity of introducing Green Innovation in factories is an issue.The aim of the paper is to show the complexity of innovation management by a real case: the pretests of new inorganic binders in a ferrous foundry. After a brief description of the Green Casting project case is considered by showing all the activities and entities involved. Finally, the results are discussed, and possible future developments are drawn. Results will show that development of project management tools and new technologies for training could be useful.

Exploring the Nexus: IT Capabilities, Digital Transformation, and Innovation in Traditional Manufacturing

This research investigates the interplay between information technology capabilities, digital transformation strategies, and digital innovation performance in traditional manufacturing enterprises. Utilizing a multi-case exploratory research approach, incorporating dynamic capability theory and institutional theory, hypotheses were formulated and validated through empirical analysis of questionnaire survey data. Findings reveal that IT capabilities positively influence both digital product and process innovation performance. Additionally, digital transformation strategies mediate the relationship between IT capabilities and innovation performance. Organizational legitimacy moderates the impact of digital transformation strategies on innovation performance, while environmental dynamism influences the relationship between IT capabilities, transformation strategies, and innovation performance. The study underscores the importance of aligning internal resources with strategic needs to navigate digitalization successfully in traditional manufacturing contexts.