Manufacturing Strategy Research Articles

Manufacturing Single‐Atom Alloy Catalysts for Selective CO2 Hydrogenation via Refinement of Isolated‐Alloy‐Islands

AbstractSingle‐atom alloy (SAA) catalysts exhibit huge potential in heterogeneous catalysis. Manufacturing SAAs requires complex and expensive synthesis methods to precisely control the atomic scale dispersion to form diluted alloys with less active sites and easy sintering of host metal, which is still in the early stages of development. Here, we address these limitations with a straightforward strategy from a brand‐new perspective involving the ‘islanding effect’ for manufacturing SAAs without dilution: homogeneous RuNi alloys were continuously refined to highly dispersed alloy‐islands (~1 nm) with completely single‐atom sites where the relative metal loading was as high as 40 %. Characterized by advanced atomic‐resolution techniques, single Ru atoms were bonded with Ni as SAAs with extraordinary long‐term stability and no sintering of the host metal. The SAAs exhibited 100 % CO selectivity, over 55 times reverse water‐gas shift (RWGS) rate than the alloys with Ru cluster sites, and over 3–4 times higher than SAAs by the dilution strategy. This study reports a one‐step manufacturing strategy for SAA's using the wetness impregnation method with durable high atomic efficiency and holds promise for large‐scale industrial applications.

Reshoring concepts: definitions and a structured bibliometric review

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to clearly mark the clusters in the related literature using bibliometric analysis and draw useful implications for the academic research purposes especially in the stream of Supply Chain Management (SCM).Design/methodology/approachBy employing rigorous selection criteria, sample articles were selected for synthesizing and conducting a bibliometric analysis. This paper tries to identify the significance of the concept of reshoring with the aspect of SCM, operations, logistics etc. Starting from sample selection, systematic selection criteria has been used to generate the database, using Scopus. The sample size was 184. Using VOSViewer, statistical and graphical representations were generated for clusters in the literature that will be useful for judging the trends of research under shoring concepts.FindingsFindings show that unclear difference compared to other supply chain concepts obstructs further theory development within reshoring concepts. To address this challenge, the review categorizes themes and defines boundaries. Based on the analysis findings, this paper advocates for additional research in areas that are crucial but have received limited or no attention. Specifically, there is a need for action research on motivations, governance modes, and location selection concerning reshoring decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThis review has a few limitations. The absence of publications in other language, than English, may result in a significant loss of knowledge. This research paper cited a few relevant publications in the form of conference papers, industry reports, books, and book chapters. Nonetheless, they were excluded from the organized bibliometric audit. To further advance the knowledge in this field, exploratory longitudinal case studies will bring to focus the changes on manufacturing strategies using the shoring and reshoring stages.Practical implicationsA current example of this is a French company named Stil (Terzian, 2020) which brought its glass thermometer production back to its home after the unexpected closure of its suppliers from China. Another Italian firm has restarted production of disposal bio-degradable face masks after 15 years to compete with low-cost alternatives from China (Greco, 2020). Reshoring concepts are now under consideration of organizations including Boeing, Bosch, Phillips and more.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this represents one of the earliest efforts to conceptualize and define reshoring concepts, aiming to distinguish them from one another appropriately. To accomplish this, the earlier demarcated clusters precede this section’s classification of reshoring concepts illustrated in Table 8. Based on the synthesis of definitions and thematic clusters above, we have concluded the literature review in this emerging field. It is intended to contribute to theory development and practitioner support in reshoring decisions by clarifying the dimensions.

Microfluidic Precision Manufacture of High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Microspheres

A key bottleneck in developing chromatographic material is the chemically entangled control of morphology, pore structure, and material chemistry, which holds back precision material manufacture in order to pursue advanced separation performance. In this work, a precision manufacture strategy based on droplet microfluidics was developed, for production of highly efficient chromatographic microspheres with independent control over particle morphology, pore structure and material chemistry. The droplet‐synthesized microspheres display extremely narrow particle size distribution (CV<3%), enabling a 100% production yield due to complete elimination of sieving steps. More importantly, the size of the droplet‐synthesized microspheres is freely adjustable without the need for re‐optimizing chemical recipes or reaction conditions. The resulting materials exhibit excellent separation efficiencies, achieving a reduced plate height of hmin​=1.67. This precision manufacture strategy also allows for flexible pore design and continuous pore size adjustment across three orders of magnitudes, providing a novel vehicle for resolution fine‐tuning targeting protein separation. Besides traditional silica, organic‐inorganic hybrid silica, zirconia, and titania microspheres can also be precisely synthesized on the same platform, supporting various separation applications and operating conditions. Powered by precision manufacture, super‐throughput production, and versatile chemistry, the high‐performance droplet‐synthesized separation material will pave the way towards green and precision chromatographic industry.

Microfluidic Precision Manufacture of High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Microspheres.

A key bottleneck in developing chromatographic material is the chemically entangled control of morphology, pore structure, and material chemistry, which holds back precision material manufacture in order to pursue advanced separation performance. In this work, a precision manufacture strategy based on droplet microfluidics was developed,for production of highly efficient chromatographic microspheres with independent controloverparticle morphology, pore structureand material chemistry.The droplet-synthesized microspheres display extremely narrow particle size distribution (CV<3%), enabling a 100% production yield due to complete elimination of sieving steps. More importantly, the size of the droplet-synthesized microspheres is freely adjustable without the need for re-optimizing chemical recipes or reaction conditions. The resulting materials exhibit excellent separation efficiencies, achieving a reduced plate height of hmin​=1.67. This precision manufacture strategy also allows for flexible pore design and continuous pore size adjustment across three orders of magnitudes, providing a novel vehicle for resolution fine-tuning targeting protein separation. Besides traditional silica, organic-inorganic hybrid silica, zirconia, and titania microspheres can also be precisely synthesized on the same platform, supporting various separation applications and operating conditions. Powered by precision manufacture, super-throughput production, and versatile chemistry, the high-performance droplet-synthesized separation material will pave the way towards green and precision chromatographic industry.

Optimizing System Efficiency and Reliability: Integrating Semi-Markov Processes and Regenerative Point Techniques for Maintenance Strategies in Plate Manufacturing

This paper offers a modeling methodology to evaluate similar systems’ performance and optimize system effectiveness with customized maintenance plans. This strategy, which combines regeneration point techniques with semi-Markov processes, is used to assess a plate manufacturing company’s system. Key insights are obtained using a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes numerical analysis, graphical interpretations, and system efficacy indicators. The study clarifies the dynamics of the system’s reliability under different repair rates by showing an inverse relationship between Mean Time to System Failures (MTSF) and failure rate. Additionally, the analysis clarifies how profit is affected by failure rate, highlighting the necessity of efficient maintenance plans from an economic standpoint. This research highlights the growing significance of availability and dependability in technology-driven sectors and emphasizes the need for dependable systems. This paper makes a substantial contribution to the knowledge already available in the field of reliability engineering by providing a thorough framework that combines regeneration point approaches and semi-Markov processes. The metrics that are obtained offer a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of the system, which in turn helps industry practitioners make well-informed decisions.

Execution of revised BMIM similarity coefficient for part family formation in reconfigurable manufacturing system

The reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) is an advanced manufacturing strategy that enables precise adjustment of functionality and capacity to meet fluctuating demands economically. RMS focuses on part families, allowing configurations to be adapted for new part requirements. Optimizing flow line design to produce various parts involves minimizing reconfigurations and associated costs by enhancing operation sequence similarity. This article proposes a novel sequence optimization using the Longest Common Subsequence (LCS) method to reduce bypassing moves and machine idle times. The study introduces a similarity coefficient derived from LCS and employs average linkage hierarchical clustering to categorize parts in a case study. Unlike traditional methods, this approach considers material movements both before the initial machine and after the final processing station, addressing gaps in bypassing move calculations. The impact of different weighting scenarios for Type-II moves (ω) and machine idleness (β) on clustering was examined. For example, with Type-II move weights (ω) of {1.0, 0.6, 0.3, 0.0} and equal weightings for bypassing moves (α) and machine idleness (β) set at 0.5, a threshold value of 0.3 results in eight clusters, such as Cluster 1 {1, 11, 10, 12} and Cluster 3 {3, 5, 6, 4, 15, 9, 13, 14, 7, 8}. Lower threshold values lead to fewer clusters with larger sizes, indicating a more consolidated part family grouping. Various Type-II move weights and material handling scenarios demonstrate how different weighting configurations affect clustering and part family sizes. This approach enhances RMS efficiency by integrating comprehensive material handling considerations and optimizing clustering based on operational similarities.

Laser powder bed fusion in-situ alloying of W-Y alloy: Microstructure, mechanical properties and cracking suppression

The microcracks caused by impurity oxygen are recognized as one of the main challenges in additive manufacturing of tungsten. In this study, yttrium was incorporated into the tungsten matrix to suppress crack formation, and W-Y alloys with minimal cracks were successfully obtained by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). It is found that during the LPBF process, yttrium combines with impurity oxygen to generate intergranular and intragranular precipitated particles in situ, which effectively suppress cracking behavior due to impurity oxygen. Furthermore, these intracrystalline nanoprecipitate are cubic Y2O3 particles that have formed a semi-coherent interface with the tungsten matrix. These dispersed particles significantly improved the mechanical properties of W-Y alloy. The results offer a corresponding strategy for crack suppression of tungsten alloys in laser additive manufacturing processes, and would provide a benificial additive manufacturing strategy to other refractory alloys.

3D Printing of solvent-free PEO-Polyolefin solid polymer electrolyte by Fused Filament Fabrication

ABSTRACT 3D printing of energy storage systems is at the heart of In-Space Manufacturing strategy. Within this context, Li-ion polymer batteries printing through Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is envisaged. This study is devoted to optimising the extruded solid polymer electrolyte filament properties. As the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) – lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) electrolyte offers the best Li+ conductivities but suffers from poor mechanical behaviour, poly(propylene) (PP) is added to ensure filament printability. An exhaustive investigation highlights the impact of the PEO molar weight and the LiTFSI and PP proportions. Fine-tuning these parameters alters molten phase viscosity, which affects the electrolyte morphology and ionic conductivity. Best formulations feature a co-continuous structure that provides effective mechanical reinforcement and exhibits the best ionic conductivity reported so far for an FFF-printed solvent-free polymer electrolyte of 1.2 × 10−4 S.cm−1 at 70°C. Therefore, it opens the way towards polymer battery printing, on the Earth and in microgravity conditions.

Lean Manufacturing Implementation in Developing Countries:Evidence from Jordanian Industrial Companies

In today's fiercely competitive landscape, industries are increasingly embracing lean manufacturing strategies for survival. However, the adoption of lean principles in Jordanian manufacturing sectors remains relatively new. This study aims to evaluate the current state of lean adoption in Jordanian industries, focusing on its techniques, motivations, and challenges. Employing a quantitative methodology, surveys targeted Production, Operation, and Quality Managers in Jordanian organizations. Out of 300 distributed questionnaires, 176 valid responses were received, representing a response rate of 58.7%. The findings indicate a relatively low adoption of lean practices in Jordanian industries, though firms that have implemented lean report significant benefits, particularly in quality enhancement and cost reduction. Key challenges include inadequate training, a scarcity of experts, and complexities in small batch production. While the study's sample size is limited, caution is warranted in interpreting the results. Further empirical research is needed to quantify the performance benefits of lean adoption. This study sheds light on lean adoption in Jordanian manufacturing, informing knowledge development and guiding future efforts to promote lean practices in the industrial landscape.

Developing a hybrid-built pre-hardened alloy steel for injection moulding tools using the laser powder bed fusion process

Hybrid additive-subtractive manufacturing has been adopted as a cost-effective alternative for manufacturing plastic injection moulding tools with conformal-cooled inserts created by fusing powder and wrought material. This article reports the development of a hybrid power-wrought pre-hardened alloy steel to supplement the current material choice for fabricating injection mould inserts using this advanced manufacturing strategy. In this study, MS1 (maraging 300) steel powder was additively deposited onto pre-machined wrought Nimax steel to form a hybrid alloy material. The mechanical and microstructural properties of the fusion-bonded interface were examined. Microstructural observation revealed a 280 μm thick interfacial region consisting of a homogenous mixing of powder and substrate materials. As a result of solid solution strengthening within the region, tensile tests established robust powder-substrate bonding with tensile ruptures occurring well away from the interface. The as-built hybrid-alloy steel possessed excellent mechanical properties, with 1200 MPa in ultimate tensile strength, 12.4 % in elongation at fracture and 39 HRC (Nimax)/42 HRC (MS1) in hardness. The overall results suggested that hybrid MS1-wrought Nimax steel is a suitable pre-hardened material for manufacturing durable and high-performance injection mould inserts as part of a cost-effective hybrid additive-subtractive manufacturing strategy.

Production line location strategy for foreign manufacturer when selling in a market lag behind in manufacturing

Production line location strategy for foreign manufacturer when selling in a market lag behind in manufacturing

Role of Industry 4.0 in zero-defect manufacturing: A systematic literature review and a conceptual framework for future research directions

Our study aimed to explore the crucial role of Industry 4.0 in achieving the goal of zero-defect manufacturing. We employed a systematic literature review methodology to examine the current literature systematically and make a conclusion. According to the systematic literature review methodology, we examined 33 articles from four databases, following a predefined set of research questions. During our investigation, we discovered several studies exploring the application of Industry 4.0 toward achieving the goal of zero-defect manufacturing. We identified key success factors and potential obstacles that must be addressed to integrate Industry 4.0 into the zero-defect manufacturing process successfully. We formulated four research propositions for future studies based on the key findings and gaps. We developed a conceptual framework that outlines how Industry 4.0 can be integrated into the zero-defect manufacturing strategy. Our study provides valuable insights for researchers and industry practitioners on integrating Industry 4.0 to achieve the objective of zero-defect manufacturing. By highlighting the gaps in the current research, we aimed to inspire more research in this area and contribute to the advancement of Industry 4.0 in zero-defect manufacturing.

Pomegranate Peel-Derived Hard Carbons as Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Exploring high-performance carbon anodes that are low-cost and easily accessible is the key to the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries. Producing carbon materials from bio by-products is an intriguing strategy for sodium-ion battery anode manufacture and for high-value utilization of biomass. Herein, a novel hard carbon (PPHC) was prepared via a facile pyrolysis process followed by acid treatment using biowaste pomegranate peel as the precursor. The morphology and structure of the PPHC were influenced by the carbonization temperature, as evidenced by physicochemical characterization. The PPHC pyrolyzed at 1100 °C showed expanded interlayer spacing and appropriate oxygen group content. When used as a sodium ion battery anode, the PPHC-1100 demonstrated a reversible capacity of up to 330 mAh g-1, maintaining 174 mAh g-1 at an increased current rate of 1 C. After 200 cycles at 0.5 C, the capacity delivered by PPHC-1100 was 175 mAh g-1. The electrochemical behavior of PPHC electrodes was investigated, revealing that the PPHC-1100 possessed increased capacitive-controlled energy storage and improved ion transport properties, which explained its excellent electrochemical performance. This work underscores the feasibility of high-performance sodium-ion battery anodes derived from biowaste and provides insights into the sodium storage process in biomass-derived hard carbon.

An Integrated Circular Supply Chain Framework to Enhance Malaysian Business Performance

Businesses rely on supply chain management to suit the needs of global and multigenerational consumers. However, the current linear manufacturing and distribution supply chain strategy has been regarded as the source of dangerous waste generation, environmental deterioration, and the global warming phenomenon. In mitigating this issue, circular supply chain management, a practical integration model, is seen as the solution as it helps to reduce material flows and supply chain waste. Unfortunately, the fundamental mechanisms that can support its effective execution have not been comprehensively examined, hindering its complete incorporation into company strategy. Thus, to overcome this knowledge gap and improve organizational understanding, this study uses the systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) procedure to investigate the characteristics, enablers, and barriers of circular supply chain management. The study found five interconnected key structures: government, industry stakeholders, corporate management, end users, and financial institutions, all of which play important roles in the successful implementation of a circular supply chain strategy. As a result, close collaboration across the five identified stakeholders is essential to enable successful implementation. This study's objective is to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 9, and 12, which aim to promote peace and prosperity for people and the planet both now and in the future.

Mechanical characterization of FDM components made of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) for aerospace applications: a comparison of direct printing and box-cut sample manufacturing strategies

This study delves into the manufacturing strategies employed for fabricating tensile samples utilized in the mechanical characterization of material extrusion (MEX) components constructed with polyaryletherketone (PAEK) for aerospace applications. Two distinct methods were investigated for obtaining tensile test samples: direct cutting and extraction from a box. These methods were examined under both as-printed and annealing conditions. Quasistatic tensile tests were conducted along the building direction to evaluate the impact of processing conditions on the adhesion of overlying layers. The results unveiled significant disparities in mechanical behavior and crystallinity between directly printed samples and those derived from the box. The Young’s modulus exhibited marginal influence; however, the tensile strength of directly printed samples measured at 30 MPa (prior to annealing), corresponding to 50% of the strength observed in samples cut from the box (60 MPa). Moreover, the elongation at rupture of directly printed samples was found to be less than 2%, while that of cut samples exceeded 8%. Notably, directly printed samples exhibited a significant degree of incipient crystallization (12.18%), contrasting with the lower level of crystallinity observed in samples cut from the box (3.27%). These findings underscore the importance of recognizing the limitations associated with direct sample printing, emphasizing its crucial role in accurately characterizing components destined for the aerospace industry. Furthermore, this understanding is pivotal for optimizing the performance and reliability of MEX-printed PAEK components in aerospace engineering applications.

Integrated manufacturing of powder metallurgy preparation-thixoforming for Al0.8Co0.5Cr1.5CuFeNi HEA: Excellent formability and enhancement by in-situ generated Al2O3 in liquid phase

Thixoforming displays wild application prospects in manufacturing Cu containing high entropy alloy (HEA) product. In current work, we proposed a novel manufacturing strategy on powder metallurgy preparation-thixoforming for Cu containing HEAs, integrating material preparation, shaping and strengthening objectives. During thixoforming, oxide in-situ generation in liquid phase was utilized to reinforce soft phase, achieving the strengthening of component. Based on this strategy, manufacturing of disc-shaped component for a model Al0.8Co0.5Cr1.5CuFeNi HEA was studied. Compared to 1175 °C thixoforming, room-temperature strength experiences a breakthrough increase at 1200 °C and 1225 °C, accompanied by an increase in yield strength of 323.8 MPa and 314.8 MPa, an increase in ultimate strength of 374.2 MPa and 470.0 MPa, meanwhile, fracture strain improves, which is caused by a considerable amount of in-suit generated Al2O3. Homogeneous and almost defect free microstructure obtained under higher temperature conditions ensures uniformity of mechanical properties for the whole component. As thixoforming temperature increases, preferred orientation of grain fiber shape becomes random, plastic deformation of solid grain (PDS) turns to flow of liquid incorporating solid particles (FLS), sliding between solid particles (SS) during material flow filling, which effectively reduces material damage risk caused by strain localization. In-situ generated Al2O3 in liquid phase helps to hinder crack propagation and blunt crack tip in Cu rich soft phase. Al2O3 only strengthens soft phase, relieving mismatch of strength-plasticity properties between soft and hard phase, accordingly, failure of soft phase is delayed and simultaneous improvement of strength and plasticity is achieved.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN FORMING INNOVATIVE MECHANISMS OF GREEN ECONOMIC GROWTH

The article examines the international experience of developing countries in creating and implementing innovative mechanisms to achieve green economic growth. The necessity of implementing such mechanisms to ensure sustainable economic development is substantiated. It is argued that innovative approaches are key to preserving the ecological balance and improving the well-being of the population. It was established that the effective use of natural resources requires the integration of environmental and economic strategies. Based on the set goal, various models and practices of green growth applied in developing countries are considered. Successful examples are studied and found that their adaptation can contribute to global sustainable development. Further perspectives of research should be aimed at studying the possibilities of scaling and optimization of these innovative mechanisms in the context of global challenges. It was determined that each country has its own characteristics due to the level of development of the country, its geographical location, the presence of natural resources and the specifics of the concepts, models and development tools used, which correspond to national priorities and accumulated experience, and therefore the transition to a "green" economy for different states will take place under different scenarios. It illustrates the benefits and challenges of implementing green innovation for developing countries using the example of China and its chart of China's key industrial strategies for green manufacturing. During the research of this topic, it was found that the consistent and effective implementation of the principles of "green" investment, as well as "green" development in general, is possible only in a regulatory environment, transparent and fair, developed in accordance with the principle of the rule of law, with independent courts procedures, with the participation of independent market regulators acting in accordance with national interests, respecting the rights of investors and consumers. On the other hand, for their principles of implementation a vital role is played by socially responsible business behavior, one of the key indicators of which is the attitude of business to environmental issues, the efficiency of resource use and energy efficiency, and the disclosure of socially significant non-financial information. It is noted that in Ukraine climate and investment policies function separately from each other, and sometimes their goals are mutually contradictory, which prevents or slows down investments in the development of "green" infrastructure.

Hygienic feed manufacturing strategies improve pelleting efficiency while maintaining early turkey poult performance and tibia mineralization

Hygienic feed manufacturing strategies improve pelleting efficiency while maintaining early turkey poult performance and tibia mineralization

Gillette’s Expansion to India through the Lens of Porter’s Diamond Model and Dunning’s Eclectic Paradigm

In 2005, Procter &amp; Gamble (P&amp;G) acquired Gillette for $57 billion, marking a significant milestone in consumer goods history. This analysis explores Gillette's strategic expansion into India, leveraging Porter's Diamond Model and Dunning's Eclectic Paradigm to evaluate its success and challenges. The study delves into the skilled workforce, local manufacturing, and innovative marketing strategies that facilitated Gillette's penetration into India's diverse and rapidly urbanizing market. Through local R&amp;D and collaborations with e- commerce platforms, Gillette tailored its products to Indian consumer preferences, achieving substantial market share. The frameworks reveal how Gillette's global efficiency and local responsiveness enabled it to thrive amidst intense competition. The paper concludes with recommendations for sustaining this success through continuous innovation, vigilant market monitoring, and eco-friendly practices, while suggesting the applicability of these insights to other emerging markets.

Dissolution Manufacturing Strategy for the Facile Synthesis of Nanoporous Metallic Glass Multifunctional Catalyst.

The quest for heightened energy efficiency is inextricably linked to advancements in energy storage and conversion technologies, wherein multifunctional catalysts play a pivotal role by mitigating the slow kinetics endemic to many catalytic reactions. The intricate synthesis and bespoke design of such catalysts, however, present notable challenges. Addressing this, the present study capitalizes on a novel dissolution manufacturing strategy to engineer self-supporting, nanoporous multifunctional electrocatalysts, circumventing the prevalent issue of customizing catalytic functionalities upon demand. This innovative approach grants the flexibility to finely tune the incorporation of active species and metalloid binders, culminating in the creation of a self-supporting nanoporous metal glass electrocatalyst doped with RuO2 (NPMG@RuO2) with outstanding performance in alkaline media. The catalyst showcases superior electrocatalytic activity, achieving low overpotentials of 41.50 mV for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and 226.0 mV for Oxygen Evolution Reaction alongside sustained stability over 620 hours.These achievements are attributed to the distinct nanoporous architecture that ensures a high density of catalytic sites and mechanical strength, bolstered by the synergistic interplay between RuO2 and Pt-based metallic glass. The findings provide a versatile template for the development of nanoporous multifunctional catalysts, signifying a leap forward in the realm of energy conversion technologies.