Manufacturing Laboratory Research Articles

Additive manufacturing Laboratory @ University of Coimbra

A new robotic installation (Fig. 1) inspired by the most recent technologies and with the aim of providing industrial solutions for metal 3D printing is being developed at the University of Coimbra. The system involves several Industry 4.0 technologies that in ...

Big data collection in pharmaceutical manufacturing and its use for product quality predictions

Advances in data science and digitalization are transforming the world, and the pharmaceutical industry is no exception. Multiple sensor-equipped manufacturing processes and laboratory analysis are the main sources of primary data, which have been utilized for the presented dataset of 1005 actual production batches of selected medicine. This dataset includes incoming raw material quality results, compression process time series and final product quality results for the selected product. The data is highly valuable for it provides an insight into every 10 seconds of the process trajectory for 1005 actual production batches along with product quality collected over several years. It therefore offers an opportunity to develop advanced analysis models and procedures which would lead to the omission of current conventional and time consuming laboratory testing. Benefits for both the industry and patient are obvious: reducing product lead times and costs of manufacture.

Multiplex Human Papillomavirus L1L2 virus-like particle antibody binding assay

A variety of in vitro techniques are available to estimate the level of antibodies present in human serum samples. Such tests are highly specific and are used to determine prior exposure to a pathogen or to estimate the magnitude, breadth and durability of individual and population level vaccine immunity. Multiplex (or multi-analyte) platforms are increasingly being used to evaluate immune responses against multiple antigens at the same time, usually at reduced per sample cost and a more efficient use of available samples. Consequently, multiplex serology is an essential component of a wide range of public health programmes. Human papillomavirus (HPV) serology is limited to a small number of academic, public health and vaccine manufacturer laboratories globally. Such platforms include indirect binding to the major (L1) capsid protein virus-like particles (VLP), monoclonal antibody competition against L1 VLP and indirect binding to L1 and L2 (minor capsid protein) VLP on multiplex (Luminex®, Meso Scale Discovery®) and standard (ELISA) platforms. The methodology described here utilizes a common multi-analyte platform and L1L2-based VLP expressed in house, which allows the simultaneous detection and quantification of antibody responses against nine vaccine-relevant HPV genotypes.

Development of a free-form piezo-resistive pressure sensor using advanced printing methods

The use of printed pressure sensors is becoming a popular alternative to conventionally made silicon-based pressure sensors in niche applications, ranging from automotive and aerospace to the biomedical industry. In this paper, a piezo-resistive pressure sensor is produced onto a free-form Polyamide (PA) substrate, by combining aerosol-based jet printing and screen-printing techniques. The result is a first study towards the implementation of printed piezo-resistive pressure sensors for biomedical applications.The piezo-resistive pressure sensor consists of silver interconnects which are printed onto the substrate and are connected through a layer of piezo-resistive ink. The sensor is printed onto a customized additive manufactured PA substrate, which is produced using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). First, the interconnects are printed using silver ink, CUR AG-001, from Agfa N.V. Belgium, which is deposited using an aerosol-based jet printer, the Nebula 5X-100s, developed at the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory (AML) of the KU Leuven. Next, the sensitive elements are printed using a piezo-resistive material, Carbon EMS CI 2050, which is applied across the sensor interconnects using an adapted screen-printing technique. An optimal ink composition for the two-component piezo-resistive ink was found at 40wt% CI-2050LR: 60wt% CI-2050HR, which are respectively low and high resistivity ink components. Both silver ink and printed piezo-resistive elements were sintered in an oven at 150°C for 240 and 45 min, respectively. Finally, a coupling for the sensor readout was provided using a silver conductive epoxy adhesive, which cures at room temperature, so that electrical connections could be attached to the sensor contact pads.Validation of the piezo-resistive pressure sensors was conducted using fingertip actuation, which showed a typical piezo-resistive behavior where the resistance of the sensor decreases in function of the applied pressure, and a maximal decrease in electrical resistance of 30.5Ω has been measured. These results show the feasibility of employing advanced printing techniques to produce piezo-resistive sensing devices onto free-form and additive manufactured substrates, for biomedical applications.

Standard versus customised locking plates for fixation of schatzker ii tibial plateau fractures

Aim3D-printed implants could improve the capture of fracture fragments for improved stability of tibial plateau fracture fixation. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical strength of fixation constructs using standard and customised 3D-printed proximal tibial locking plates for fixation of tibial plateau fractures. MethodsThis is a biomechanical study utilising six pairs of cadaveric tibiae. Fractures were created in an identical fashion using an osteotome and mallet, and fixed using either a standard, commercially-available proximal tibia locking plate or a customised 3D-printed plate. Design and production of the customised plates followed a “3D printing at point-of-care” model. Customised stainless steel 316 L plates were produced within a local additive manufacturing laboratory based upon pre-operative CT scans. Determination of implant choice within each cadaver pair was performed via simple randomisation. Following fracture fixation, the tibiae were skeletalised and biomechanically tested using a customised loading jig and a size-matched femoral knee prosthesis. The constructs were loaded cyclically from 100 N to approximately three times the cadaveric body-weight at 5 Hz for 10 000 cycles. Every 1000 cycles, the test was paused and the tibia was physically checked for failure. If failure had not occurred by the end of the testing cycle, the construct was loaded to failure and the load at which the construct failed was noted. ResultsFixation constructs using the 3D-printed plates performed comparably to those using the standard plates. There was no significant difference in the degree of fracture fragment displacement in both constructs. Overall longitudinal construct stiffness and load to failure was higher in the 3D-plates group but this did not reach statistical significance. ConclusionProduction of customised plates for proximal tibia fractures at point-of-care is feasible, however fixation constructs with these plates did not provide any biomechanical advantage over standard plates in terms of axial loading stiffness.

Flipped Classroom and gamification in Automated Manufacturing lab classes

There is an increase in Higher Education initiatives focused on educational innovation and the Flipped Classroom paradigm are emerging as an increasingly expanded option. This paper deals with the implementation of the Flipped Classroom methodology in the laboratory practice sessions of the subject Automated Manufacturing of the Mechanical Engineering Degree. This methodology has been combined with questionnaires through Kahoot, a simple and versatile freeware platform. To carry out this study, additional audio-visual material was developed to illustrate the content of the practices so students could prepare them in advance. Once recorded and edited, the videos were made available through the Virtual Campus. Doing questionnaires at the beginning, and repeated at the end of the sessions, has been an element of reinforcement of learning while stimulating active participation during the classes. It was also a motivating element to work on skills such as proactivity, work organization, teamwork and time management. The students knew beforehand that the result of the questionnaires would influence the grade corresponding to the continuous evaluation. The result of this research concludes that the Flipped Classroom paradigm combined with gamification allows the students to reach good learning outcomes getting them engaged.

Manufacturing Execution System Integration through the Standardization of a Common Service Model for Cyber-Physical Production Systems

Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are creating an opportunity for innovation across all levels of industry and are transforming the world of work by enabling factories to embrace cutting edge Information Technologies (ITs) into their manufacturing processes. Manufacturing Execution Systems (MESs) are abandoning their traditional role of legacy executing middle-ware for embracing the much wider vision of functional interoperability enablers among autonomous, distributed, and collaborative Cyber-Physical Production System (CPPS). In this paper, we propose a basic methodology for universally modeling, digitalizing, and integrating services offered by a variety of isolated workcells into a single, standardized, and augmented production system. The result is a reliable, reconfigurable, and interoperable manufacturing architecture, which privileges Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and its rich possibilities for information modeling at a higher level of the common service interoperability, along with Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) lightweight protocols at lower levels of data exchange. The proposed MES architecture has been demonstrated and validated in several use-cases at a research manufacturing laboratory of excellence for industrial testbeds.

EXPERIENCES WITH REMOTE TEACHING OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING LABORATORY AND PROJECT COURSES

COVID-19 has profoundly affected many, if not all, Canadian engineering courses during the2020/2021 academic year, many of which transitioned to online teaching. Delivering hands-on, highly interactive laboratory and design project courses is particularly challenging to do remotely. We present and reflect on experiences with remote teaching of three hands-on laboratory courses in a new Manufacturing Engineering program at the University ofBritish Columbia (UBC). These courses include MANU 230: Manufacturing Laboratory, MANU 330: Manufacturing Engineering Project I, and MANU 386: Industrial Automation. All three courses are taught in the same laboratory/classroom by one of the authors. In general, it appears that the students appreciated the remote lab experiences provided. However, it wasapparent from both survey data and informal feedback that students preferred in-person laboratory sessions. While, perhaps not an ideal method of delivering these types of courses there appears to be some place for remote laboratory classes in the future.

Internet of Things based architecture for additive manufacturing interface

The traditional process of selecting 3D printers and monitoring printing statuses manually has presented a big flaw in the additive manufacturing system as it requires physical interaction between the machines and humans. In this paper, a solution to zero physical interaction to additive manufacturing units is proposed. The objective is achieved by using the saturated IoT technologies. Webserver will be used to create a webpage to upload the file, approval, and check the printing status. A server will be used to store the files, slicing software, files queuing system and to store temporary information of the manufacturing units' status. Cameras on multiple 3D printers will be used as sensors to monitor the project progress visually. The proposed system is implemented and verified in the Additive Manufacturing Laboratory at Taylor's University Malaysia.

Analysis of seized stanozolol formulations in South Brazil by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone which are used medically for several diseases. However, misuse is commonly observed by athletes to promote enhancement of strength and performance. AAS are frequently obtained through online black markets from clandestine drug manufacturing laboratories, without any quality standards, being potentially dangerous for users. The purpose of this work was the development and application of a fast and simple procedure for the quantitation of stanozolol by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) in tablets packs seized in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The samples of stanozolol were separated considering its dosage form. The internal standard (methyltestosterone) was added to the aliquots of the samples, dissolved in methanol and 5μL were injected into the analytical system. The newly developed method has been validated for lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), linearity, accuracy, precision and selectivity. The LLOQ was 0.1 µg/mL. The developed method was successfully applied to 31 samples seized by the Secretaria da Receita Federal do Brasil (a Brazilian federal revenue service agency). According to the results, 90.3% of the suspected medicines (n=31) were adulterated, and 65% exhibited higher concentrations of stanozolol than those indicated in the label. This work successfully established a new method for quantification of stanozolol using LC-QTOF-MS. This method aims at contributing to the identification and quantification of this anabolic androgenic steroid frequently seized by federal inspection agencies.

Margens capitais: o desenho e o canteiro da manufatura

Aborda os vínculos da primeira produção de Sérgio Ferro, ao lado de Flávio Império e Rodrigo Lefèvre com a corrente paulista da arquitetura moderna no âmbito da ideologia e da linguagem, anterior ao golpe militar de 1964 e à crítica radical que elaborariam na sequência, filiada à corrente interpretativa de intelectuais brasileiros marxistas, nos termos da dualidade entre arcaico e moderno. Ilumina o comprometimento de suas ideias com usuários e produtores da arquitetura, com vistas a uma solução para a construção de habitações de interesse social. Trata de duas residências burguesas projetadas por Ferro, cujos canteiros de obras serviram como laboratórios de manufatura heterogênea – casa Boris Fausto, em São Paulo – e manufatura orgânica – casa Bernardo Isller, em Cotia – essa última em abóboda.

Adição gradual da informação sobre um patrimônio arquitetônico: produção de modelos e de sentidos

Este estudo relata a estruturação de um método de representação utilizado em um contexto de investigação em arquitetura, especificamente envolvendo a produção em um laboratório de fabricação digital. O método Adição Gradual da Informação - AGI, está dirigido à produção de modelos táteis para apoiar ações culturais inclusivas relativas a um conjunto arquitetônico de interesse histórico e patrimonial da cidade de Pelotas. A partir da teoria da escalada da abstração, de Vilém Flusser, este método é problematizado, observando-se a lógica de associar a variável dimensional das representações envolvidas com os níveis abstracionais exigidos para produzi-las e compreendê-las como meios de comunicação. A dinâmica de estruturação do método, apoiada em processos de co-design, entre universidade e sociedade, atribui sentidos ao uso dos modelos e ao potencial das tecnologias digitais empregadas, promovendo a continuidade na produção e ampliação das narrativas táteis sobre o patrimônio pelotense.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE METHOD FOR TYLOSIN RESIDUES DETERMINATION IN EGG SAMPLES USING THE METHOD OF ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY

The article presents the results of development and validation of the method of eggs sample preparation for the determination of tylosin residues by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the kits manufactured by Europroxima (Netherlands). Tylosin is a natural antibiotic, highly effective against gram-positive and selectively active against gram-negative organisms. It is a product of microbiological synthesis of Streptomyces fradiae. Irresponsible use of antibiotics and the non-compliance with the withdrawal period for animals after their use have escalated the problems associated with the presence of antibiotic residues in food. Biologically reasonable maximum permissible levels (MRLs) of residual antimicrobials in animal products, officially approved in all countries by the Commission of the Codex Alimentarius, in the European Union by EU Regulation № 37/2010, and in Ukraine by the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine products.
 In order to ensure the compliance with the above standards, it is necessary to have sensitive and specific analytical methods that can rapidly and effectively control the presence of residues at the established levels for routine control of antibiotics in eggs by veterinary and manufacturing laboratories.
 The influence of different extraction conditions on the percentage of extraction of the target analyte from the homogenized eggs sample fortified with the standard solution was investigated: pH changes of different buffer solutions, different degrees of sample concentration, the influence of separate reagents for the better separation of aqueous and organic phases. The results of the quantitative analysis of tylosin content in the model samples, determined by the developed screening method, were confirmed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. Optimal conditions for extraction of the target analyte from egg were provided by the sample preparation method using the extraction with 0.5 M potassium phosphate buffer with pH 8.0, followed by the analyte transfer into the organic phase, the concentration of the analyte by evaporation of an organic extract aliquot and the reconstitution of the dried residue in the buffer solution, degreasing with hexane. It was found that for the better phase separation in "buffer – ethyl acetate" system the procedure of extraction and phase separation is best carried out at room temperature. The research results are presented in tables and chromatograms.
 The proposed screening method was validated, the necessary statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed, and as a result, the limit value or “technical threshold” and the cut-off factor were calculated, and their graphical representation was presented.
 The main advantages of the developed method are the rapidity, the simplicity of performance and the sensitivity to the target analyte at the level of 2 μg/kg, which is confirmed statistically by the results of validation tests. The technique is offered to the manufacturer to expand the scope of the kits usage.

Phase I Trial of Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Background & Aim Background In neonatal animal models of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) improves anatomic and functional outcomes. A prior study suggests potential benefit of autologous cord blood-derived cells for infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) but cord blood collection in this population is challenging. A safe, effective off-the-shelf allogeneic cell product could be a useful alternative. Our aim was to conduct a phase I open-label study of umbilical cord tissue-derived MSCs in infants treated with hypothermia for HIE. Methods, Results & Conclusion Methods Infants >35 weeks gestation treated with hypothermia for HIE based on NICHD hypothermia trial criteria were eligible. Goal enrollment was 6 infants. Allogeneic umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hCT-MSC) were manufactured in the Robertson GMP Cell Manufacturing Laboratory from a single cord tissue donated to the Carolinas Cord Blood Bank. Cells were expanded to passage 2 and cryopreserved. A representative cryobag was quality-tested for cell count, viability, phenotype, functional assays, gram stain and sterility. For administration cells were thawed and diluted 1:1 and delivered in syringes containing plasmalyte-A, 5% HSA, and residual DMSO. Post thaw samples were tested for cell count, viability (required ≥70%) and sterility. The first 3 infants (cohort 1) received 2 × 106 cells/kg i.v. in the first 48 postnatal hours, the second 3 (cohort 2) received a 2nd dose at 2 months. Primary safety outcomes were occurrence of infusion reactions or infections within 2 weeks of infusion. Results Of 18 eligible infants, 6 were enrolled (Table 1). All cultures obtained from subjects were negative, and no subject had an infusion reaction. Subject #5, had a positive panel reactive antibody (PRA) screen at 6 months. Broth culture from thawed hCT-MSC for subject # 1 grew coagulase-negative staphylococci. The infant remained asymptomatic after re-warming and the infant's blood cultures were sterile. The broth culture was assessed as contaminant via handling post-thaw rather than cell product contamination. There was one protocol deviation (One infant received a study dose at 71 hours. (Table 2)). Conclusions Our results suggest that hCT-MSC, an umbilical cord tissue-derived MSC product, can be prepared and infused safely in infants treated with hypothermia for moderate - severe HIE. Further safety and efficacy studies are warranted.

An Effective Use of Visual Aids for Teaching Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Laboratory - A Case Study

An Effective Use of Visual Aids for Teaching Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Laboratory - A Case Study

Reciclado de desechos plásticos en Laboratorio de Manufactura

Mexico is ranned first place among countries with plastic waste production; recycling mainly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the recycling of other plastics is almost nil. Laboratory equipment are didactic elements in Manufacturing Engineering; It allows to develop professional competences required in this major, by integrating theoretical and experimental contents through laboratory practices. The problem of continuous use of 3D printers in lab practices is that, for each kilogram of polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), between 10% and 30% results in waste material. The university can hardly afford these supplies to the Manufacturing Laboratory because of the high cost of plasctic materials. That is why this project seeks to offer a technological proposal to give plastic waste a second life, as an outcome from laboratory 3D printers. This may decrease the environmental impact generated by the university. These wastes can be recycled, through a mechanical method, and used as material in the realization of laboratory practices that develop academic and professional skills of new manufacturing technologies.

Movimiento FabLab: diseño de investigación mediante métodos mixtos

Los laboratorios de fabricación digital (FabLab) son una realidad que presenta nuevas oportunidades a los usuarios y consumidores de convertirse en diseñadores y creadores de objetos de uso cotidiano. Concebidos en el MIT a principios de este siglo, como entornos de desarrollo de proyectos con componentes digitales han sufrido un crecimiento espectacular en los últimos años. El movimiento FabLab, en parte debido a su juventud y a cierto alejamiento de los circuitos académicos al estar más relacionado con la cultura Maker y el movimiento Open-Source, ha sido poco estudiado formalmente. El presente trabajo plantea un acercamiento a dicho movimiento mediante el uso de una metodología mixta que permite identificar las dimensiones relevantes en este movimiento y definir las preguntas de investigación a las que dar respuesta en posteriores investigaciones.

Performance and emission study of exhaust gas single cylinder diesel engine based on fuel bioethanol – high speed diesel (HSD) using fumigation and blending methods

Diesel engine exhaust gas contains a lot of particulates because it is influenced by factors from fuel which is not clean. The addition of ethanol to diesel fuel is expected to provide a solution to reduce exhaust emissions from diesel engines. The first step is fumigation method, process of mixing High Speed Diesel (HSD) and bioethanol directly in the combustion chamber of a diesel engine. The second method is compared with Blending method. HSD is mixed with bioethanol, there are 5 variation mixing. Variation 1 blending method diesel fuel (diesel), variation 2 (93% diesel, 2% surfactant and 5% ethanol), variation 3 (HSD 88%, 2% surfactant and ethanol 10 %), variation 4 (83% diesel fuel, 2% surfactant and 15% ethanol) and variation 5 Fumigation method (ethanol and diesel). This work were carried out at the Performance Engine Laboratory and Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing Laboratory in Engineering Faculty of Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa. The hypothesis of this research is that the mixture of ethanol and diesel fuel produces greater power and consumption compared to diesel fuel. Ethanol and diesel fuel mixtures can also reduce air pollution compared to diesel. Judging from the smoke density of each fuel.

Analysis of NOM-026-STPS-2008 in the manufacturing laboratory to improve productivity

This paper presents a diagnostic to detect that the safety and health signals comply was made with the requirements of NOM-026-STPS-2008 within a manufacturing laboratory, the study was carried out in concordance with the provisions of the afore mentioned regulations pertaining to the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social, which is the government entity in charge of carrying out the corresponding compliance inspections in Mexico in terms of colors and signs of safety and hygiene which a work center is operating. This study was made based on the measurements of the architectural plan of the place to the location of the machinery and tools. Was made to the location of safety and hygiene signs within the place, the identification of the existence of emergency facilities, of risks and hazards within the work area, the detection of the use of signage of obligation and prohibition that helps to control the risks. The most important limitation for the arrangement of the signals is the inadequate distribution in the work area, however, the study had to adapt to this circumstance. With the aforementioned, a proposal is made to rearrange the signage that is located in incorrect points, as well as mentioning the safety signals that are needed in the points identified within the site with their technical specifications. Finally, an area of opportunity is detected to improve the working conditions manufacturing laboratory and thereby contribute to avoid accidents and occupational diseases therefore preventive and corrective measures are applied with the proper use of signage in an area of work.

Fab Labs livres da cidade de São Paulo: uma experiência social inclusiva ou transbordamento de conhecimento tecnológico e da criatividade na escassez de recursos?

Este artigo promove a experiência da maior rede de laboratórios públicos de fabricação digital do mundo: os Fab Labs Livres na cidade de São Paulo. Trata-se de estudo do tipo exploratório-descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa. Como instrumento de coleta de dados primários, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com os coordenadores dos respectivos e análise de conteúdo, com a validação do software MAXQDA, como técnica de investigação para formular inferências reproduzíveis e válidas. Por princípio, os Fab Labs resultam do transbordamento de conhecimento e da simplificação do processo de criação de novos produtos e/ou serviços, tendo como fundamento o compartilhamento de recursos tecnológicos. Nos países desenvolvidos, são considerados lócus de empreendedorismo e inovação. Dadas as assimetrias, este estudo propõe-se a investigar qual é a premissa que baseia a adoção dos Fab Labs em países emergentes. Os resultados, nesse caso, apontam para a visão dos Fab Labs Livres como uma alternativa ao desemprego, e como um espaço criativo aberto ao cidadão. Além disso, são percebidos como um ambiente socialmente inclusivo. Também, como uma potencial oportunidade, ainda que embrionária, por meio de oficinas de práticas ?faça-você-mesmo?, desafiam o entusiasmo de uma nova geração de empreendedores tecnológicos. Contudo, a lógica das limitações não deve interferir na continuidade das atividades em 2018