Manufacturing Performance Research Articles

Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting: A Scientometric Analysis of Two Decades of Progress.

This scientometric analysis of 393 original papers published from January 2000 to June 2019 describes the development and use of bioinks for 3D bioprinting. The main trends for bioink applications and the primary considerations guiding the selection and design of current bioink components (i.e., cell types, hydrogels, and additives) were reviewed. The cost, availability, practicality, and basic biological considerations (e.g., cytocompatibility and cell attachment) are the most popular parameters guiding bioink use and development. Today, extrusion bioprinting is the most widely used bioprinting technique. The most reported use of bioinks is the generic characterization of bioink formulations or bioprinting technologies (32%), followed by cartilage bioprinting applications (16%). Similarly, the cell-type choice is mostly generic, as cells are typically used as models to assess bioink formulations or new bioprinting methodologies rather than to fabricate specific tissues. The cell-binding motif arginine-glycine-aspartate is the most common bioink additive. Many articles reported the development of advanced functional bioinks for specific biomedical applications; however, most bioinks remain the basic compositions that meet the simple criteria: Manufacturability and essential biological performance. Alginate and gelatin methacryloyl are the most popular hydrogels that meet these criteria. Our analysis suggests that present-day bioinks still represent a stage of emergence of bioprinting technology.

A Review of Digital Twinning for Rotating Machinery.

This review focuses on the definitions, modalities, applications, and performance of various aspects of digital twins (DTs) in the context of transmission and industrial machinery. In this regard, the context around Industry 4.0 and even aspirations for Industry 5.0 are discussed. The many definitions and interpretations of DTs in this domain are first summarized. Subsequently, their adoption and performance levels for rotating and industrial machineries for manufacturing and lifetime performance are observed, along with the type of validations that are available. A significant focus on integrating fundamental operations of the system and scenarios over the lifetime, with sensors and advanced machine or deep learning, along with other statistical or data-driven methods are highlighted. This review summarizes how individual aspects around DTs are extremely helpful for lifetime design, manufacturing, or decision making even when a DT can remain incomplete or limited.

Role of purchasing and supply management performance in apparel manufacturing

Role of purchasing and supply management performance in apparel manufacturing

Considerations for Tungsten Carbide as Tooling in RFSSW.

Tool wear is a key issue for the manufacturing performance of refill friction stir spot welding in high-volume manufacturing environments. As such, the aim of this study is to examine conditions in which tungsten carbide with a cobalt binder can succeed as a tool material in the spot welding of 2029 aluminum for a sustained lifetime. Critical factors are shown herein to include cleanliness and thermal management. The life of a WC-Co toolset is demonstrated to be approximately 2998 welds, which is of the same scale as conventional steel tooling. With a WC-Co shoulder and probe, the H13 clamp showed the only significant wear.

The Effect of Suppliers’ Green and Traditional Selection Criteria in Supply Chain Management on Purchasing Firms’ Performance

In recent years, procurement managers have introduced environmental considerations into supplier selection and evaluation as a response to strict environmental regulations implemented by governments. Although previous research investigated the selection of eco-friendly suppliers, little research has been conducted on the significance of the wide range of selection criteria used by industrial customers. The aim of this study was to address this gap and examine the difference in the perceived importance of the selection criteria versus the performance achieved using the selection criteria, in addition to the difference in the business performance and the total supply performance. By investigating the selection criteria of manufacturers in the market environment, this study aimed to demonstrate how their business performance was affected by the performance of suppliers in relation to such criteria. To accomplish this task, this study conducted an empirical analysis based on the questionnaire responses of 72 purchasing managers working in the electrical/electronic and heavy chemical industries. Based on previous research, the following six supplier selection factors were identified: eco-friendliness, quality, relationship, flexibility, delivery, and price/finance. By using statistical analyses, including sample t-tests and multiple regression analysis, this study identified a correlation between supplier and manufacturer performance. The findings show that some factors, such as eco-friendliness, flexibility, price, and delivery, were statistically relevant to the performance of manufacturers, which added value to the decision-making strategy employed in supplier selection.

Friction Stir Channeling in Heat Sink Applications: Innovative Manufacturing Approaches and Performance Evaluation

The fabrication of compact heat exchangers with precisely designed micro- and mini-channels is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of thermal management systems. Friction stir channeling (FSC) emerges as a cost-effective advanced manufacturing process to create complex integral channels, offering channel shape and size flexibility. This review article highlights the pivotal role of processing parameters in channel formation and maintaining their integrity, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of material flow dynamics. A rigorous assessment has been conducted on the channel under mechanical stresses, including tension, bending, and fatigue. The paper emphasizes the potential of FSC to revolutionize heat sink applications by exploring the fundamental concepts, governing parameters, ongoing enhancements in tool design, microstructural and mechanical properties, and heat transfer performance.

Imports in East Africa: Boosting Manufacturing Performance or Impeding Domestic Growth?

Imports in East Africa: Boosting Manufacturing Performance or Impeding Domestic Growth?

Selective laser melting manufacturing and heat transfer performance study of porous wick in loop heat pipe

Porous wicks, characterized by high capillary pumping force, lightweight, and excellent permeability, have been widely used in heat transfer. Currently, porous wicks are fabricated using powder sintering, porous foaming, and solvent volatilization techniques. However, there is the problem that the shape, size, and pore distribution of the porous structure are difficult to control. This paper proposes a novel 3D printing method to fabricate porous wicks using selective laser melting. The unit diameter and length are optimized to obtain a porous wick with high porosity and capillary pumping force. The effect of laser power on the surface morphology and porosity of the porous wick is investigated by modulating the 3D printing process parameters. The results show that the porosity of the porous wick can be regulated by changing the diameter and length of the pore unit. Decreasing the laser processing power and attaching unmelted solid-phase particles to the pore surface can further increase the porosity. When the laser power is 125 W, the unit diameter is 0.4 mm, and the unit length is 0.6 mm, the porous wick has strong capillary pumping force. The 316L porous material is modified by heat treatment to obtain super-hydrophilic properties. The porous wick is applied to the evaporator of the loop heat pipe, which significantly improves the heat transfer performance. When the heat load is 200 W, the evaporator temperature is 57.09 °C, and the thermal resistance is 0.025 °C/W.

Generative artificial intelligence in manufacturing: opportunities for actualizing Industry 5.0 sustainability goals

PurposeThis study offers practical insights into how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance responsible manufacturing within the context of Industry 5.0. It explores how manufacturers can strategically maximize the potential benefits of generative AI through a synergistic approach.Design/methodology/approachThe study developed a strategic roadmap by employing a mixed qualitative-quantitative research method involving case studies, interviews and interpretive structural modeling (ISM). This roadmap visualizes and elucidates the mechanisms through which generative AI can contribute to advancing the sustainability goals of Industry 5.0.FindingsGenerative AI has demonstrated the capability to promote various sustainability objectives within Industry 5.0 through ten distinct functions. These multifaceted functions address multiple facets of manufacturing, ranging from providing data-driven production insights to enhancing the resilience of manufacturing operations.Practical implicationsWhile each identified generative AI function independently contributes to responsible manufacturing under Industry 5.0, leveraging them individually is a viable strategy. However, they synergistically enhance each other when systematically employed in a specific order. Manufacturers are advised to strategically leverage these functions, drawing on their complementarities to maximize their benefits.Originality/valueThis study pioneers by providing early practical insights into how generative AI enhances the sustainability performance of manufacturers within the Industry 5.0 framework. The proposed strategic roadmap suggests prioritization orders, guiding manufacturers in decision-making processes regarding where and for what purpose to integrate generative AI.

Exporting, Abatement, and Firm-Level Emissions: Evidence from China’s Accession to the WTO

Abstract This paper studies the joint impact of exporting and abatement on the environmental performance of Chinese manufacturers. For two common air pollutants (SO2 and industrial dust) we document that (a) exporters are significantly less emissions-intensive relative to their nonexporting counterparts and (b) this difference cannot be explained by differential rates of abatement alone. Employing variation in trade and environmental conditions across time and space, we quantify the impact of endogenous export and abatement decisions on firm-level emissions. We find that exporting reduces emissions by at least 36% across pollutants. We explore underlying determinants of export-driven reductions in emissions intensity.

The Mediating Role of Hard Quality Management in the Relationship Between Soft Quality Management and Innovation Performance

Purpose - Hard and soft quality management are known as two important dimensions of total quality management (TQM) that can improve the performance of manufacturing and service organizations. The paper aims to examine the effect of soft quality management (soft QM) on innovation performance (IP) with the mediating role of hard quality management (hard QM). Design/Methodology - A questionnaire was designed for the model test and distributed among 130 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Golpayegan industrial town located in Iran. PLS-SEM was used to analyze the data.Findings - The results showed that soft QM affects hard QM and IP. Also, the impact of hard QM on IP was confirmed. The mediating role of hard QM in the relationship between soft QM and IP was also confirmed.Practical Implications - The findings of this research encourage managers of SMEs to focus attention on hard and soft QM simultaneously to improve innovation performance in companies.

Analysis of employee performance through productivity: The role of kaizen culture, motivation, and work discipline in the manufacturing industry

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between employee performance and productivity in the manufacturing industry, focusing on the impact of Kaizen culture, motivation, and work discipline on employee performance. Research Methodology: The study employed a quantitative method approach, which involved a survey of 105 respondents from the manufacturing Industry in West Java, and the analysis of key performance indicators from several pilot case companies in Bekasi that implemented Kaizen techniques. Data were analyzed using the SmartPLS test. Results: Kaizen culture, motivation, and work discipline are vital for improving employee performance and productivity. Employee motivation directly influences the implementation of the 5S system, and the company meets employees’ needs for career development and information. Employee performance is influenced by motivation, discipline, training, and culture, with productivity as the mediator. Limitations: The generalizability of this study is limited by its focus on a specific industry and geographic location. Future studies should replicate the study across different industries and regions to increase the scope of the findings. Contribution: This study contributes to the current literature by examining how Kaizen culture, motivation, and work discipline boost employee performance and productivity in manufacturing. The results underscore the significance of these elements in enhancing organizational performance and offer practical suggestions for companies that aim to enhance productivity and employee engagement. Originality: This study is unique in its thorough examination of how Kaizen culture, motivation, and work discipline affect employee performance and productivity in manufacturing. Using quantitative methods and diverse data sources enhances originality and offers a deeper understanding of these factors.

Logistics and its influence on the performance of technology and electronics manufacturers in Vietnam

Logistics and its influence on the performance of technology and electronics manufacturers in Vietnam

Pinch-off dynamics of an electrohydrodynamic tip streaming jet transforming into the microdroplet

The drop-on-demand electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is promising for manufacturing high-resolution dot arrays. Such dot fabrication is commonly achieved through two printing modes (jet/droplet mode), i.e., continuous jet directly flying to or broken jet induced droplet depositing in the substrate. The droplet mode commonly has a higher printing frequency than the jet mode, indicating the droplet mode's advantage in drop-on-demand EHD printing. However, most research on EHD printing focuses on the jet mode, which causes the mechanism of droplet production through jet pinch-off remains unclear. This study employs an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method capable of getting a sharp interface to reveal the pinch-off mechanism. First, the development of a tip streaming from a meniscus to the pinch-off is analyzed. It is found that the high pressure at the neck is the main reason for the pinch-off of the jet into the droplet. Second, the EHD phase diagram in the parameter space of We–Cae is plotted, where We is the Weber number and Cae is the electric capillary number. Finally, the important influences of the charge relaxation on the EHD tip streaming jet's breakup behavior and the generated droplets' properties are revealed. Evolutions of the droplet's properties, including radius, velocity, and charge, with varying charge relaxation parameters are offered. These properties of the droplet show their relationships with extreme values as a function of the charge relaxation parameter. This work can serve as the theoretical basis for tuning the EHD printing manufacturing performance.

Application of a proposed additive manufacturing performance measurement system in a Brazilian industry

Application of a proposed additive manufacturing performance measurement system in a Brazilian industry

PDMS-brush modified dual-phase lubricant-infused slippery oleogel for sustainable shear resistance

The strong potential of oleogel surfaces in marine environments is to reduce frictional drag. Conventional slippery surfaces, while resistant to water pollutants, face challenges in retaining infused lubricants under intense marine shear flows, rendering them vulnerable to fouling by marine foulants. Further, there is a critical need to develop a simple, rapid, and environmentally benign process for fabricating durable oleogel surfaces. In this study, we proposed a covalently cross-linked dual-phase (solid/liquid) lubricant-infused slippery oleogel for the first time to achieve excellent shear stable lubrication performance by rapid one-step grafting of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) brushes (solid lubricant) on erucamide-crosslinked PDMS composite surface followed by infusion of liquid-lubricant. Covalent attachment of liquid-like slippery PDMS brushes on the dual-phase slippery oleogel (denoted as EPC-PB oleogel) further enhanced lubricant retention ability, resulting in longevity of lubrication property even after exposure to various physical abrasions, chemically-contaminated solutions, and high/low temperatures. The chemically modified oleogel exhibited droplet-sliding behavior, coupled with sustained high lubrication in marine environments, without any fouling adhesion for over 2 months during the summer season. Given its exceptional slippery performance and ease of manufacture, the proposed coating has immense potential to address the issue of lubricant depletion in high-speed marine flow scenarios.

IMMU-05. TARGETING THE DYSREGULATED DNA METHYLOME DURING CAR T CELL MANUFACTURING IMPROVES THEIR FITNESS IN IMMUNOCOMPETENT BRAIN TUMOR MODELS

Abstract BACKGROUND Epigenetic reprogramming and T-cell exhaustion are key factors impacting the effectiveness of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapies in brain tumors. These processes are regulated by DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification that is crucial for gene regulation. Here, we investigated whether targeting the dysregulated DNA methylome in engineered immune cells can improve their anti-tumor efficacy. METHODS We optimized a transduction protocol that incorporates adding DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) early during the manufacturing process of murine CAR T-cells targeting B7-H3. We then used standard in vitro assays and immunocompetent glioma models to evaluate whether DNMTi treatment improved CAR T-cell effector functions by regulating activation, memory differentiation, and cytokine responses in adoptive T-cells. RESULTS In repeated-stimulation assays, CAR T-cells generated in the presence of DNMTi exhibited significantly higher levels of expansion and persistence compared to CAR T-cells without DNMTi exposure. Notably, CAR T-cells manufactured in the presence of DNMTi persisted up to 12 repeat stimulations, in contrast to a maximum of 7 stimulations for CAR T-cells generated without DNMTi treatment. Moreover, DNMTi-treated CAR T-cells expanded up to 55-fold higher than T-cells generated without DNMTi treatment upon repeated-stimulation with B7-H3-positive glioma cells. This was also associated with remarkably enhanced secretion of immune-stimulatory cytokines that persisted across repetitive stimulations. Furthermore, DNMTi-treated CAR T-cells exhibited greater cytotoxicity at lower effector-to-target ratios compared to untreated CAR T-cells, with sustained differential cytotoxicity even after the 4th stimulation. Preliminary in vivo data from immunocompetent glioma models further support the potential of DNMTi pre-treatment, showing improved T-cell persistence and reduced dose requirements. Mechanistic studies suggest that DNMT inhibition enhances B7-H3 CAR T-cell anti-tumor activity by regulating memory differentiation of CAR T-cells early in the production phase. CONCLUSION This study proposes that DNMTi pre-treatment may offer a promising approach for optimizing CAR T-cell manufacturing and enhancing performance in brain tumors.

The mediatory role of the environmental performance function within the lean-green manufacturing sustainability complex

PurposeThe objective of the study is to explore the mediatory role of the environmental performance of organisations on their economic and social performances. It demonstrates that implementing environmental management techniques should not only be done to comply with environmental regulations, but also as a means of improving social and economic performance.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered from the manufacturing industry of Zimbabwe, and 302 useable responses were received. Data analysis was performed through structural equation modelling (SEM) using SMART PLS 3.FindingsImprovement in environmental performance led to improvements in both social and economic performances. Also, environmental performance contributes the greatest total effect; hence, it deserves attention, not only for compliance but also for economic reasons.Originality/valueOur goal is to quantify the extent to which environmental performance might improve the social and, more importantly, the economic performance of organisations. The study also explores the relative importance and performance of lean manufacturing (LM), green manufacturing (GM), social performance and environmental performance for purposes of prioritisation of organisational improvement initiatives.

Investigating the effects of green operations management on sustainability performance of manufacturing and service firms: The mediating role of green customer integration in Vietnam

While recent years have seen the conduct of works covering the connections between green operations, green supply chain integration, and corporate sustainability, a comparative study on manufacturing and service industries has not yet been carried out to examine these interrelations in developing countries. In Vietnam, insights from such endeavors are practically needed to inform management and policymaking given that senior managers and government legislators have paid insufficient attention to green supply chain management. In line with the resource-based view and dynamic capability, the present study demonstrates the mediating role green customer integration (GCI) plays in the relationship between the green operations and corporate sustainability of service and manufacturing firms. Partial least squares-structural equation models are used to illustrate the direct and positive effect of green operations on environmental performance in both service and manufacturing companies, and this effect is then partially mediated by GCI. With the other pillars of corporate sustainability (social and economic performance), the effect is fully mediated by GCI for manufacturing businesses. For service enterprises, GCI partially mediates the effect of green operations on social performance but does not occupy a significant role in the positive relationship between green operations and economic performance. Thus, firms that undertake green operations management should properly foster GCI to achieve the desired corporate sustainability results. In addition, the government should consider support or incentives that help firms offset related costs and promote sustainability.

Stakeholder-Driven Sustainable Technology Application in Fashion Manufacturing Enterprises and Performance Impact

Stakeholder-Driven Sustainable Technology Application in Fashion Manufacturing Enterprises and Performance Impact