Plastic Manufacturing Research Articles

Development of an Automotive-Relevant Recycling Process for Paper Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

The automotive industry is under growing pressure from regulatory agencies to improve the recyclability of its plastic components. Simultaneously, manufacturers are adopting natural fiber composites in vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint and decrease reliance on petroleum-based materials. This presents a challenge at vehicle end-of-life, however, as natural fiber-reinforced polymers are substantially more difficult to recycle than their unreinforced counterparts. This study investigated the development of a mechanical recycling process for paper fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites, focusing on the impact of injection molding parameters—specifically, injection temperature and rate—on the thermal, mechanical, and water uptake properties of the composites. The results showed that processing temperature had a greater influence on composite performance than injection rate, with some limited interaction effects between the two. Higher processing intensity damaged the paper fibers, increasing the number of nucleation sites and resulting in greater polypropylene crystallinity. These structural changes reduced tensile properties at higher intensities, while flexural properties improved. Objective function analysis was applied to identify optimal processing conditions, balancing these competing trends. Overall, the findings demonstrate that paper fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites can be recycled into automotive-relevant injection molding compounds using conventional plastic manufacturing techniques, though careful tuning of processing parameters is essential to achieve optimal performance.

Mortality and cancer incidence in the UK glass reinforced plastics manufacturing industry: a cohort study

ObjectivesAccording to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, styrene is probably carcinogenic for lymphohaematopoietic neoplasms, with insufficient evidence for other cancer sites. We compared mortality and cancer incidence (for...

Triethyl phosphate (TEP) – dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), as a green solvent mixture for solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)

ABSTRACT The free use of DMF has recently been restricted since December 2023 in Europe because of its health hazards. Over time, these restrictions will extend to the USA and other countries. As DMF is the solvent of choice for solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), its replacement has become an important issue. So far, there is not a solvent alone that shows possible replacement of DMF, consequently, several mixtures have been proposed. Herein, the triethyl phosphate (TEP) is proposed as an excellent alternative to EtOAc/BuOAc for use in combination with DMSO for SPPS at rt. TEP has shown broad application as a flame retardant in the plastics manufacturing industry due to its negligible level of toxicity, non-carcinogenicity, non-mutagenicity, and non-bioaccumulative properties. The performance of TEP-DMSO (3:1) in SPPS has been demonstrated by the synthesis of three medium-sized peptides of interest (Angiotensin, Afamelanotide, and the C-terminal peptide of Tirzepatide) with excellent purity at rt. Furthermore, TEP-DMSO (3:1) results in slightly less racemization than DMF in peptides containing Cys/His. Finally, it has been demonstrated that Ramage resin is more secure to use than Rink-amide resin because it does not break out during the final global deprotection step, avoiding the formation of linker-related side-products.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose <i>Nata de Coco</i> Inserted Nanoparticles Zn-Moringa Leaf Extract (<i>Moringa oleifera</i>) as Biodegradable plastic Banan Fruit Packaging

Synthesis and characterization of cellulose nata de coco inserted nanoparticles of zinc-moringa leaf extract as biodegradable plastic for banana fruit packaging has been carried out. This study aims to determine the characteristics, biodegradability and preservation activity of biodegradable plastic cellulose nata de coco inserted zinc nanoparticles-moringa leaf extract. The research process was carried out through the nata de coco synthesis stage, zinc nanoparticle synthesis-moringa leaf extract and the manufacture of biodegradable plastics. The success of this synthesis is evidenced by being characterized using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR spectrophotometer and digital optical microscope. The results of UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis showed that the zinc nanoparticles formed had an estimated particle size of 85.72-92.92 nm and were stable. The results of FTIR analysis on Moringa leaf extract showed the presence of -OH, C-H, C=O, C=C and C-O groups. In the biodegradable plastic film nata de coco-NPZn-moringa leaf extract, there was a peak shift in several functional groups marked at the peaks of wavenumbers 555.50 and 432.05 cm-1 which are ZnZP groups. Characterization using a digital optical microscope showed that zinc nanoparticlesThe synthesis is spherical, non-uniform, and has been well distributed on the cellulose surface of nata de coco. Biodegradation test on nata de coco-NPZn-Moringa leaf extract biodegradable plastic film using activated sludge system, test results show biodegradable plastic can be degraded 100% for 15 days. Preservation activities show that packaged bananas are still able to survive up to 8 days of post-harvest storage period. These results show the effectiveness of biodegradable plastic preservation of nata de coco-NPZn-moringa leaf extract biodegradable plastic which is quite good.

Sustainable Approach for Degradation of Low-Density Polyethylene Plastic Waste Using Ligninolytic White Rot Fungus.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor is used in manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics for food-drink packaging. In the present study, optimized set of conditions to degrade commercial grade BPA has been used and applied in degrading shredded leached low-density polyethylene (LDPE) residues and its leachate (198 µg/L BPA) using white rot fungus Hypocrea lixii. One-at-a-time method showed maximum BPA degradation of 98.73 ± 0.02% with 190.1 ± 0.2 U/L laccase and 1913.2 ± 0.3 U/L lignin peroxidase in glucose-yeast extract-malt extract-peptone (GYMP) medium supplemented with 5% sawdust, mediators-CuSO4 (0.2 mM), veratryl alcohol (0.1 mM) and Tween 80 (0.1 mM). Three sets were prepared by dissolving these optimized nutritional components in leachates-A (only leachate), B (leached LDPE residues in leachate) and C (leached LDPE residues, sawdust in leachate). All sets showed 100% degradation in 5 days. Cracks and holes in degraded LDPE pieces was confirmed by SEM analysis and changes in functional groups by FTIR. Toxicity assay of treated leachate on soil microfauna revealed the elimination of BPA as it supported sufficient microbial growth of soil bacteria. Thus, the present process provides a sustainable solution for the management of LDPE with the possibility of using treated leachate for irrigation.

Partial consumption of medical face masks by a common beetle species.

The widespread distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has motivated research on the ecological significance and fate of these pervasive particles. Recent studies have demonstrated that MPs may not always have negative effects, and in contrast, several species of Tenebrionidae beetles utilized plastic as a food source in controlled laboratory experiments. However, most studies of plastic-eating insects have not been ecologically realistic, and thus it is unclear whether results from these experiments apply more broadly. Here, we quantified the ability of mealworms (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to consume MPs derived from polypropylene and polylactic acid face masks; these are two of the most commonly used conventional and plant-based plastics. To simulate foraging in nature, we mixed MPs with wheat bran to create an environment where beetles were exposed to multiple food types. Mealworms consumed approximately 50% of the MPs, egested a small fraction, and consumption did not affect survival. This study adds to our limited knowledge of the ability of insects to consume MPs. Understory or ground-dwelling insects may hold the key to sustainable plastic disposal strategies, but we caution that research in this field needs to proceed concomitantly with reductions in plastic manufacturing.

Empowering industry through energy auditing: a case study of savings and sustainability

Conducting energy audits is pivotal in assessing industrial plant efficiency and formulating effective energy management plans. It identifies opportunities for efficient energy use, reducing costs and environmental impact. This study employs a techno-economic approach to analyze electricity cost reduction in an industrial facility. Through energy auditing, it explores economic benefits and improved energy quality, yielding favorable outcomes. Focused on a plastic derivative manufacturing plant, the study reveals critical audit findings. The main aim is to identify avenues for electric energy savings, cutting production costs, and enhancing product competitiveness. The audit involves a detailed analysis of consumption patterns, signal quality, and potential energy management strategies, culminating in a cost-cutting plan. The results of an economic assessment of the suggested energy-saving strategies, provide a comprehensive evaluation of their financial implications. It reveals significant cost reduction opportunities, estimating annual energy savings of $45,824.56, which represents a 23.68% decrease in expenses. These initiatives not only boost the plant's financial performance but also strengthen its competitive edge.

Engineering Komagataella phaffii for ethylene glycol production from xylose

Ethylene glycol (EG) is a versatile molecule produced in the petrochemical industry and is widely used to manufacture plastic polymers, anti-freeze, and automotive fluids. Biotechnological production of EG from xylose, a pentose present in lignocellulose biomass hydrolysates, has been achieved by the engineering of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae, and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with synthetic pathways. In the present work, the Dahms pathway was employed to construct Komagataella phaffii strains capable of producing EG from xylose. Different combinations of the four enzymes that compose the synthetic pathway, namely, xylose dehydrogenase, xylonate dehydratase, dehydro-deoxy-xylonate aldolase, and glycolaldehyde reductase, were successfully expressed in K. phaffii. Increased production of EG (1.31 g/L) was achieved by employing a newly identified xylonate dehydratase (xylD-HL). This xylonate dehydratase allowed 30% higher EG production than a previously known xylonate dehydratase (xylD-CC). Further strain engineering demonstrated that K. phaffii possesses native glycolaldehyde reduction and oxidation activities, which lead to pathway deviation from EG to glycolic acid (GA) production. Finally, cultivation conditions that favor the production of EG over GA were determined.

Bisphenol A and Its Emergent Substitutes: State of the Art of the Impact of These Plasticizers on Oxidative Stress and Its Role in Vascular Dysfunction

The “One Health approach” has evidenced the significant impact of xenobiotic exposure to health, and humans are a relevant target for their toxic effects. Bisphenol A (BPA) exerts a ubiquitous exposure source in all ecosystems. Given its endocrine-disrupting and harmful consequences on health, several countries have enforced new regulations to reduce exposure to BPA. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are complex conditions that lead to higher mortality worldwide, where family history, lifestyle, and environmental factors, like BPA exposure, have a remarkable contribution. This chemical compound is the most widely used in plastic and epoxy resin manufacturing and has been associated with effects on human health. Therefore, new-generation bisphenols (NGBs) are replacing BPA use, arguing that they do not harm health. Nonetheless, the knowledge about whether NGBs are secure options is scanty. Although BPA’s effects on several organs and systems have been documented, the role of BPA and NGBs in CVDs has yet to be explored. This review’s goals are focused on the processes of endothelial activation (EA)–endothelial dysfunction (ED), a cornerstone of CVDs development, bisphenols’ (BPs) effects on these processes through oxidant and antioxidant system alteration. Despite the scarce evidence on pro-oxidant effects associated with NGBs, our review demonstrated a comparable harmful effect on BPA. The results from the present review suggest that the biological mechanisms to explain BPs cardiotoxic effects are the oxidant stress ↔ inflammatory response ↔ EA ↔ ED → atherosclerotic plate → coagulation promotion. Other effects contributing to CVD development include altered lipid metabolism, ionic channels, and the activation of different intracellular pathways, which contribute to ED perpetuation in a concerted manner.

Competitive Strategies and Performance of Plastic Packaging Industries in Kenya: A Case Study of Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya-Preform Manufacturing Plant

Manufacturing, especially the plastics manufacturing sector, faces significant challenges from the constantly shifting competitive business environment, and companies have been working hard to maintain their competitiveness. Porter provided evidence that implementing a generic competitive strategy can result in a more robust competitive advantage. The purpose of this research is to determine the effects of Porter's generic strategies on competitive advantage in the plastic packaging industries especially Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya. The sample size for this study was 50 respondents, whereas the population was roughly 45 respondents. Questionnaires were the primary means of gathering data. The findings underscore the required need to adapt specific porter strategy to have advantage over their competitors, such as Cost Leadership, Differentiation, cost focus and differentiation focus strategy. The study demonstrated that the cost focus, cost leadership, differentiation and differentiation focus strategy had impacted the Coca-Cola beverage Kenya's success among the competitors. Hence the study concludes that to maximize competitive advantage, the firm should focus on theses strategy to edge out competition.

New Management Strategy Framework for Effectively Managing Microplastic in Circular System from Plastic Product Manufacturing to Waste Treatment Facility

In recent years, concerns regarding the environmental impact of microplastics (MPs) have led to increased international attention on these pollutants. Although the initial focus was largely directed toward marine environments, land-based pollution sources, including MP release, have been recognized to directly affect marine ecosystems. Therefore, soil-, atmosphere-, groundwater-, and river-based research is ongoing. However, when considering sources of MP, it is necessary to examine the circular system of plastic in terms of raw materials, production, consumption, discharge, and disposal (recycling). Accordingly, the present study proposes a strategy to effectively manage MPs using this circular system. First, the factors influencing MPs in the circular system were identified, and MPs at the system’s final stage, i.e., at the waste treatment facility, were subsequently investigated. Using the concept of MP waste (MPW), strategies were then developed for effective MP management within the circular system. Applying the proposed theoretical strategy to the Korean waste management system revealed that the new policy framework improves the current MP management system. Overall, this study provides fundamental data for establishing new or improved MP management schemes from a waste sector perspective.

The Role of Competence on Performance Leadership Style as an Intervening Variable

This study aims to analyze the effect of employee competence on their performance in the company through the leadership style in the company, while the following research uses a quantitative method that uses a population of employees of the Plastic Woven Packaging Manufacturing Company using a sample of the production department of 100 respondents. The following research results show that the influence of (1) employee competence has a significant influence on performance, (2) employee competence has a significant influence on leadership style, (3) leadership style has a significant influence on performance, while profit sharing has an indirect effect through the mediating variable style (4) Competence has a significant direct effect in order to provide an increase in employee performance even though it is not through Leadership Style as a mediating variable. The company should pay attention and provide an increase in the competence that can affect employee performance.

Evaluation of Performance Improvement Rate of Plastic Production System Using ARENA: A Case Study of Phoenix Plastic Services

Production improvement has become essential to all industrial activity because of the fierce competition among today's production systems and organizations and the unquenchable customer demand. The shorter product life cycle has significantly increased the demand for prompt reactions to increase the productivity and efficiency of these industrial systems. This study examined the evaluation of performance improvement rate of plastic production system using ARENA. The report provided by the plastics industry was used in the study to analyze and assess the rate of performance improvement of the plastic manufacturing system. The location of the bottleneck was determined by the research following a thorough analysis of the plastic company's data, which included information on all manufacturing lines and procedures. The research employed Arena to assess and compute the rate of improvement in system performance while accounting for the material transporting process throughout the production line. The conveyor velocity maintains a lock at 75m/min, despite the company's report stating that the transports run at 30m/min. The optimized and unoptimized processes when obtained from a finished recycling process running for 1000 working hours, indicate that the conveyor process had 1045 and 1027 entity input and output, respectively, and the transporter process had 953 and 929 entities input and output respectively. The remaining number left when considering the number that enters the system with the number that leaves the system went to waste, resulting from the sorting and demagnetization process. The introduction of the conveyor brings 10.549% in the production rate and 50% decrease on expenses spent in labor. Through the conveyor system's speed control factor, which is an automated procedure, the system's percentage increment may be further raised. By raising the conveyor system's speed, more items will be produced. Conveyor system installation free up more space for additional production-related equipment, increasing products formed and the company's profit. The cost of purchasing and installing the conveyor will be covered by the excess profit.

Early ovarian differentiation in the tammar wallaby and the effects of exposure to bisphenol-A.

Bisphenol-A (BPA), an environmental endocrine disruptor (EED), is used widely in the manufacturing of various plastics. While BPA can have detrimental effects on fertility and reproductive health, the effects of BPA on early ovarian differentiation in mammals remains unclear. Marsupials have undifferentiated gonads at birth, so this study investigated the gross morphology, protein localisation of FOXL2 and FST and the expression profile of key ovarian differentiating genes FOXL2, WNT4,FST, ESR1 and ESR2 every 2 days from the day of birth to day 10 post partum (pp) in the marsupial tammar wallaby. A second group of newborn female pouch young were treated with 50 µg/kg of BPA daily from day 0-10 pp and the morphology and gene expression were examined at day 10 pp. Ovigerous cords in tammar ovaries were first formed between days 2 to 4 pp. FOXL2 localisation became nuclear by day 4 in pre-granulosa cells. FST was initially in the cytoplasm of pre-granulosa cells at day 2 pp, but was then secreted into the extracellular matrix in ovaries by day 10 pp. FOXL2, FST, ESR1 and ESR2 mRNA were upregulated in ovaries around day 2-4 pp, indicating that ovarian differentiation in the tammar begins from day 2-4 pp. Interestingly, BPA treatment from day 0-10 pp blocked the morphological differentiation of the cortex and medulla as well as ovigerous cord formation and downregulated the expression of FST and FOXL2 at day 10 pp.

The combined use of biological investigations, bio chromatographic and in silico methods to solve the puzzle of badge and its derivative's toxicity

Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) is a pre-polymer of BPA widely used in manufacturing of epoxy resins and plastics; due to its high reactivity, unintended by-products, such as chlorinated and hydrolysed products, can reach the human body. This research integrates multiple approaches such as computational predictions, chromatographic experiments, biological assays, and human biomonitoring studies to comprehensively evaluate the toxicological profiles of the parent compound and its derivatives. In silico predictions were first utilized to estimate the toxicological properties and interactions of BADGE derivatives, providing insights into their bioactivity. Biomimetic liquid chromatography was then used to simulate membrane permeability and biodistribution, predicting how these chemicals might cross biological membranes and accumulate in tissues. In vitro experiments assessed cellular toxicity through viability assays, identifying BADGE·2HCl as the most cytotoxic derivative. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production evaluation was performed to assess the oxidative stress induced by these compounds, revealing elevated ROS levels in cells exposed to BADGE and BADGE·2HCl with a consequent significant oxidative damage. Similarly, BADGE and BADGE·2HCl were able to induce cellular death by apoptosis activation. Human serum analysis in a population sample (N = 96), showed BADGE·2H2O as the most frequently detected metabolite, indicating a considerable human exposure and metabolic processes. The findings highlight a toxicity of BADGE derivatives similar to that of BADGE; BADGE·2HCl resulted particularly cytotoxic and BADGE·2H2O is the most frequent detected in human serum, underscoring the need for regulatory measures to mitigate potential health risks associated with these compounds.

Protective effects of Sphaeranthus indicus floral extract against BPS-induced testicular damage in rats occurs through downregulation of RIPK1/3-MLK-driven necroptosis and Fas-FasL-mediated apoptosis

AbstractBisphenol S (BPS) is one of the monomers preferred in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics. Unfortunately, its estrogenic and genotoxic effects are similar to those of bisphenol A. The protective effects of Sphaeranthus indicus floral extract (SFE) against reprotoxic effects of BPS (50 µg/kg per body weight) in rats exposed to it via drinking water was investigated. Different SFE doses (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) were administered via oral gavage for 10 weeks. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results indicated that SFE was rich in polyphenols, with rutin and quercetin being important bioactive molecules modulating BPS-induced necroptosis and apoptosis. Biochemical analyses unveiled that rats administered BPS only exhibited considerable elevation of biomarkers of nitro-oxidative stress, necroptotic (RIPK1/RIPK3 and MLKL), and apoptotic mediators (Fas/FasL and caspase 3/caspase-8). These events caused changes in sperm characteristics (sperm motility, sperm head, and sperm viability), sperm count, and hormonal profile (thyroid stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) of the rats. Histological analysis suggested that there was pronounced sloughing of Sertoli cells, reduced spermatogenic cell density, increased levels of seminiferous tubules, and disorganized morphometric parameters related to seminiferous tubules. The SFE supplementation in rats with BPS-containing water restored nitro-oxidative stress biomarkers, which led to the reduction of necroptosis and apoptosis. Reinstatement of all the biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, necroptosis, and apoptosis after SFE supplementations restored the hormonal profile and normal histoarchitecture of the testes. Virtual screening elucidated that the key regulators of the necroptosis are RIPK3-rutin and RIPK1-quercetin complexes. Further studies are needed to assess its pharmacodynamics, kinetics, and effective concentration for daily use in humans.

Enhancing EDM Productivity for Plastic Injection Mold Manufacturing: An Experimental Optimization Study.

Electrical erosion molding (EDM) is an unconventional machining technology widely used in the manufacture of injection molds for plastics injection molding for the creation of complex cavities and geometries. However, EDM productivity can be challenging, directly influencing mold manufacturing time and cost. This work aims to improve EDM productivity in the context of mold manufacturing for plastics injection molding. The research focuses on the optimization of processing parameters and strategies to reduce manufacturing time and increase process efficiency. Through a rigorous experimental approach, this work demonstrates that the optimization of EDM parameters and strategies can lead to significant productivity gains in the manufacture of plastic injection molds without compromising part quality and accuracy. This research involved a series of controlled experiments on a Mitsubishi EA28V Advance die-sinking EDM machine. Different combinations of pre-cutting parameters and processing strategies were investigated using copper electrodes on a heat-treated steel plate. Productivity was evaluated by measuring the volume of material removed, and geometrical accuracy was checked on a coordinate measuring machine. The experimental results showed a significant increase in productivity (up to 61%) by using the "processing speed priority" function of the EDM machine, with minimal impact on geometric accuracy. Furthermore, the optimized parameters led to an average reduction of 12% in dimensional deviations, indicating improved geometric accuracy of the machined parts. This paper also provides practical recommendations on the selection of optimal EDM processing parameters and strategies, depending on the specific requirements of plastic injection mold manufacturing.

Toxicological impacts of plastic microfibers from face masks on Artemia salina: An environmental assessment using Box-Behnken design

An increase in global plastic manufacturing and subsequent disposal has resulted in widespread increase in microplastic pollution. Particularly, the post-COVID surge in face mask usage has introduced significant volumes of synthetic plastic microfibers into the environment, posing new ecological risks. Present study examines the toxicological impacts of face mask derived microfibers on Artemia salina, a key marine zooplankton species, using the Box-Behnken design to assess the effects of microfiber dosage (0.1 mg/L- 5 mg/L), salinity (0.5 ppt–30 ppt), temperature (10 °C-45 °C), and cyst stocking density (10 cysts/L-100 cysts/L) on hatching efficiency and swimming competencies. Results demonstrated that higher microfiber dosages (2.5 mg/L-5 mg/L) significantly reduced the hatching efficiencies and swimming competencies, while temperature and cyst density also modulated these effects. Additionally, survival assays indicated a significant reduction in survival rates with increasing microfiber concentrations, attributed to the bioaccumulation, oxidative stress and developmental deformities in the organism. The study further explores the leaching of chromophoric dissolved organic matter and turbidity, revealing a direct correlation with microfiber dosage and exposure duration. These findings underscore the urgent need for mitigation strategies to address microfiber pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems. Data presented from the research provides valuable insights into the environmental impacts of plastic microfiber contamination, emphasizing the necessity for continued investigation into effective solutions for managing plastic waste.

Steam cracking in a semi-industrial dual fluidized bed reactor: Tackling the challenges in thermochemical recycling of plastic waste

Steam cracking is an integral process in the plastic manufacturing industry. Conventional steam crackers are tubular reactors and use fossil-based feedstocks like naphtha and LPG. This work presents steam cracking in a dual fluidized bed (DFB) reactor as an alternative for the direct steam cracking of plastic waste. Experiments were performed on a semi-industrial DFB system using naphtha, clean polyolefins, real-life plastic wastes, and a polyolefin-derived pyrolysis oil. The results show that steam cracking in a DFB is fundamentally equivalent to steam cracking in tubular reactors. Selective production of light olefins and monoaromatics was achieved within a temperature range of 700–825 °C. Naphtha yielded up to 56 % light olefins and 7 % BTXS, with ethylene and BTXS production positively correlating with cracking severity, while C3 and C4 olefins show a negative correlation. These results confirm that the established steam cracking mechanisms also apply to large-scale DFB steam crackers. The yield of light olefins is consistently obtained at approximately 52 % relative to the polyolefin content of the feedstock, regardless of the non-polyolefin content. This highlights the DFB steam cracker’s ability to produce light olefins directly from plastic waste without presorting. However, steam cracking in DFB results in significantly higher CO and CO2 yields than conventional steam cracking, especially with feedstocks containing non-polyolefins like PET and cellulose. Additionally, steam cracking of an olefin-rich pyrolysis oil yields up to 50 % light olefins with minimal coke formation, highlighting the potential in processing plastic waste pyrolysis oils without pretreatment steps such as distillation and hydrotreatment.

Supporting tailorability in augmented reality based remote assistance in the manufacturing industry: A user study

Research on remote assistance in real-world industries is sparse, as most research is conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Consequently, little is known about how users tailor remote assistance technologies at work. Therefore, we developed an augmented reality-based remote assistance prototype called Remote Assist Kit (RAK). RAK is a component-based system, allowing us to study tailoring activities and the usefulness of tailorable remote assistance technologies. We conducted a user evaluation with employees from the plastic manufacturing industry. The employees configured the RAK to solve real-world problems in three collaborative scenarios: (1) troubleshooting a running injection molding machine, (2) tool maintenance, (3) solving a trigonometry problem. Our results show that the tailorability of RAK was perceived as useful, and users were able to successfully tailor RAK to the distinct properties of the scenarios. Specific findings and their implications for the design of tailorable remote assistance technologies are presented. Among other findings, requirements specific to remote assistance in the manufacturing industry were discussed, such as the importance of sharing machine sounds between the local operator and the remote helper.