Reduce Production Time Research Articles

CLAMPING TOOLS PRINTED FROM ONYX AND USED IN INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING PROCESS

The publication verifies the theoretical possibilities of reducing production costs and production time for machine clamping jaws. The primary idea involves maintaining the design for conventional production while replacing the steel alloy 1.7225 with the ONYX plastic composite material reinforced with carbon fiber. The study was first verified computationally and then experimentally in industrial operations. The results of the study were recorded and carefully analyzed. The usability of the ONYX composite, in conjunction with carbon fiber, does not support its use in industrial operations. Although the rotary system was significantly lighter, the clamping elements exhibited relatively high elasticity values. Therefore, the results were unsatisfactory but highly beneficial for the practice and usability of plastic composites.

Integrating Deep Learning with Generative Design and Topology Optimization for Efficient Additive Manufacturing

Abstract. Additive manufacturing (AM) through generative design and topology optimisation creates complex, lightweight structures with exceptional material efficiency and structural integrity. When coupled with deep learning functionality, generative design and topology optimisation can explore broader design spaces and optimise more efficiently, creating novel AM structures that utilise material more efficiently and have better strength and performance than their counterparts created through conventional AM methods. The study tackles how deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be integrated into generative design and topology optimisation and how these integration help optimise material usage, production time and performance. Case studies from the aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries exemplify how these synergies resulted in more resilient, cost-effective designs that would not have been possible through conventional AM approaches. The study focuses on material usage efficiency, reduction in production time and performance improvement to showcase how deep learning integrations enhance the process from design conceptualisation, through iterations, to final production.

Digital Twin Used in Real-Time Monitoring of Operations Performed on CNC Technological Equipment

This article presents the development and implementation of a real-time monitoring solution designed for CNC machines, specifically applied to 150 industrial printing machines, leveraging Digital Twin (DT) technology. The system integrates an SQL database with Android and .NET interfaces, ensuring seamless data synchronization across all machines and optimizing production processes. The real-time monitoring enables immediate reflection of operational changes, enhancing predictive maintenance and reducing machine downtime. A notable feature of the system is its 1 s average data synchronization rate per machine, managing 150 resources distributed over a 10,000 mp area. This fast synchronization improves workflow coordination, reducing production time by approximately 10%, and minimizing operator delays caused by material issues, machine malfunctions, or product defects. The integration of advanced analytics further supports real-time decision-making, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization, aligning the solution with the objectives of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 initiatives. This version reflects the specific results of the research, including the 1 s synchronization rate, the 10% reduction in production time, and the scalability of the system for 150 resources.

Topology optimization designed twisted conformal cooling channel for additive-manufactured hot-stamping tool

Hot stamping is a manufacturing process that can be used to produce complex-shaped parts with high mechanical properties. In this process, the part quality and the production rate are strongly influenced by the efficiency of the cooling system within the tool. Improving the efficiency of the cooling system is therefore a key factor in reducing production time and costs. Traditional cooling systems for hot stamping tools often rely on simple drilled channels, limiting their potential for optimization. But recent improvements in additive manufacturing of steel have made it possible to design and produce cooling channels of more complex shapes and therefore allow the use of innovative design approaches such as topology optimization. This paper proposes a new rational method for optimum design of cooling system for additively manufactured hot stamping tools. The proposed new methodology is based on fluid-thermal topology optimization (TO). A low-fidelity model using the Stokes-Darcy equations is used to simulate fluid flow in the cooling channels. The objective function and constraints are designed to minimize the maximum temperature of the tool surface (cooling efficiency) with limited pressure drop of the cooling system. Advanced computations techniques including parallel computation, stabilization techniques, adaptive mesh and iterative solvers are used to ensure the computation performance. The procedure developed is first tested on a simple example to check the consistency of the results obtained. Then, to demonstrate the contribution of our work to the field under study, the procedure developed is used to optimize the design of the cooling system for an industrial hot stamping punch to be additively manufactured. The obtained optimum design is compared with standard drilled channels design and the deign with shell and core technology (with insert). These comparisons clearly shows that the optimal design combined with additive manufacturing can reduce quenching time by 37 % compared to conventional drilled straight channels, with very similar pressure drop and very similar load-bearing capacity. This research offers significant potential for improving efficiency and reducing costs in hot stamping and other manufacturing processes.

Constant temperature and humidity combined with vacuum-steam pulsed steaming of Polygonatum cyrtonema rhizome: Quality attribute and browning mechanism

The quality of Polygonatum cyrtonema rhizome is considerably influenced by steaming, a post-harvest procedure; however, the mechanisms behind this quality formation are not well understood. This study explored two innovative streaming methods for Polygonatum cyrtonema rhizome: constant temperature and humidity steaming and drying (CTHSD) and constant temperature and humidity combined with vacuum-steam pulsed steaming and drying (CTH + VSPSD). Traditional atmospheric steaming, simmering, and drying (ASD) were also used. We evaluated the microstructure, colour and polysaccharide, reducing sugar, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, amino acid, phenolics and diosgenin contents as well as its antioxidant capacity. Results indicated that all methods enhanced antioxidant activity, released phenolic compounds and disrupted the microscopic pore wall structure. The processed samples exhibited increased browning values owing to non-enzymatic browning reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars.Notably, the CTH + VSPSD method yielded the highest antioxidant capacity, better preservation of polysaccharides and lower levels of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural compared to other methods. Additionally, CTH + VSPSD reduced production time by 66.7 % while achieving a comparable colour profile to that of conventional ASD technology. Therefore, the CTH + VSPSD method shows great promise for producing high-quality Polygonatum cyrtonema rhizome products.

Energy-efficient synthesis of Ti3C2Tx MXene for electromagnetic shielding

Traditional methods for synthesizing two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXenes such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) or LiF/HCl based etching can be time-consuming, complex, and often result in low yields. They generally involve multi-step processes involving >40 h of preparation time that can expose the materials to harsh conditions. In this study, we demonstrate a rapid single-step microwave (MW) synthesis method that significantly reduces production time to 90 min, achieving a 90 % yield and cutting energy consumption by 75 %. For the first time, synchrotron x-ray pair distribution function (PDF) analysis conducted on MW-synthesized MXene (MW-Ti3C2Tx) indicates greater structural fidelity in local atomic ordering, indicating high-quality which is comparable to conventionally synthesized counterparts (CO-Ti3C2Tx). This method achieves similar or greater structural quality in less time while also enhancing electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI SE) performance. A 15 μm MW-Ti3C2Tx film demonstrated an impressive EMI SE of ∼67 dB in the X-band, compared to the ∼63 dB achieved by CO-Ti3C2Tx. The enhanced EMI SE performance is attributed to the presence of fluorine terminations, which provide oxidation resistance, increased conductivity and improved absorption of EM waves. The MW-induced shocks during irradiation not only help remove O2/OH groups, preventing oxidation, but also tunes the functional groups, enhancing charge transport and effective EM wave attenuation. The MW synthesis method presents a fast, efficient, and scalable approach for producing high-quality MXene nanosheets, paving the way for advancements in EMI shielding and other applications.

Optimizing additive manufacturing parameters for graphene-reinforced PETG impeller production: A fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS approach

Additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, has transformed production by enabling precise, layer-by-layer construction with minimal material waste. This study aims to optimize the mechanical properties and production efficiency of impellers manufactured using Graphene-Reinforced Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (G-PETG) filament. By employing the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), we identified optimal 3D printing parameters. The results showed that a 65 % infill density, 0.20 mm layer height, 50 mm/s printing speed, 90 °C platform temperature, 240 °C extruder temperature, and 90 mm/s traverse speed led to a 15 % improvement in tensile strength and a 12 % reduction in production time compared to baseline settings. Additionally, the impellers produced demonstrated superior surface finish and structural integrity, making them suitable for high-performance applications. These findings underscore the importance of parameter optimization in enhancing the performance of 3D-printed components, particularly for applications requiring high mechanical strength and precision.

Vibration energy-based indicators for multi-target condition monitoring in milling operations

The demand for intelligent process monitoring is increasing in aerospace manufacturing to ensure tight tolerances and high surface quality. Real-time monitoring in machining is crucial for machined accuracy and process reliability, reducing production times and costs, and enhancing automation of the manufacturing process. This study presents a robust multi-target condition monitoring method based on the vibration signals. Firstly, three new energy ratio indicators with dimensionless characteristics were defined for tool wear, breakage, and chatter monitoring. Secondly, the vibration energy loss from the tool tip to the tool holder, and spindle housing was measured and compared, and the rules of vibration loss from the tool tip to the spindle housing were revealed. Using force signals as a reference, the monitoring performance of industrially acceptable acceleration and sound signals in multi-target condition monitoring was quantitatively analyzed. Finally, the performance of the proposed vibration energy-based indicators was experimentally illustrated and quantitatively evaluated. It is shown that these indicators can be used to discriminate between tool breakage and chatter, as well as to assess tool wear. The new monitoring method can also minimize the costs of process monitoring by reducing the use of expensive sensors or overusing multiple sensors in a smart manufacturing system.

Methods for optimizing additive technologies using the example of loaded plastic products

The article describes the development of methods for optimizing additive technologies (FDM printing), taking into account the loads acting on the body in question, in order to save materials and reduce production time, within the framework of robotics, shipbuilding and the development of water, land and air drones. An analysis of existing modification methods to strengthen models was carried out. Various methods of modifying 3D models for printing have been tested. Based on the tests, a universal method for strengthening parts for three-dimensional printing was proposed and developed. The method is based on the principle of creating spherical cavities inside the part in place of the most loaded areas of the part, which then, when creating G-code programs for the printer, will be surrounded by outer plastic walls, creating a seal inside the part. Inventor and Ansys stress analysis and topology analysis are used to identify areas requiring optimization, based on the results of which 3D models of the most loaded areas, or models of areas requiring reinforcement, were created. A software and hardware complex has been created for modifying three-dimensional models for 3D printing and a software has been developed to automate the main parts of the processing technique for finished parts - creating cavities based on a three-dimensional model of loaded zones.

GMP-compliant automated radiosynthesis of [18F] SynVesT-1 for PET imaging of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A (SV2A)

BackgroundA novel positron emission tomography (PET) imaging tracer, [18F] SynVesT-1, targeting synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 (SV2A), has been developed to meet clinical demand. Utilizing the Trasis AllinOne-36 (AIO) module, we’ve automated synthesis to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, ensuring sterile, pyrogen-free production. The fully GMP-compliant robust synthesis of [18F] SynVesT-1 boosting reliability and introducing a significant degree of simplicity and its comprehensive validation for routine human use.Results[18F] SynVesT-1 was synthesized by small modifications to the original [18F] SynVesT-1 synthesis protocol to better fit AIO module using an in-house designed cassette and sequence. With a relatively small precursor load of 5 mg, [18F] SynVesT-1 was obtained with consistently high radiochemical yields (RCY) of 20.6 ± 1.2% (the decay-corrected RCY, n = 3) at end of synthesis. Each of the final formulated batches demonstrated radiochemical purity (RCP) and enantiomeric purity surpassing 99%. The entire synthesis process was completed within a timeframe of 80 min (75 ± 3.1 min, n = 3), saves 11 min compared to reported GMP automated synthesis procedures. The in-human PET imaging of total body PET/CT and time-of-flight (TOF) PET/MR showed that [18F] SynVesT-1 is an excellent tracer for SV2A. It is advantageous for decentralized promotion and application in multi-center studies.ConclusionThe use of AIO synthesizer maintains high production yields and increases reliability, reduces production time and allows rapid training of production staff. Besides, the as-prepared [18F] SynVesT-1 displays excellent in vivo binding properties in humans and holds great potential for the imaging and quantification of synaptic density in vivo.

Anisotropy in Chip Formation in Orthogonal Cutting of Rolled Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract The increasing demand for titanium alloys in aerospace and medical device industries stems from their lightweight and high strength properties. Enhancing machining technologies for titanium alloys is critical for reducing production time and costs. This study investigates the anisotropy in machining of rolled titanium alloy plates with orthogonal cutting tests. The mechanical properties of these plates exhibit anisotropy due to the rolled texture of hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure. Observations of chip morphologies and cutting forces are conducted with changing cutting direction angles relative to the rolling direction. The result shows that the chip morphology is influenced by the cutting direction angle. When cutting parallel to the rolling direction with an orthogonal cutting tool with 30° rake angle, serration free chips are produced, while perpendicular cutting results in serrated chips. The chip thickness, the serration pitch, and the serration length vary with the cutting direction angle. The serration length is associated with an anisotropic deformation index, which characterizes anisotropic behavior in chip formation. Lower index values suppress the formation of undesirable serrated chips.

Improving the Performance of the Machining Process by Using Ultra‐Advanced Tools in a Clean Turning of Inconel 686 Using the Minimum Quantity Lubrication Method

ABSTRACTThe high tensile strength and high resistance of nickel‐based superalloy 686 against high temperatures and corrosion rates have made it a widely used in important applications such as the aerospace industry, high pollution‐ and corrosion‐resistance equipment manufacturing and petrochemical industry. Therefore, the machining of this advanced alloy with its unique properties is extremely important and can be challenging. Significant increase in input parameters levels, reduction of machining costs, improvement of surface and subsurface properties and clean production are among the issues that should be considered in dealing with Inconel 686 turning operations. Simultaneous application of advanced tools such as polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) and optimised minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) method and evaluating the results obtained with a wide range of output parameters related to machining process performance and tribological properties can be proposed as an innovation and a solution to this problem in this article. This study analyses several output parameters with different speeds and feeds to evaluate the effect of cutting insert type on machining process performance and tribological properties. The output parameters include tool wear, residual stress, cutting zone temperature, surface smoothness, machining forces and workpiece surface defects. The results indicated that using the optimised MQL method reduces the size of lubricant droplets and increases the surface covered by cooling. With these changes, the performance of the machining process and the parameters related to the surface integrity increase significantly. Among the parameters associated with the performance of the machining process, the PCD tool reduces the cutting zone temperature by 23%, the tool wear by 19% and the machining forces by 18% compared to the PCBN tool. In the parameters related to surface integrity, this method reduces the residual stress by 19% and the surface roughness by 9% compared to the PCBN tool. From the production index perspective, the PCD tool can significantly increase the cutting speed and feed rate, reducing production time and costs.

The Influence of Strategic Procurement on the Performance of the European Naval Defense Industry

ABSTRACT The naval defense industry plays a crucial role in national security, particularly in the context of global rearmament and shared threats. However, the industry’s performance in Europe has been hindered by factors such as decreased fleets, shrinking industry capabilities, and increasing production costs. This study of 102 large surface vessels (frigates and destroyers) from eight European countries found that production time is positively correlated with technical variables such as weight and speed. A small but significant learning effect also existed, with a 1.5-month decrease for each marginal increase of one unit in the batch. Regarding strategic sourcing, the study found no effect of the share of US subsystems on production time. However, European cooperation led to an increase in production time, likely due to higher coordination costs. Conversely, importing subsystems from a European ally tended to reduce production time. The study’s findings highlight the challenges facing the naval defense industry in Europe and suggest that strategies such as increasing batch size and cooperation with European allies can help to improve performance.

Fermented Fish Products: Balancing Tradition and Innovation for Improved Quality.

The flavor profile of fermented fish products is influenced by the complex interplay of microbial and enzymatic actions on the raw materials. This review summarizes the various factors contributing to the unique taste and aroma of these traditional foods. Key ingredients include locally sourced fish species and a variety of spices and seasonings that enhance flavor while serving as cultural markers. Starter cultures also play a critical role in standardizing quality and accelerating fermentation. Flavor compounds in fermented fish are primarily derived from the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, producing a diverse array of free amino acids, peptides, and volatile compounds such as aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and esters. The fermentation process can be shortened by certain methods to reduce production time and costs, allowing for faster product turnover and increased profitability in the fermented fish market. Fermented fish products also show potent beneficial effects. This review highlights the importance of integrating traditional practices with modern scientific approaches. Future research directions to enhance the quality of fermented fish products are suggested.

Multi-Channel Microscale Nerve Cuffs for Spatially Selective Neuromodulation.

Peripheral nerve modulation via electrical stimulation shows promise for treating several diseases, but current approaches lack selectivity, leading to side effects. Exploring selective neuromodulation with commercially available nerve cuffs is impractical due to their high cost and limited spatial resolution. While custom cuffs reported in the literature achieve high spatial resolutions, they require specialized microfabrication equipment and significant effort to produce even a single design. This inability to rapidly and cost-effectively prototype novel cuff designs impedes research into selective neuromodulation therapies in acute studies. To address this, we developed a reproducible method to easily create multi-channel epineural nerve cuffs for selective fascicular neuromodulation. Leveraging commercial flexible printed circuit (FPC) technology, we created cuffs with high spatial resolution (50 μm) and customizable parameters like electrode size, channel count, and cuff diameter. We designed cuffs to accommodate adult mouse or rat sciatic nerves (300-1500 μm diameter). We coated the electrodes with PEDOT:PSS to improve the charge injection capacity. We demonstrated selective neuromodulation in both rats and mice, achieving preferential activation of the tibialis anterior (TA) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles. Selectivity was confirmed through micro-computed tomography (μCT) and quantified through a selectivity index. These results demonstrate the potential of this fabrication method for enabling selective neuromodulation studies while significantly reducing production time and costs compared to traditional approaches.

OPTIMIZATION OF ANNEALING AND 3D PRINTING PROCESS PARAMETERS OF PLA PARTS

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) has gained significant popularity as the prevalent additive manufacturing technique due to its ability to reduce production time and expenses. However, the constraints of limited dimensional precision, poor surface quality, and relatively low Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) hinder compliance with the stringent regulatory norms of conventional manufacturing, necessitating post-processing for enhancement. In this investigation, the response surface method was used to optimize annealing and certain printing parameters in order to enhance the quality of PLA parts produced by FFF. The optimization technique aimed to enhance the UTS and match the CAD dimensions while also minimizing surface roughness. The RSM optimization analysis identified the optimal parameters as: layer height of 0.1 mm, build orientation at 0 degrees, annealing temperature of 110 degrees, and annealing time of 180 dk mm. The proposed models are substantiated by the consistent achievement of high levels of agreement between estimated and experimental response values. A composite desirability value of 0.80 was derived for the variables as a consequence of the optimization investigation.

Effect of 3D Printing on the Mechanical Properties of FDM Printed Electrical Components

The Additive manufacturing (AM) technology, also known as 3D printing, reduces production time, enhances the production process and quality, lowers costs, and achieves several other goals when producing solid, three-dimensionally created structures for the application of digital information, medical equipment, automobile, airplane, and many more. By giving the necessary instruction through a human-machine interface, the techniques used to build three-dimensional structures allow for adding material in successively thinner layers, enabling manufacturing objects in almost any shape or geometry. The polylactic acid filament was used as the feedstock to create a range of 3D-printed electrical parts. The components were created using an FDM 3D printer after being designed in Solidworks. Samples of printed materials were subjected to experimental testing to ascertain their densities, tensile strengths, flexural strengths, thermalgravimetric analyses, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) values. Heating PLA polymers change their mechanical properties. The experiment run utilizes the printed samples to compare the findings with the standard values for each parameter. The production of locally produced 3D printing feedstock and waste management are the two biggest obstacles to 3D printing in Nigeria that this innovation will overcome. This strategy, which would reduce the importation of spare parts, will benefit the industrial sector. Less equipment will need to be discarded because there will be fewer components. Thus, it may be possible to achieve sustainable development goals for infrastructure, innovation, and business.

Surface Roughness Prediction of Parts Produced Through Fusion Deposition Modelling

With technological advances happening in almost every industry, the manufacturing industry has seen quite a growth in terms of scientific advancements due to incorporation of hi-tech instruments and processes. To cope with the fluctuating demands of manufactured products, companies have adopted 3D printing technology for small-quantity batch production. 3D printing is an additive manufacturing (AM) based techniques that is capable of producing complex shapes, reducing material wastage, and reducing production time. In the present work, different researches which predict the Ra of parts produced through fusion deposition modeling are discussed. The present work consists of all the latest research work that has been conducted to identify the factors impacting the surface finish of products developed through Fusion Deposition Modeling (FDM).

Arduino-Based automatic cutting tool for coconut shell charcoal briquettes

Coconut shell waste is underutilized due to the high demand for coconut in Indonesia. To maximize the use value of the material, coconut shells are converted into biomass energy, specifically charcoal briquettes. Due to the rapid advancement of technology today, it is necessary to use equipment that can run automatically to increase productivity, reduce production time, and lower production costs. This research was conducted to make an automatic cutting tool based on an Arduino microcontroller. The first process identified with literature studies related to automatic briquette cutting tools. The second process is conceptualised by assessing several design variants, then the highest value is taken. The third process is designing by making detailed drawings per component. The fourth process of completing the design by assembling all the components that have been made, and then testing the Arduino-based automatic cutting tool. The results obtained by the automatic cutting tool produce a cutting consistency of 77.5% and produce a residue of 22.5%. From the test data, the Arduino-based automatic cutting tool can work more effectively and efficiently to increase production capacity.

Rapid Production Nasal Osteotomy Simulators With Multi-Modality Manufacturing: 3D Printing, Casting, and Molding.

To expand and improve upon previously described nasal osteotomy models with the goals of decreasing cost and production time while ensuring model fidelity. To assess change in participant confidence in their understanding of and ability to perform nasal osteotomies following completion of the simulation course. Prospective study. Simulation training course for otolaryngology residents at West Virginia University. A combined methodology of 3D printing, silicone molding, and resin casting was used to design a nasal osteotomy model to address material issues such as print delamination. Multiple models were then used in a simulation lab on performing nasal osteotomies. Model utility and impact on participant confidence was assessed at baseline, postlecture, and postsimulation lab. Using a combined manufacturing methodology, we achieved a production time reduction of 97.71% and a cost reduction of 82.02% for this polyurethane resin nasal osteotomy model relative to a previously described osteotomy model. Participants in the simulation course were noted to have a significant improvement in confidence in their understanding of and ability to perform nasal osteotomies from baseline and postlecture and also from postlecture and postsimulation lab (P < .05 for all). By incorporating multiple manufacturing modalities (molding and casting) in addition to 3D printing, this study achieved a large reduction in both production time and cost in fabrication of a nasal osteotomy simulator and addressed material limitations imposed by fused deposition modelingprinters. This design methodology serves as an example on how these barriers may be addressed in unrelated simulation projects. Model fidelity was improved with addition of a silicone soft tissue midface. Improvement in participant confidence was noted following completion of the simulation lab.