Use Of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Research Articles

SYNTHESIS OF DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF SHOVEL MACHINES MANUFACTURED BY ADDITIVE METHODS

Rocket and space technology is developing rapidly, opening up new opportunities for space exploration and space infrastructure development. Due to constant technological progress and innovations in the field of rocketry, modern rockets have become more reliable, powerful and efficient than previous models. One of the key areas in the modern production of space technology is the use of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. This technology makes it possible to produce complex parts quickly, efficiently and with high precision using a variety of materials, including special metals and composite materials. The introduction of additive manufacturing solves several problems in the manufacture of parts for rocket and space technology. In the modern engineering design of vane machines used in turbine engines, compressors and other units, there is a growing interest in the use of advanced manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing. These manufacturing methods, in which components are created by layering material on top of digital 3D models, provide unique opportunities for creating complex geometries that were previously unattainable with traditional manufacturing methods. The purpose of the article is to investigate the synthesis of design solutions in the design of shovel machines, focusing on the use of additive manufacturing methods. First of all, it analyzes the advantages of these methods in the production of blade parts, such as reducing weight and material consumption, increasing the efficiency and strength of parts, as well as the possibility of creating individual and unique designs, taking into account the requirements of critical speed calculations. The geometry optimization is considered and the strength calculations of the structures before and after optimization are performed. The paper concludes with the prospects for the development of the use of additive technologies in the production of blade machines and indicates the possibilities for further research and improvement in this area.

Exploring the Future of Advanced Materials Processing: Innovations and Challenges Ahead: A Review

This research paper investigates the future of advanced materials processing, with a focus on the innovations and challenges that lie ahead. The study begins by exploring the current state of advanced materials processing and the latest trends in the field, including the use of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing, to create complex geometries and novel materials. The paper then examines the challenges facing the field, including the need to develop new processing techniques that can handle a wider range of materials and produce materials with specific properties. The study also analyses the potential impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, on the future of materials processing. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of the key innovations and trends that are likely to shape the future of materials processing, including the use of sustainable materials, the development of new nanomaterials, and the integration of advanced sensors and data analytics into the manufacturing process. Overall, this research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the future of advanced materials processing and highlights the critical role that innovation will play in shaping the field in the coming years.

Implementation of flexible manufacturing systems in Africa: Multiple case studies in the Gambia and Ghana

In comparison to Europe, Asia, and America, the African manufacturing sector performs poorly. This is largely attributable in part to inadequate use of advanced manufacturing concepts and technologies, as well as the insufficiently skilled workforce. African manufacturing companies must adopt and implement advanced manufacturing technologies and concepts such as flexible manufacturing systems in order to boost growth and accelerate development in the sector. In this study, we conducted multi-case studies on the implementation of flexible manufacturing systems in the manufacturing sectors of two West African countries (The Gambia and Ghana). Six manufacturing companies from The Gambia and eight from Ghana were chosen. Many of the companies involved in the study are small businesses that specialize in mechanical parts/system production, welding, and fabrication. The findings revealed that the use of advanced manufacturing technologies and concepts, as well as the adoption of flexible manufacturing systems, is extremely low. The results also show that the major obstacles to the adoption and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies are, cost and, lack of qualified personnel. Companies have agreed to adopt and implement advanced manufacturing technologies and concepts if the opportunity arises. They also require more information on some cutting-edge technologies before deciding whether to adopt and implement them. Some of the other major challenges faced by African manufacturing companies include, high energy costs and unstable power supply, poor transportation network, and, lack of adequate finance.

The study of the roundness and cylindricity deviations of parts produced with the use of the additive manufacturing

The paper is dedicated to the evaluation of the accuracy of rotary parts produced with the use of advanced manufacturing technology. The authors investigated the impact of the layer thickness of the applied material and the orientation of the model when printing using the PolyJet method™ on the geometrical quality of manufactured products. To analyze the influence of the assumed factors on the geometrical quality of the holes, a novel evaluation method has been developed. The proposed method takes into account parameters such as roundness deviation, profile irregularity coefficient, dominant harmonic component of the roundness profile, cylindricity deviation, diameter error, and surface topography parameters. The study presented in this paper had two main objectives. The former was to analyze the impact of the layer thickness of the applied material and the orientation of the model when printing using the PolyJet method™ on the geometrical quality of rotary parts. The latter objective was to test a novel, multi-parametric method of evaluation of the accuracy of produced parts in practice. The results obtained by the authors prove that the new evaluation method can be useful in the assessment of the accuracy of manufactured products.

Fibrous Scaffolds From Elastin-Based Materials.

Current cutting-edge strategies in biomaterials science are focused on mimicking the design of natural systems which, over millions of years, have evolved to exhibit extraordinary properties. Based on this premise, one of the most challenging tasks is to imitate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), due to its ubiquitous character and its crucial role in tissue integrity. The anisotropic fibrillar architecture of the ECM has been reported to have a significant influence on cell behaviour and function. A new paradigm that pivots around the idea of incorporating biomechanical and biomolecular cues into the design of biomaterials and systems for biomedical applications has emerged in recent years. Indeed, current trends in materials science address the development of innovative biomaterials that include the dynamics, biochemistry and structural features of the native ECM. In this context, one of the most actively studied biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications are nanofiber-based scaffolds. Herein we provide a broad overview of the current status, challenges, manufacturing methods and applications of nanofibers based on elastin-based materials. Starting from an introduction to elastin as an inspiring fibrous protein, as well as to the natural and synthetic elastin-based biomaterials employed to meet the challenge of developing ECM-mimicking nanofibrous-based scaffolds, this review will follow with a description of the leading strategies currently employed in nanofibrous systems production, which in the case of elastin-based materials are mainly focused on supramolecular self-assembly mechanisms and the use of advanced manufacturing technologies. Thus, we will explore the tendency of elastin-based materials to form intrinsic fibers, and the self-assembly mechanisms involved. We will describe the function and self-assembly mechanisms of silk-like motifs, antimicrobial peptides and leucine zippers when incorporated into the backbone of the elastin-based biomaterial. Advanced polymer-processing technologies, such as electrospinning and additive manufacturing, as well as their specific features, will be presented and reviewed for the specific case of elastin-based nanofiber manufacture. Finally, we will present our perspectives and outlook on the current challenges facing the development of nanofibrous ECM-mimicking scaffolds based on elastin and elastin-like biomaterials, as well as future trends in nanofabrication and applications.

Simulation-based analysis of AGV workload used on aircraft manufacturing system: a theoretical approach

competitiveness in the aircraft manufacturing industry requires continuous improvement and modernization of its manufacturing processes, in order to keep the companies competitive in the market. In this context, the use of advanced manufacturing technologies and systems has been incessantly pursued to achieve productivity gains, sustainability and reduction of production costs, as well as being important in the individuals’ quality of life. Autonomous robotic systems such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have been used on shop floor to assist the aggregation of these competitive advantages to the business. Coupled to the use of these vehicles, other technologies such as the internet, digital factory and cloud-computing have been integrated into manufacturing in direction of the so-called advanced manufacturing, or Industry 4.0. Thus, this work aims to apply the concepts of digital factory in an example of aircraft manufacturing system, to analyze the efficiency and workload of the AGVs that transport materials from the warehouse to the assembly stations. Based on a theoretical approach by discrete-event simulation method and guided by the principles of Industry 4.0, analysis related to needed amount of AGVs, cycle times, deliveries and downtime of the vehicles were performed for different situations. Thus, it searches for better results in terms of productivity and decision-making support regarding adding-value related to materials transporting and information over long distances, delays, waiting and unnecessary movement of workers, in order to obtain improvement and profits for the aircraft manufacturing system.

How advanced manufacturing technologies make a difference in Turkey's manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises

This research analyses the relationship between the use of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and the firm performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study is to reveal Turkey's manufacturing sector's response to the overwhelming competition and to understand the manufacturing parameters that affect the performance of manufacturing SMEs. Drawing on a structured questionnaire, data for the study was collected from a sample of 365 firms that are registered in the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) directory. Our findings indicate that AMTs are significantly effective on the performance of Turkish SMEs. However, these effects are not uniform; these technologies affect return on equity (ROE) more than other firm performance parameters such as profit, revenue or return on investment (ROI). Generalisation of findings to other emerging countries and other sectors that may benefit from AMTs is precluded by the study's narrow focus on Turkish manufacturing SMEs. Data is also collected by using face-to-face technique with only one respondent from each SME, which in turn might cause a response bias. The main contribution of this study stems from its examination of the links between AMTs and business performance of SMEs within the context of a key emerging country, Turkey.

How advanced manufacturing technologies make a difference in Turkey's manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises

This research analyses the relationship between the use of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and the firm performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study is to reveal Turkey's manufacturing sector's response to the overwhelming competition and to understand the manufacturing parameters that affect the performance of manufacturing SMEs. Drawing on a structured questionnaire, data for the study was collected from a sample of 365 firms that are registered in the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) directory. Our findings indicate that AMTs are significantly effective on the performance of Turkish SMEs. However, these effects are not uniform; these technologies affect return on equity (ROE) more than other firm performance parameters such as profit, revenue or return on investment (ROI). Generalisation of findings to other emerging countries and other sectors that may benefit from AMTs is precluded by the study's narrow focus on Turkish manufacturing SMEs. Data is also collected by using face-to-face technique with only one respondent from each SME, which in turn might cause a response bias. The main contribution of this study stems from its examination of the links between AMTs and business performance of SMEs within the context of a key emerging country, Turkey.

The Use of Advanced Manufacturing Technology to Reduce Product Cost

The Use of Advanced Manufacturing Technology to Reduce Product Cost

Performance evaluation of advanced manufacturing technologies: A De novo approach

Modern manufacturing world is a super competitive place. To sustain in this environment, manufacturing organizations need a bit more of effectiveness, flexibility and innovation while manufacturing their products. This can be achieved by grasping the benefits extracted from the use of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT). Selection and evaluation of AMTs have been receiving significant attention in today's manufacturing environment as this seems to be the only way out for sustainable development. The present paper focuses on the two almost unrevealed multi-criteria approaches namely preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) and Dempster-Shafer Theory of evidence (DST) based on the basic idea of technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). It also depicts a comparative study of the two for solving an AMT selection problem in a given organizational environment.

Public and private goods in the development of additive manufacturing capacity

AbstractThe promotion of additive manufacturing (AM) as a set of enabling technologies has been a prominent feature of new policies seeking to revitalize manufacturing in developed economies. Because of its differences from traditional manufacturing technologies, small businesses, in particular, face high costs in adopting AM methods. How can governments assist small firms and their innovation ecosystems to make significant leaps in enabling technologies? This paper conceptualizes the challenges faced by groups of small enterprises adopting new technologies and a decentralized policy effort to systematically increase the use of advanced manufacturing technologies. In Canada, funding used by community colleges to create applied research centers has been intended to establish anchors for local “industrial commons” around advanced manufacturing methods. By providing both information and working capital to private sector partners, these community college programs should ideally mitigate challenges to the adoption of AM technologies—the so-called “valley of death”—in local ecosystems. There are many successful individual cases of partnership (i.e., private goods); however, this bottom-up approach seems to fail both as a means of promoting vibrant industrial commons (i.e., public goods) and as a coherent national strategy. We trace the challenges of this approach to principal-agent problems associated with layering new programs upon existing organizations, the density of program participants, and the presence of appropriate technologies.

A study on the use of advanced manufacturing technologies by manufacturing firms in a small, geographically isolated, developed economy: the case of Malta

During the last 20 years, many authors have investigated the use of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) in large, developed economies, and/or in newly industrialized states. In this work, we complement these studies through a survey/interview-based investigation of the use of and attitude towards AMT in Malta, a developed nation that is small, insular and peripheral, but that has still succeeded in setting up a substantial and diverse manufacturing base. We focus specifically on production automation technologies and address characteristics on the general attitude to and use of automation; perceived impediments to automation use; preferences pertaining to equipment procurement; uptake of and attitude towards reconfigurable automation systems; frequency and extent of production system changes; and related product design issues. We introduce the notion of real and virtual barriers to the use of manufacturing automation, pertaining to whether a barrier is genuine or whether it refers to a potentially mistaken perception, and show that companies having a positive attitude towards automation are more likely to focus on the real barriers. We find a unique blend of characteristics that can be compared to those found in large, fully developed economic regions on the one hand and to the newly industrialized countries on the other hand. We posit that many of the findings reported in this work may be applicable to other similarly isolated and diverse manufacturing pockets in the developed world and therefore offer new insight into the characteristics of, and into the difficulties faced by, manufacturing companies within such an environment.

Assimilation Patterns in the Use of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in SMEs: Exploring their Effects on Product Innovation Performance

Manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are more and more adopting advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) aimed at fostering product innovation process, improving product quality, streamlining the production process, and gaining productivity. In this study, we analyze the relationship between AMT proficiency levels in manufacturing SMEs and product innovation performance. Using data from 616 manufacturing SMEs, and considering a wide range of various AMT (20 different types of AMT grouped into 5 categories), we derived three AMT assimilation patterns through a cluster analysis procedure combining hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering algorithms. The analysis of the relationship between AMT assimilation patterns and product innovation performance shows a rather unexpected picture: in spite of the existence of clearly distinct patterns of AMT assimilation, we find no significant relationship between any pattern and product innovation performance. Instead, we find the organizational and environmental context of SMEs to be more determinant for product innovation performance than any of the AMT assimilation patterns. From a practical point of view, this study indicates that manufacturing SMEs managers interested in fostering their innovation capabilities through AMT assimilation need to be aware of the contingency effects of their organizational size, age, and sector of activity.

Investigating the Use of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in the Manufacturing Assembly Sector in a Small Developing Country

Investigating the Use of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in the Manufacturing Assembly Sector in a Small Developing Country

Implementation of a responsive supply chain strategy in global complexity: The case of manufacturing firms

Although a responsive supply chain is an integral part of order-winning manufacturing strategies, it has not been clear how firms build a responsive supply chain in global manufacturing environments. Built upon a synthesis of the existing literature and relevant theories, this paper presents a research model that defines the drivers, strategy, and practices of a responsive supply chain and the performance outcomes. This paper is one of the rare empirical studies that identify key variables relevant to the implementation of a successful responsive supply chain. The effective implementation of a responsive supply chain requires a careful definition of a responsive supply chain strategy in terms of the product range, and the frequency and innovativeness of the product offerings. Firms also need to provide key implementation practices (i.e., sharing of information with customers, collaboration with suppliers, use of advanced manufacturing technology) to achieve pull production to achieve responsiveness to the market. This study also suggests that the key contextual factors that influence the extent of implementation of a responsive supply chain strategy are mostly the size of firms, industry characteristics, and customer and supplier bases, rather than the location of manufacturing firms. This paper shows that the effective implementation of a responsive supply chain strategy involves the integration of inter-organizational resources (i.e., socio-relational and techno-process integration) across the global supply chain to enhance pull production capabilities.

Adoption of information technology tools in micro, small and medium enterprises of India

Effective utilisation of information technology (IT) is essential to compete in the global environment. As the contribution of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in generating employment, manufacturing output and export is significant, in most of the countries, there is a need to make them more informative, competitive and agile. The use of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT), together with IT, provides a means for improving performance, gaining global recognition and bringing growth. This paper is based on the survey of 84 MSMEs of India carried out to investigate the state of IT adoption for various functions and areas, and the hurdles encountered in the way of growth and competitiveness.

Intangible resources and technology adoption in manufacturing firms

Our objective in this paper is to analyse the determinants of the use of advanced manufacturing technologies in manufacturing firms. We go beyond more traditional approaches and consider the role of complementarities in technology adoption at two levels. First, we adapt Teece's (1986) framework to study the incentives to use new technology that stem from investments in R&D, human capital and advertising. Second, we analyse whether technology use is conditioned by a system effect that arises from the use of related technologies. We test our hypotheses on a representative sample of manufacturing firms in Spain. Our results fully support the idea that R&D investments increase the likelihood of technology use, but only offer partial support for human capital and advertising investments. Export intensity, being part of a business group and epidemic effects are also important determinants of adoption.

Hidden innovators: the role of non-R&D activities

Although R&D has been highlighted as the main source of firm-level innovations, a significant group of firms develop innovations without performing R&D activities. The primary goal of this study is to understand the sources of innovation in such firms. To accomplish this goal, we explore the role played by other, non-R&D activities that can lead to innovation – activities such as technology forecasting, design, use of advanced manufacturing technologies and training. Our empirical analysis is based on a representative panel of Spanish manufacturing firms. The results strongly support the view that non-R&D activities are critical factors in explaining both product and process innovations attained by any firm, especially in the case of firms not performing R&D. Academic, managerial, and policy implications are derived from these results.

The use of manufacturing technologies–an external influence perspective

Given the generally positive relationship between technology utilisation and performance, why do some plants use installed technologies to a lesser extent than others? Literature suggests that the extent of use of technology, as a decision of choice, is influenced by a variety of factors. Organisational and individual influences include process type, plant size, perceived usefulness of the technology, and user demographics (Zhang, P., Aikman, S.N., and Heshan, S., 2008, Two types of attitudes in ICT acceptance and use. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 24 (7), 628–648; Swamidass, P.M. and Kotha, S., 1998, Explaining manufacturing technology use, firm size and performance using a multidimensional view of technology. Journal of Operations Management, 17 (1), 23–37; Davis, F., Bagozzi, R., and Warshaw, P., 1989, User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models. Management Science, 35 (8), 982–1003). External factors such as customer mandates and firm nationality have also been found to affect technology use (White, A., Johnson, M., and Wilson, H., 2008, RFID in the supply chain: lessons from European early adopters. International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, 38 (2), 88–107; Kotha, S. and Swamidass, P.M., 1998, Advanced manufacturing technology use: exploring the effect of the nationality variable. International Journal of Production Research, 36 (11), 3135–3146). In this stream of research, one external factor of potential influence–supply chain management–remains conspicuously absent. This study uses data from industry to (a) develop rationales for a relationship between the extent of use of manufacturing technologies and supply chain management; and (b) offer data-based verification and insights on the nature and management of this relationship. Results suggest that the extent of use of specific manufacturing technologies increases or declines depending on the specific supply chain management practice in use. The findings raise interesting implications for managers and scholars.

Complementarities Between Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

During the past decade, manufacturers have invested heavily in the use of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs). The results of these investments have been mixed, as some organizations have seen significant returns while others have experienced major problems in implementation. As yet, the returns and complementarities between AMT have not been determined. Using complementarity assumptions developed by Milgrom and Roberts [P. Milgrom and J. Roberts, ldquoRationalizability, learning, and equilibrium in games with strategic complementarities,rdquo Econometrica, vol. 58, no. 6, pp. 1255-1277, 1990.], [P. Milgrom and J. Roberts, ldquoComplementarities and fit - strategy, structure, and organizational-change in manufacturing,rdquo J. Accounting Economics, vol. 19, no. 2-3, pp. 179-208, 1995], combined with the Survey of Advanced Technology in Canadian Manufacturing (a comprehensive AMT survey), a model of manufacturing plant productivity was developed. Constrained regression analysis reveals that the effective use of AMT depends on the types of AMT used in combination and that analysis done with a high level of aggregation of either size classes or industries will result in ambiguous conclusions. Insight into the impact of complementarities on optimal AMT adoption strategies is provided through solution lattices for medium plants and the vehicle industry.