Multi-material distribution planning for additive manufacturing of biomimetic structures

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erina Baynojir Joyee ◽  
Jida Huang ◽  
Ketki Mahadeo Lichade ◽  
Yayue Pan
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Design Approach ◽  
Material Distribution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Real ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Reference Images ◽  
Living Organisms

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop a novel approach to designing locally programmed multi-material distribution in a three-dimensional (3D) model, with the goal of producing a biomimetic robot that could mimic the locomotion of living organisms. Design/methodology/approach A voxelized representation is used to design the multi-material digital model and the material distribution in the model is optimized with the aims of mimicking the deflection dynamics of a real-life biological structure (i.e. inchworms) during its locomotion and achieving smooth deflection between adjacent regions. The design is validated post-fabrication by comparing the bending profiles of the printed robot with the deflection reference images of the real-life organism. Findings The proposed design framework in this study provides a foundation for multi-material multi-functional design for biomimicry and a wide range of applications in the manufacturing field and many other fields such as robotics and biomedical fields. The final optimized material design was 3D printed using a novel multi-material additive manufacturing method, magnetic field-assisted projection stereolithography. From the experimental tests, it was observed that the deflection curve and the deflection gradient of the printed robot within the adjacent regions of the body agreed well with the profiles taken from the real-life inchworm. Originality/value This paper presents a voxelized digital representation of the material distribution in printed parts, allowing spatially varied programming of material properties. The incorporation of reference images from living organisms into the design approach is a novel approach to transform image domain knowledge into the domain of engineering mechanical and material properties. Furthermore, the novel multi-material distribution design approach was validated through designing, 3D printing and prototyping an inchworm-inspired soft robot, which showed superior locomotion capability by mimicking the observed locomotion of the real inchworm.

Additive manufacturing of 316L stainless-steel structures using fused filament fabrication technology: mechanical and geometric properties

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Caminero ◽  
Ana Romero ◽  
Jesús Miguel Chacón ◽  
Pedro José Núñez ◽  
Eustaquio García-Plaza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Austenitic Stainless Steel ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Steel Structures ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Geometric Properties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Build Orientation ◽  
Manufacturing Alternatives

Purpose Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique using metal filled filaments in combination with debinding and sintering steps can be a cost-effective alternative for laser-based powder bed fusion processes. The mechanical behaviour of FFF-metal materials is highly dependent on the processing parameters, filament quality and adjusted post-processing steps. In addition, the microstructural material properties and geometric characteristics are inherent to the manufacturing process. The purpose of this study is to characterize the mechanical and geometric performance of three-dimensional (3-D) printed FFF 316 L metal components manufactured by a low-cost desktop 3-D printer. The debinding and sintering processes are carried out using the BASF catalytic debinding process in combination with the BASF 316LX Ultrafuse filament. Special attention is paid on the effects of build orientation and printing strategy of the FFF-based technology on the tensile and geometric performance of the 3-D printed 316 L metal specimens. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a toolset of experimental analysis techniques [metallography and scanning electron microcope (SEM)] to characterize the effect of microstructure and defects on the material properties under tensile testing. Shrinkage and the resulting porosity of the 3-D printed 316 L stainless steel sintered samples are also analysed. The deformation behaviour is investigated for three different build orientations. The tensile test curves are further correlated with the damage surface using SEM images and metallographic sections to present grain deformation during the loading progress. Mechanical properties are directly compared to other works in the field and similar additive manufacturing (AM) and Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) manufacturing alternatives from the literature. Findings It has been shown that the effect of build orientation was of particular significance on the mechanical and geometric performance of FFF-metal 3-D printed samples. In particular, Flat and On-edge samples showed an average increase in tensile performance of 21.7% for the tensile strength, 65.1% for the tensile stiffness and 118.3% for maximum elongation at fracture compared to the Upright samples. Furthermore, it has been able to manufacture near-dense 316 L austenitic stainless steel components using FFF. These properties are comparable to those obtained by other metal conventional processes such as MIM process. Originality/value 316L austenitic stainless steel components using FFF technology with a porosity lower than 2% were successfully manufactured. The presented study provides more information regarding the dependence of the mechanical, microstructural and geometric properties of FFF 316 L components on the build orientation and printing strategy.

Empirical investigation of wireless sensor network performance in noisy environments

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-38
Author(s):  
Silvanus Teneng Kiyang ◽  
Robert Van Zyl
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Network Performance ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Wireless Sensor ◽  
Mathematical Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Real ◽  
Test Platform ◽  
Set Up

Purpose – The purpose of this work is to assess the influence of ambient noise on the performance of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) empirically and, based on these findings, develop a mathematical tool to assist technicians to determine the maximum inter-node separation before deploying a new WSN. Design/methodology/approach – A WSN test platform is set up in an electromagnetically shielded environment (RF chamber) to accurately control and quantify the ambient noise level. The test platform is subsequently placed in an operational laboratory to record network performance in typical unshielded spaces. Results from the RF chamber and the real-life environments are analysed. Findings – A minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at which the network still functions was found to be of the order 30 dB. In the real-life scenarios (machines, telecommunications and computer laboratories), the measured SNR exceeded this minimum value by more than 20 dB. This is due to the low ambient industrial noise levels observed in the 2.4 GHz ISM band for typical environments found at academic institutions. It, therefore, suggests that WSNs are less prone to industrial interferences than anticipated. Originality/value – A predictive mathematical tool is developed that can be used by technicians to determine the maximum inter-node separation before the WSN is deployed. The tool yields reliable results and promises to save installation time.

Improving the use of analytics and big data by changing the decision-making culture

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 2074-2088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Elisabeth Frisk ◽  
Frank Bannister
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Design Approach ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Support Organizations ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Using Data

Purpose Evolving digital technologies continue to enable new ways to collect and analyze data and this has led some researchers to claim that skillful use of data analytics and big data can radically improve a company’s performance, but that in order to achieve such improvements managers need to change their decision-making culture and to increase the degree of collaboration in the decision-making process. The purpose of this paper is to create an increased understanding of how a decision-making culture can be changed by using a design approach. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents an action research project in which the authors use a design approach. Findings By adopting a design approach organizations can change their decision-making culture, increase the degree of collaboration and also reduce the influence of power and politics on their decision-making. Research limitations/implications This paper proposes a new approach to changing a decision-making culture. Practical implications Using data analytics and big data, a design approach can support organizations change their decision-making culture resulting in better and more effective decisions. Originality/value This paper bridges design and decision-making theory in a novel approach to an old problem.

scholarly journals Additive manufacturing of powder components based on subtractive sintering approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maricruz Henkel Carrillo ◽  
Geuntak Lee ◽  
Charles Maniere ◽  
Eugene A. Olevsky
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Ceramic Powder ◽  
High Density ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Powder Particle Size ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Metallic Parts

Purpose The purpose of this work is to introduce a novel approach of using additive manufacturing (AM) to produce dense complex ceramic and metallic parts. Powder 3D printing has been gaining popularity due to its ease of use and versatility. However, powder-based methods such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Sintering (SLS), utilizes high power lasers which generate thermal shock conditions in metals and are not ideal for ceramics due to their high melting temperature. Indirect additive manufacturing methods have been explored to address the above issues but have proven to be wasteful and time-consuming. Design/methodology/approach In this work, a novel approach of producing high density net-shaped prototypes using subtractive sintering (SS) and solvent jetting is developed. AM combined with SS (AM-SS) is a process that includes five simple steps. AM-SS can produce repeatable and reliable results as has been shown in this work. Findings As a proof-of-concept, a zirconia dental crown with a high density of 97% is fabricated using this approach. Microstructure and properties of the fabricated components are analyzed. Originality/value A major advantage of this method is the ability to efficiently fabricate high density parts using either metal powder and more importantly, ceramic powder which is traditionally difficult to densify using AM. Additionally, any powder particle size (including nano) and shape can be used which is not the case for traditional powder-based 3D printing.

Lean talent management: a novel approach for increasing creativity in architectural design firms

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 1355-1375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Mohamed Hesham Madbouly Khalil
Keyword(s):  
Architectural Design ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Creative Industries ◽  
Quantitative Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
Design Firms ◽  
Aec Industry

PurposeArchitecture is classified as one of the creative industries worldwide. However, it is plagued with a number of problems that confine its creativity towards developing innovative solutions that fulfil society needs. One of these pressing problems is the lack of creativity due to the non-utilisation of talented architects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of lean talent management (LTM) as a novel approach to increase creativity in architectural design firms (ADFs).Design/methodology/approachIn order to achieve the above-mentioned aim, a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology is designed to accomplish three objectives. First, reviewing literature to investigate the concepts of creative industries, motivation, demotivation, talent management (TM), talents utilisation (TU), lean thinking (LT) and lean innovation (LI). Second, presenting and analysing five case studies to explore the integration between TM, LT and LI in real-life context to overcome barriers of creativity. Finally, analysing the results of a survey questionnaire conducted with a representative sample of Egyptian ADFs to evaluate their perception and application of TM as a facilitator for creativity.FindingsThe five barriers of creativity encompassed lack of motivation in ADFs and demotivation and lack of TU in ADFs and Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. TM facilitated motivation and eliminated six demotivating factors. The seventh factor was eliminated through LT. In AEC industry, TU was achieved through LI with five considerations. In ADFs, TU can be achieved through LTM. However, two additional barriers have been identified for further investigation. Egyptian ADFs failed increasing creativity with TM solely. Hence, a LTM framework is required.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study focussed on architecture as a case for creative industries and targeted Egyptian ADFs, the application of LTM is to be applied at any industry that is talent-based although barriers related to the design process could vary.Originality/valueThis paper presents an innovative approach through discussing the integration of lean concepts into TM towards increasing creativity in ADFs. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature and is the first of its kind in the architectural field. The proposed ideas represent a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.

scholarly journals Reliability evaluation index for the integrated supply chain utilising BIM and lean approaches

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 997-1038
Author(s):  
Jingxiao Zhang ◽  
Hui Li ◽  
Hamed Golizadeh ◽  
Chuandang Zhao ◽  
Sainan Lyu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Reliability Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Index ◽  
State Transitions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach

PurposeThis research aims to develop an approach to assess the reliability of integrated construction supply chains via an integrated model of building information modelling (BIM) and the lean supply chain (LSC). It reflects the synergistic workflow between BIM and LSC as a novel approach to improve the reliability of construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThis research evaluates the reliability of the BIM-LSC approach through a combination of entropy theory, set pair analysis (SPA), and Markov chains (EESM). An exploratory survey was conducted to collect data from 316 industry professionals experienced in BIM and LSC. Subsequently, multiple cycles of calculations were performed with indirect data inputs. Finally, a reliability evaluation index is established for the BIM-LSC approach and potential applications are identified.FindingsThe results show that the EESM model of BIM-LSC developed in this study can handle not only supply chain reliability evaluation at a given state but also the prediction of reliability in supply chain state transitions due to changing project conditions. This is particularly relevant to the current environment of the construction project, which is characterised by an increasing level of complexity in terms of labour, technology, and resource interactions.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could consider the accuracy and validity of the proposed model in real-life scenarios with by considering both quantitative and qualitative data across the entire lifecycle of projects.Practical implicationsThe research offers a model to evaluate the reliability of the BIM-LSC approach. The accuracy of BIM supply chain reliability analysis and prediction in an uncertain environment is improved.Originality/valueThe BIM-LSC reliability evaluation and prediction presented in this study provides a theoretical foundation to enhance understanding of the BIM-LSC in the construction project context.

scholarly journals Unlocking innovation in the sport industry through additive manufacturing

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 456-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlon Meier ◽  
Kim Hua Tan ◽  
Ming K. Lim ◽  
Leanne Chung
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
New Products ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Fast-changing customer demands and rising requirements in product performance constantly challenge sports equipment manufacturers to come up with new and improved products to stay competitive. Additive manufacturing (AM), also referred to as 3D printing, can enhance the development of new products by providing an efficient approach of rapid prototyping. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current adoption of AM technologies in the innovation process of the sports industry, i.e. level of awareness; how it is implemented; and it impact on the innovation process. Design/methodology/approach This work followed a qualitative research approach. After conducting a research of the current literature, this paper presents findings that include case studies from different companies, as well as a semi-structured interview with an outdoor sports equipment manufacturer. Companies from all over the world and of different sizes from under 100 employees to over 70,000 employees were considered in this research. Findings Literature research shows that AM brings many possibilities to enhance the innovation process, and case studies indicated several obstacles that hinder the technology from fully unfolding. AM is still at the early stage of entering the sports equipment industry and its potential benefits have not been fully exploited yet. The findings generated from the research of real-life practices show that AM provides several benefits when it comes to the innovation process, such as a faster development process, an optimised output, as well as the possibility to create new designs. However, companies are not yet able to enhance the innovation process in a way that leads to new products and new markets with AM. Limitations, including a small range of process able material and an inefficient mass production, still restrain the technology and lead to unused capability. Nevertheless, future prospects indicate the growing importance of AM in the innovation process and show that its advancement paves the way to new and innovative products. Research limitations/implications Limitations exist in the qualitative approach of this study, which does not include the quantitative verification of the results. Originality/value Very few studies have been conducted to investigate how firms can harvest AM to increase their innovation capabilities. How firms can use AM to shorten product development time is an emerging topic in business and operations but has not been studied widely. This paper aims to address this gap.

Back to basics: exploring perceptions of stakeholders within the Swedish fashion industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 266-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esben Rahbek Gjerdrum Pedersen ◽  
Linne Marie Lauesen ◽  
Arno Kourula
Keyword(s):  
Graphical Representation ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Significant Discrepancy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Stakeholder Model ◽  
Stakeholder Environment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent the conventional stakeholder model mirrors managerial perceptions of the stakeholder environment in the Swedish fashion industry. The authors aim to adopt a novel approach to stakeholder measurement, as the traditional stakeholder model is constrained by its static two-dimensional nature, which captures neither the nuances of the stakeholder literature nor the dynamics of the firm’s stakeholder universe. Design/methodology/approach Empirically, the paper is based on findings from a survey among 492 Swedish fashion manufacturers and retailers. Findings The paper reports significant discrepancy between the conventional stakeholder model and the perceptions of real-life managers of the stakeholder environment. On the surface, their understanding is more in line with the managerial model of the firm from which the stakeholder literature originally departs. It is argued, however, that the discrepancy may be rooted in technology rather than theory as the stakeholder model is constrained by its static two-dimensional nature, which captures neither the nuances of the stakeholder literature nor the dynamics of the firm’s stakeholder universe. The paper, therefore, introduces an animated alternative to the conventional stakeholder model that provides a richer graphical representation of a firm’s stakeholder universe. Research limitations/implications The paper refers to the open-ended questions in the survey in terms of descriptive statistics, and not the entire quantitative measures in the survey. This is because these questions are crucial to the authors’ approach to the suggested new stakeholder model, which is not tested quantitatively, but should be perceived as explorative – as a qualitative outcome of the survey. The survey is conducted through the web in the Swedish fashion industry only; thus; the authors’ suggested model needs further quantitative qualification, which the authors plead for in future research. Originality/value The originality of the paper is its novel approach to stakeholder measurement based on the perceptions of real-life managers of the stakeholder environment of the Swedish fashion industry. The traditional stakeholder model is constrained by its static two-dimensional nature, which the paper’s animated three-dimensional alternative provides a richer graphical representation of a firm’s stakeholder universe.

Forecasting sales in industrial services

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kati Stormi ◽  
Teemu Laine ◽  
Petri Suomala ◽  
Tapio Elomaa
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
Forecasting Model ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
Scientific Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Services ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Service Production ◽  
Industrial Service ◽  
Unique Method

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how installed base information could help servitizing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) forecast and support their industrial service sales, and thus increase OEMs’ understanding regarding the dynamics of their customers lifetime values (CLVs). Design/methodology/approach This work constitutes a constructive research aiming to arrive at a practically relevant, yet scientific model. It involves a case study that employs statistical methods to analyze real-life quantitative data about sales and the global installed base. Findings The study introduces a forecasting model for industrial service sales, which considers the characteristics of the installed base and predicts the number of active customers and their yearly volume. The forecasting model performs well compared to other approaches (Croston’s method) suitable for similar data. However, reliable results require comprehensive, up-to-date information about the installed base. Research limitations/implications The study contributes to the servitization literature by introducing a new method for utilizing installed base information and, thus, a novel approach for improving business profitability. Practical implications OEMs can use the forecasting model to predict the demand for – and measure the performance of – their industrial services. To-the-point predictions can help OEMs organize field services and service production effectively and identify potential customers, thus managing their CLV accordingly. At the same time, the findings imply new requirements for managing the installed base information among the OEMs, to understand and realize the industrial service business potential. However, the results have their limitations concerning the design and use of the statistical model in comparison with alternative approaches. Originality/value The study presents a unique method for employing installed base information to manage the CLV and supplement the servitization literature.

DSO tariff structures: development options from stakeholders’ viewpoint

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 263-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuli Honkapuro ◽  
Jussi Tuunanen ◽  
Petri Valtonen ◽  
Jarmo Partanen
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Real ◽  
Practical Development ◽  
Tariff Structures ◽  
Tariff Structure ◽  
Pricing Schemes ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to analyze the development needs and opportunities in the distribution system operators’ (DSO) tariff structures in the smart-grid environment. Design/methodology/approach – The impacts of the distribution pricing schemes for the stakeholders and their requirements for the tariff structures are evaluated by qualitative analyses. Furthermore, there is a case analysis concerning the practical development possibilities of the DSO tariff structures in Finland. Findings – Major finding of the paper is that the demand-based power band tariff is the optimal solution for the DSO pricing structure, when taking into account the real-life limitations and the requirements of the stakeholders. Practical implications – Outcomes of the paper can be applied in practice in design of the pricing schemes in the electricity distribution. Incentive provision impacts and cost reflectivity of the DSO tariffs can be improved by implementing the suggested pricing structure. Originality/value – The paper provides a novel viewpoint on the study of the DSO tariff design by considering the impacts of the pricing for the stakeholders and their requirements for tariff structure. Furthermore, the real-life limitations in the tariff design have been taken into account by analyzing the development options in Finland. Results are useful, especially for the DSOs, regulators and academics, who are working with the tariff development issues.

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