A Mathematical Model for Tool Sharing between Workers by Exact Solution Approach

Multi-manned assembly lines are generally used to produce large-sized volume products such as cars and trucks. This article addresses the multi-manned two sided assembly line balancing problem with the objectives sharing tool between workstations. This paper presents a mathematical model and a Lingo -16 solvers based exact algorithm for multi-manned two-sided assembly line system configuration with tool sharing between adjacent workstations for companies that need intelligent solutions to satisfy customized demands on time with existing resources. The results obtained indicate that tool shared between parallel stations of two or more parallel lines beneficial for assembly line to minimize workstations, idle time and reduce tool cost.

Development of a Forward-Reverse Rotating cBN Electroplated End Mill Type Tool for Cutting and Grinding CFRP

Currently, the demand for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) has increased in various fields. However, there have been few studies investigating the machined surface quality, degradation in CFRP mechanical properties with machining temperature, or machining tool cost. In particular, the machining temperature is considered to affect the machined quality because the CFRP matrix is a resin. In this study, a cubic boron nitride (cBN) electroplated end mill was developed; this novel tool can switch between cutting and grinding without needing to change the tool. To observe the relationship between the amount of abrasive grain in contact with the CFRP and the occurrence of burrs, a grinding test was conducted with different clearance angles of the end mill and different abrasive grain sizes. The temperature during the grinding processes was measured, and the burrs were estimated after the grinding processes. From these results, the contact amount of the abrasive grit suitable for grinding was derived.

Simple Circuit Edit Passive Voltage Contrast Technique to Identify Leakage Location

Passive voltage contrast (PVC) is widely used to detect underlying connectivity issues between metals based on the brightness of upper metals using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or focused ion beam (FIB). [1] However, it cannot be applied in all cases due to the uniqueness of each case where brightness alone is insufficient to tell leakage location. In this study, propose a simple technique using platinum (Pt) marking as a circuit edit (CE) technique to alter metal PVC to identify the actual leakage location. Conventional SEM and PVC contrast imaging are unable to pinpoint exact defects without data confirming the leakage from nano-probing such as Atomic Force Probing (AFP) or SEM base nano-probing (NP) [2]. Using this method, we can improve the analysis cycle time by direct analysts the defective location in SEM, while also saving tool cost.

Effect of carbon nanotubes on sheet molding composite analysis for automotive application: FEA Method

Sheet Moulding Composite (SMC) is used in automotive body’s for weight & tool cost reduction instead of sheet metal. As an alternative material SMC must fulfill the strength requirement as well as contribute less weight to Body-in-white (BIW). Hence, its mechanical properties & thickness selection must be done strategically. Further bending test setup has to be created & tested by FE analysis and followed by lab testing as a part of validation. Sheet moulding compounds (SMC) are fiber-reinforced thermosetting products. SMC is a generic term of different types of compounds together with the process to convert them into large composite parts by compression molding. SMC are widely used in the sectors like aerospace, agricultural, rail, marine, electrical and energy construction but the automotive and truck industries remain the drivers of SMC technology.

Investigation of Heat Treatment Strategies for Additively-Manufactured Tools of X37CrMoV5-1

For cost-intensive products like automobiles, clients often wish to personalize their product, what forces the industry to create a large diversity of combinable parts. Additionally, the life cycles of many components become shorter. For highly-stressable parts, which are commonly manufactured by forging, the short changeover cycles result in expensive products, as the costs of tools must be offset by the sale of only a few parts. To reduce the tool cost, new, flexible processes have to be established in tool manufacturing. Laser-based additive manufacturing is noted for its high flexibility; notably, Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) is gaining increasing relevance in research, as it is already used for coating and repairing forming tools, this technology makes it possible to add material onto free-formed surfaces. Therefore, investigations are being conducted to qualify this process to produce forging tools. Due to the thermal processes which are required during additive manufacturing, the microstructure of the material differs from that of wrought material. This, in turn, affects the strategy of post heat treatment in order that the required mechanical properties for tools be attained. Within this manuscript, the influence of additive manufacturing on performance characteristics of hot work tool steel X37CrMoV5-1 (1.2343) is analyzed. To investigate the behavior of additively manufactured material during the process chain of tool manufacturing, properties for different states of a heat treatment are characterized by hardness and strength. It was shown that the strength of the additively manufactured material could be increased compared to wrought material by using a tailored heat treatment. The effects that cause this behavior are investigated by comparing the microstructure at different states of heat treatment.

Influence of single and dual cryogenic jets on machinability characteristics in turning of Ti-6Al-4V

Based on the necessity of a solid study on the orientation of liquid nitrogen jets in turning, this study investigates the specific cutting energy, surface roughness, chip morphology, chip–tool interface temperature, tool life, and wear of coated carbide tool under the single and duplex jets liquid nitrogen for congenial turning of a hard-to-cut superalloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The single jet was aimed at rake face, whereas the duplex jets were impinged at rake and flank surfaces, simultaneously. Results showed that the later coolant employment method ensured the most favorable machining characteristics, which can be accredited to the extreme cooling by liquid nitrogen jets, in terms of reduced specific cutting energy, temperature, roughness, and admittedly, an increased life of tools. The duplex liquid nitrogen jets prolonged tool life by 60% and 30% compared to dry and single jet assistance, respectively. However, no visible difference in chip formation has been noticed. In recapitulation, the duplex liquid nitrogen jets are established as sustainability promoter as—tool life is increased thus tool cost is reduced, required energy is lessened, temperature is pacified, surface quality is improved, and above all, favorable machinability of Ti-6Al-4V superalloy is attained.