The high dynamics of markets are only one reason for the increasing complexity of production planning and control. To handle this complexity manufacturing companies have implemented IT systems to support decision-making in detailed scheduling processes. However, applied IT systems often do not provide a reliable forecast of delivery dates, because the planning models are implemented uniquely an...

A number of areal surface texture parameters have been adopted by standards bodies, namely ISO 25178-2, in which forty-one parameters within six groups are defined. The selection of the suitable areal parameters becomes an issue for a designer. The study of correlation among parameters is one of the ways to find the most suitable parameters for a specification. This paper presents a Spearman’s ...

Transfer lines are costly assets used for manufacturing of voluminous quantities of a dedicated discrete product following a predefined process plan. This paper deals with the problem of optimal grouping, sequencing and utilization of the dedicated machinery that goes into such transfer lines. A time objective function has been utilized. Handling time, which is an important component of cycle t...

In tolerancing analysis, geometrical or contact specifications can be represented by polytopes. Due to the degrees of invariance of surfaces and that of freedom of joints, these operand polytopes are originally unbounded in most of the cases (i.e. polyhedra). Homri et al. proposed the introduction of virtual boundaries (called cap half-spaces) over the unbounded displacements of each polyhedron...

This paper presents a unique environment whose features are able to satisfy requirements for both virtual maintenance and virtual manufacturing through the conception of original virtual reality (VR) architecture. Virtual Reality for the Maintainability and Assemblability Tests (VR_MATE) encompasses VR hardware and software and a simulation manager which allows customisation of the architecture...

In an attempt to isolate mRNA-binding proteins we fractionated Xenopus oocyte lysate by oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography. A 20 kDa protein was the major component of the eluate. cDNA cloning revealed that this protein is a Xenopus homolog of the cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) which was originally identified in mammalian cells as a protein that is overexpressed upon a temperature do...

The application of Remote Laser Welding (RLW) has become an attractive assembly technology in various branches of industry, as it offers higher efficiency at lower costs compared to traditional Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) when high volumes of sheet metal assemblies are to be produced. However, the introduction of RLW technology raises multiple new issues in designing the configuration, the la...

Conceptual models are models that support understanding and reasoning about problem and solution space by abstracting in many directions. Experienced lead designers and architects collect a rich set of such models including figures of merit over time. In many cases, the conceptual modeling is a tacit competence. We have transformed this way of working in the area of designing semiconductor equi...

The deposition of well-adhered thin type of coatings is of great importance in manufacturing and is used in numerous applications. Of particular interest in the biomedical sector is the deposition of hydroxyapatite onto titanium. CoBlast is a novel coating technology used mainly in the deposition of ceramics onto this metal. This is achieved by simultaneously blasting a ceramic particulate (the...

As service renders an increasing share of companies’ revenues and affects a product’s environmental performance, the effectiveness of the services carried out is important. The aim of this paper is to analyse the service information transfer in the service development process at two automotive companies in order to explore its inefficiencies, and to promote steps to make it more efficient in th...