Bopaya Bidanda

WORKER ASSIGNMENT IN CELLULAR MANUFACTURING CONSIDERING TECHNICAL AND HUMAN SKILLS

This paper considers the problem of assigning workers to manufacturing cells in order to maximize the effectiveness of the organization. Organization effectiveness is assumed to be a function of the productivity, output quality, and training costs associated with a particular worker assignment. Traditionally, these worker assignments have been based only on the technical skills of the workers. The proposed model also includes human skills and permits the ability to change the skill levels of workers by providing them with additional training. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer programming problem. A total of 32 test problems were developed and varied with regard to the total training time, the available training time for each worker, the training costs, the productivity coefficients and the quality level coefficients. Results indicate that this model provides better worker assignments than one that only considers technical skills.

A multi-objective model for project portfolio selection to implement lean and Six Sigma concepts

Lean and Six Sigma methodologies play an important role in the quality and cost driven world with high competition. In this paper, we develop a unique decision support system that utilizes a multi-objective formulation for project portfolio selection problem in manufacturing companies. The model can be used to effectively implement Lean and Six Sigma concepts. An industrial case study that utilizes this model for implementing the Lean and Six Sigma initiatives is also presented.

Human related issues in manufacturing cell design, implementation, and operation: a review and survey

The application of cellular manufacturing in batch-type environments is a well-known manufacturing strategy that typically improves manufacturing efficiency by utilizing the philosophy of group technology. It is also important that for the successful implementation of cellular manufacturing, that one focuses both on technical issues (cell formation and design) and human issues. Unfortunately, human issues are typically not examined as rigorously as often as technical issues. This paper presents an overview and evaluation of the diverse range of human issues involved in cellular manufacturing based on an extensive literature review. Further, a survey to determine the importance of eight different human issues in cellular manufacturing was administered to a sample of academics, managers, and workers involved in cellular design and implementation results are presented and discussed.

Slip resistance of the shoe-floor interface under biomechanically-relevant conditions

Slip resistance measurements are used by industry, shoe/floor manufacturers, and the legal profession as a criterion for determining slip potentials of various environments. Whilst static coefficients of friction (COF) of a shoe-floor interface have been used traditionally, dynamic COF(DCOF) measures have been shown to be more relevant to the biomechanics of slips and falls. Recently, new devices have become available that better incorporate the biomechanics of foot movement into DCOF measurement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of environmental and biomechanical factors of the shoe-floor interface on DCOF measures using a new slip resistance testing device. The environmental factors chosen were shoe material, floor type, and contaminant. The biomechanical factors were heel velocity, vertical force, and shoe angle. The results showed that of the biomechanical factors, heel velocity had largest effects on the DCOF. However, contaminant condition was an important interaction. Increa...

Bio-Materials and Prototyping Applications in Medicine

Bio-materials & prototyping applications in medicine , Bio-materials & prototyping applications in medicine , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی

A neural network process model for abrasive flow machining operations

This paper describes the development of a predictive process modeling system for the abrasive flow machining (AFM) process. This process is used for polishing and surface removal of workpieces with an internal flow path. The core of the process modeling system is a set of neural network models that predicts surface finish and dimensional change. These neural network models are then paired with a heuristic search algorithm to select sets of machine setup parameters for the AFM process. The heuristic search is specifically designed to avoid allowing the neural networks to extrapolate. The completed system was validated using several test pieces, and the results were very promising. The system is currently planned for implementation into the production process. The system has the potential to significantly reduce the development time for new applications of the process and can also be used to suggest alternative machine setup parameters when certain media types are unavailable.

Implementing Activity-Based Costing Systems in Small Manufacturing Firms: A Field Study

Abstract: This article describes the results of a field study involving the implementation of activity-based costing (ABC) in three small manufacturing companies. Similarities and dissimilarities regarding company business, customer distribution, fixed-to-variable cost ratio, and costing system needs are presented. A cost and time efficient methodology for developing and implementing ABC in small manufacturing companies is presented. The ABC companies, implementation methodology, and research findings are discussed. In addition, the potential impacts of ABC implementation at these three companies are examined.

A part image reconstruction system for reverse engineering of design modifications

Abstract When the CAD model of an existing part is not available, the reverse engineering involved in the creation of such a model is typically time consuming, tedious, and potentially a source of error. Currently, geometric measurements from the surface of a prototype are extracted manually or through a coordinate measuring machine and input to a CAD system. This paper outlines a methodology for the development of part image reconstruction systems (PAIRS). The system developed by the authors is microcomputer-based and uses a noncontact technique to extract 3-D data from the surface of parts. Algorithms for data acquisition are discussed. Procedures for processing the data into a polygon mesh representation and orthographic projections are detailed. Sample results are also explained.

Advanced Processes to Fabricate Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that necessitates the combined effort of cell biologists, engineers, material scientists, mathematicians, geneticists, and clinicians toward the development of biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function (Fig. 8.1). It comprises tissue regeneration and organ substitution (Table 8.1). The first definition of tissue engineering was provided by Skalak and Fox (1988) who stated it to be “the application of principles and methods of engineering and life sciences toward the fundamental understanding of structurefunction relationships in normal and phatological mammalian tissues and the development of biological substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve tissue function”. An historical overview of this field can be found in a recent report published by National Science Foundation, USA (2003). Three strategies have been explored for the creation of a new tissue (Fuchs et al. 2001; Langer, 1997; Langer and Vacanti, 1993):

Reverse engineering: an evaluation of prospective non-contact technologies and applications in manufacturing systems

Abstract This paper defines the concept of reverse engineering and describes the need for reverse engineering systems in manufacturing. Different technologies currently being used are detailed. Newer technologies that can potentially be used in such systems are also described. Finally, possible interfaces with other manufacturing based software are discussed.