Pavol Semanco

Handbook of Research on Design and Management of Lean Production Systems

Vladimír Modrák is a Professor of Manufacturing Technology and Vice-Dean of Faculty of Manufacturing Technologies Technical University of Košice with a seat in Prešov. He obtained a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering at the same University in 1989. His research interests include Manufacturing Logistics, Cellular Manufacturing and other related disciplines. Professor Modrák is Vice-Editor in Chief of Slovak Journal on Manufacturing Engineering and editorial board member of several international journals. He also served as session chair and chairman at International Conferences. He lectured as visiting professor at University of Perugia (Italy), University of Applied Sciences Wildau (Germany), University of Czestochowa (Poland) and held seminars at the Keyworth Institute at the University of Leeds (UK), University of Salerno (Italy) and University of Perugia. Presently, he is also chairmen of the Commission for doctoral study in the field of Industrial Engineering. He is co-author and editor of several books on manufacturing logistics, manufacturing technology and other topics. • Practical Applications • Cell Design • Cellular Manufacturing • Lean Manufacturing System Design • Methods and Tools • Social Aspects of Lean Manufacturing • Supply Chain Practices In a production environment, batch size is proportional to cost and productivity. Innovative technologies have

Statistical Process Control Method Based on Weight Percent of Al-Si Alloy for Melting and Holding Process in Die Casting

We proposed a conceptual method of how to control liquid state of Al-Sialloys in holding process of the die casting. Given that, we determine the characteristic of the holding furnace based on weight percent (wt %) of the certain alloys and their elements. An Experimental case study deals with the application of the proposed method in company that produces castings by the die-casting technology.

Hybrid GA-Based Improvement Heuristic with Makespan Criterion for Flow-Shop Scheduling Problems

In the paper, we proposed a hybrid improvement heuristic for permutation flow-shop problem based on the idea of evolutionary algorithm. The approach also employs constructive heuristic that gives a good initial solution. Hybrid GA-based improvement heuristic is applied in conjunction with three well-known constructive heuristics, namely CDS, Gupta’s algorithm and Palmer’s Slope Index. We tested our approach on Reeves’ benchmark set of 21 problem instances range from 20 to 75 jobs and 5 to 20 machines. Subsequently, we compared obtained results to the best-known upper-bound solutions.

Decision-Making Approach to Selecting Optimal Platform of Service Variants

Nowadays, it is anticipated that service sector companies will be inspired to follow mass customization trends of industrial sector. However, services are more abstract than products and therefore concepts for mass customization in manufacturing domain cannot be transformed without a methodical change. This paper is focused on the development of a methodological framework to support decisions in a selection of optimal platform of service variants when compatibility problems between service options occurred. The approach is based on mutual relations between waste and constrained design space entropy. For this purpose, software for quantification of constrained and waste design space is developed. Practicability of the methodology is presented on a realistic case.

Simulation Study of Two Alternative Workstations for Pressure Die-Casting Process

The paper introduces two ad-hoc experimental models that emulate the real semi-automated and fully automated workstations of the die-casting production company. The simulation study aims to analyze behavior over time of both models. The intention of the paper is to show that the simulation can be used as a tool to support a decision-making process. It also presents effective approach how to forecast the real system performance.

Assesment of Material Flow in Foundry Production by Applying Simulation Analysis

In this paper we applied simulation tools to assess the material flow in particular company oriented on die-casting production. The objective of the presented case study is to highlight that detailed data analysis from simulation can help to increase utilization of machinery considerably. Another reason for simulation adoption is to determine deviation of production volume. We have also implicitly outlined the benefits that can be derived from implementing a simulation tools and the additional costs for the implementation.

Equation Model to Evaluate Fluidity of Aluminum Alloys under Pressure Die-Casting Conditions with an Application

The fluidity length of aluminum alloy is key parameter in mold-filling process. Generally it impacts the final quality of the cast products. In the paper we introduce our mathematical model for estimating the fluidity length of the particular alloy under high pressure die casting conditions. We tested our model against the spiral test to compare results and verified the feasibility of this particular mathematical model.

Process of Die Cavity Filling in Pressure Die-Casting Production

Process of die cavity filling in pressure die casting is described by relations for the laminar and turbulent flow and simulating in transparent die. It is shown at pressure die casting machines trough arrangement of the derived differential equations that the circuit of the process is stable aperiodical or damped oscillating favorable for control.

A comparative study of complexity metrics for supply chains

This paper introduces a comparative study for evaluating different supply chain structures in the context of complexity analysis. The process of choosing appropriate supply chain complexity measures is difficult due to the different criteria used to measure complexity of such structures. The paper presents a description of selected measures used for supply chain models and also offers results achieved from comparison of selected indicators used for evaluation of six different supply chain graphs. Finally, the implications of the analysis offered in the paper are discussed.

Informatization of Rail Freight Transport by Applying RF Identification Technology

The purpose of the paper is to outline advantages and obstacles of RFID application in informatization of the rail freight transport. Development and improvement in the field of information technologies and automatization are the pillars towards increase of operations and transaction effectiveness in rail freight transport. This research analyzes and describes range of RFID technology application in rail freight transport. Subsequently, we designed the experiment to test a functionality of the RFID system. In order to ensure the reliable results, we used railroad model that reflects infrastructure of the actual railroad together with station interlocking system, line signaling and level crossing systems managed via unified active control place. For experimentation purpose Taguchi design of experiment was applied to analyze the variation of the essential controllable factors. However, it has to be kept in mind that final effect of the experiment depends on a level of physical resemblance between inputs and reality.