bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A TEM study of the oxide scale development in Ni‐Cr alloys
Authors: Ul‐Hamid Anwar
Published: May 2004

A study was undertaken to investigate the isothermal oxidation behaviour of Ni‐Cr binary alloys with 10, 20 and 30 wt per cent Cr exposed in air for 50 h at 1,000°C. Analytical transmission electron microscopy along with light microscopy and X‐ray diffraction were used to characterise the oxide scale. It was observed that the scaling behaviour exhibited by the Ni‐Cr alloys changes from generally “non‐protective” to “protective” as their Cr content increases from 10 to 30 wt per cent. The Ni‐10Cr alloy formed a continuous network of NiO leading to scales of high thickness while Ni‐30Cr exhibited only α‐Cr2O3 at its surface. The Ni‐20Cr alloy exhibited all three oxide phases and an intermediate scaling behaviour.
Electrodeposition of zinc‐nickel alloys from a chloride bath containing benzyl triethanol ammonium bromide
Authors: Abdel Hamid Z.
Published: May 2004

Electrodeposition of zinc‐nickel alloys from an acid chloride bath containing benzyl triethanol ammonium bromide (BTABr) was investigated under optimized plating conditions, particularly, temperature, current density, pH and metal ion ratios in the bath. The BTABr concentration produced alloy composition of 17‐ 21 per cent by the weight of nickel. The surface structure of the deposit was found to be (Ni3Zn22), which exhibited superior corrosion resistance, high hardness and a smooth, uniform and fine‐grained deposit. The surface properties of BTABr were studied through surface tension measurements of the solution/air interface. Data of some surface and thermodynamic properties of its compound were calculated. The results obtained show that BTABr improves electrodeposition of zinc‐nickel alloys.
Selecting alloys for severely corrosive service
Authors: Brown Robert S.
Published: May 2004

Selecting the most suitable, cost‐efficient alloy for a given application should not be difficult if the methodology described in this paper is followed. The first step is to identify those alloys with the desired corrosion resistance. Factors other than chemical composition have a bearing on an alloy’s corrosion resistance. Service environment and nature of the product application must also be considered. These conditions are discussed in the text. Consideration should be given to other key issues such as mechanical properties required as well as method of fabrication, design, condition and availability of the candidate alloy. To simplify selection, the author discusses severe corrodents and aggressive environments that are commonly encountered in the process industries, and describes the characteristics of alloys that might be considered for each type of corrosive service. Cross referenced charts position these alloys to show their relative resistance to each type of corrosion attack. While the paper is not designed to replace the technical expertise of a corrosion engineer, the author feels it can serve as a good starting point in the alloy selection process.
Influence of nitrones on corrosion inhibition and hydrogen permeation through mild steel in acidic solutions
Authors: Hariharaputhran R. , Subramanian A. , Arul Antony Alice , Manisankar P. , Vasudevan T. , Venkatakrishna Iyer S.
Published: May 2004

A few nitrones such as N‐benzilidene aniline‐N‐oxide, N‐(O‐hydroxy benzilidene) aniline‐N‐oxide (HN) and N‐(α‐naphthylidene) aniline‐N‐oxide (NN) have been synthesised and investigated for evaluating their efficiency as inhibitors for the corrosion of mild steel in 1M HCl at different concentrations of nitrones ranging from 0.025‐1.0mM and at different temperatures ranging from 30‐70°C. Among these compounds NN gives the best performance even at higher temperatures. Potentiodynamic polarisation studies reveal the fact that all compounds behave as mixed type inhibitors. Hydrogen permeation studies reveal the fact that all the compounds bring down the permeation current. The absorption of these compounds on the mild steel surface from 1M HCl obeys Temkin’s absorption isotherm.
“Methodology”: An Analysis of Its Meaning and Use
Authors: Lehaney B.A. , Vinten Gerald
Published: May 2004

The purposes of this article are to outline a number of contradictory
ways in which the term “methodology” has been used in published works on
the management sciences, to highlight the problems which can be caused
by using the single word “methodology” to mean many different things, and
to suggest that a language for methodology be constructed to clarify its
meaning. Ogden and Richards attempted to probe the “meaning of
meaning” whereby it would be possible to construct definitions that would
achieve general consent. The nearest attempt to apply this to an
operational research (OR) or management sciences (MS) area was in a
doctoral thesis on internal audit. The attempt was interesting but
not entirely successful.
Managerial Incentives – A Case Study
Authors: Wilde Edwin
Published: May 2004

The client was a large laundry or, to give it its proper name, linen
service. It catered mainly for hospitals and hotels and the average
monthly load handled was 180,755kg. There were three separate lines of
washing‐machines, hydro‐extractors and tumble‐driers and, at the
commencement of the study, the average machine utilizations of all lines
were:Washing machines: 64 per cent; Hydro extractors: 63 per cent; Tumble‐driers: 42 per cent.
Performance Measurement, Organizational Technology and Organizational Design
Authors: Halachmi Arie , Bouckaert Geert
Published: May 2004

Hayes and Clark note that in many manufacturing companies managers: do not have adequate measures for judging factory‐level performance or for comparing overall performance from one facility to the next. Of course, they can use the traditional cost‐accounting figures, but often these figures do not tell them what they really need to know. Worse, even the best numbers do not sufficiently reflect the important contributions that managers can make by reducing confusion in the system and promoting organizational change.
We Present...
Authors: Baines Anna
Published: May 2004

Presenting information is an important part of the “selling” process
– whether real selling (as in goods to customers) or as in selling of
ideas. The products or ideas are of no benefit if they do not reach
their target audience and have the intended effect.
Top cat awards
Authors: Arthur Jennings E.
Published: May 2004

The achievements of high flyers are given much exposure. The
publicity surrounding their exploits is not only rewarding for the
individual but may give a sense of pride to all engaged in the
enterprise in which they work. However, there are dangers in recognizing
and lauding the high flyers. It should go without saying that behind
every success there is a team which has also contributed to the end
result. As is the way with teams, it is often the unsung who provide
most of the backbone. There are many workers who doubt if their
existence is known (not in name terms, but simply in terms of their
contribution to the work of the enterprise) to the upper levels of
management. In truth, to these managers, they are often thought of as an
expense rather than an asset. That they are on the payroll does not mean
those above know who they are, nor necessarily what they do.
Factors for evaluating factory automation projects – inferences from an Indian survey
Authors: Sambasivarao K.V. , Deshmukh S.G. , Mohanty R.P.
Published: May 2004

Globally, manufacturing facilities are constantly being upgraded in
order to provide competitive advantages. Parunndekar observes that Indian manufacturing firms
have recognized the importance of automating their production systems to
meet the challenges posed by the pluralistic market. However, adoption
of such automation projects involves large investments and a strategic
management style. Meredith and Suresh state that any financial investment in economic activities requires a
justification for the purpose of committing capital. The introduction of
automation projects (AP) can, and many would say should, include changes
in the prevailing management style and in the organizational culture of
a firm. Thus, the decision‐making process with regard to the selection
of AP is quite complex, because the commercial success of the firm is
highly dependent on the mechanics of such a process. In addition to the
obvious quantitative benefits accruing from the introduction of AP, they
can offer a large number of qualitative (intangible) benefits. Datta
et al. observed that these are generally difficult to quantify. Researchers have attempted to convert
the relative importance of qualitative benefits into priority weights
(PW) for procedures involving the selection and evaluation of AP.
Mohanty states that project selection and evaluation involve decisions that are critical to the profitability,
growth and survival of the manufacturing firm in the increasingly
competitive global scenario. Such decisions are complex and require
analysis of tangible and intangible attributes.
New developments in organizing around markets
Authors: Thomas Gail S. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: May 2004

Marketing seeks to sell the products that provide jobs and pump
dollars into the economy. Especially in a region still struggling out of
recession, marketing becomes a key element of business organization.
With changing economic conditions and the development of modern
technology, organizations have refocused their marketing functions and
efforts for competition and survival.
Measuring construction productivity: a practical approach
Authors: Motwani Jaideep , Kumar Ashok , Novakoski Michael
Published: May 2004

Productivity, especially in the construction industry, has always
been very difficult to measure and control. All estimating professionals
would agree that the quantity of work to be performed and the cost per
hour for labour to perform that work can be established with
considerable accuracy. However, it is the identifying and evaluating of
the critical factors which influence productivity that provides a
challenge. Every error in productivity estimation causes an inverse
effect in the actual cost of labour to perform a scope of work.
Re‐engineering the disability determination process: a case study
Authors: Halachmi Arie
Published: May 2004

Why should anybody outside the USA care about the attempt to
reorganize the Disability Determination Service (DDS) of the Social
Security Administration (SSA)? Part of the answer to this question has
to do with the assumptions and approaches which were used. In fact, the
attempt to reorganize DDS is one of the first well‐documented attempts
to re‐engineer a major agency in the public sector. Given the excitement
in the private sector about re‐engineering and its potential and
possible cost, public managers everywhere should develop a better
understanding of what re‐engineering is all about. The use of a case
study seems to be a promising way for framing and illustrating some of
the important questions about the use of re‐engineering in the public
sector.
TQM ‐ a comparative approach
Authors: Mohanty R.P. , Sethi B.P.
Published: May 2004

Compares the scientific management, human resources and socio‐technological systems approaches to management to identify the fundamental characteristics, and limitations, of each. It shows that changes in society, and corresponding expectations of workers, render each of these approaches obsolete. Attempts to show that TQM adopts the best features of each and synthesizes them into a more complete and coherent way of managing processes and people.
New developments in re‐engineering
Authors: Skehan Jacqueline , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: May 2004

Re‐engineering is the latest in a long line of performance improvement programmes with which US industry has experimented during the last decade. The radical approach taken by re‐engineering is the main characteristic setting it apart from any of its predecessors. Re‐engineering is based on the premiss that the best way for a corporation to make significant improvements is to take a clean sheet of paper and ask itself “if I were to start this company over from the beginning, what would I do?” Now, two years after the introduction of this unusual approach, many corporations are finding their efforts have failed. By analysing these case studies, several key topics have arisen which explain why some organizations have completed their re‐engineering programmes without meeting their expectations. First discusses re‐engineering in detail, and then addresses several of these recent developments.
Designing customer service programmes
Authors: Baines Anna
Published: May 2004

Customer service programmes are to service organizations what quality programmes are to manufacturing organizations. Providing customer service requires us to understand what our customers want, and what they value. Customer service is more than, but includes, customer care and is applicable to all service organizations, including those in the public sector. If we understand our customers, we can properly identify their needs and set about meeting them reliably over time.
Supporting a dispersed workforce: a changing role for HR
Authors: Eden Angela
Published: May 2004

Advances in technology and changes in economic factors have resulted in a steady shift towards greater flexibility in working and employment patterns. Argues that this is not a new phenomenon, but the changes do mean that the human resource management function within an organization does need to recognize and implement the changes that are necessary to ensure that organizations and individuals get the support they need to cope with such change.
Theft at work
Authors: Muir John
Published: May 2004

There are no reliable figures to indicate the scale of theft at work. Although many employers know a problem exists, they are either unwilling or unable to measure the real problem. Of course, theft costs money, both in terms of the direct losses and in the effects it has on the staff, both honest and dishonest. It is possible with careful planning to minimize losses due to theft ‐ like most other things, it is a situation that has to be managed as a part of the overall employment situation.
Handling redundancies
Authors: Muir John
Published: May 2004

Establishing a redundancy programme is subject to a number of legal constraints. Understanding these constraints is essential if redundancy is to be effectively managed for the wellbeing of both organization and employees. Explains the development and interrelationship of various components of the legislation and its main provisions and implications, particularly the importance of full consultation at all stages.
Benchmarking
Authors: Daniels Shirley
Published: May 2004

Benchmarking is the process of comparing one’s own organization with its peers worldwide to identify and learn from best practice. This is obviously not a simple process and it may be advantageous to take advantage of one of the organizations which provides a benchmarking service. Whether using such a service or doing it “on your own”, there are certain principles that should be followed. Outlines the code of practice of the International Benchmarking Clearinghouse to illustrate these principles.
Re‐engineering revisited
Authors: Baines Anna
Published: May 2004

Business process re‐engineering (BPR) is now part of the mainstream of business improvement. Explains what BPR is, outlines the reasons for undertaking BPR, the benefits that accrue from this, and lays down a step‐by‐step framework for carrying out a BPR project.
Intranets
Authors: Baines Anna
Published: May 2004

The Intranet has been said to be the most important technological development since the personal computer. Explains that Intranets arise from the spectacular growth of the Internet. Describes what an Intranet is (and its relationship to the Internet), what it does and the benefits it brings in terms of high productivity, improved communication and teamworking to workgroups who at last can be provided with the information they need ‐ in a timely, accurate and convenient way.
Last in ‐ first out: now that is redundant
Authors: Muir John
Published: May 2004

Redundancy is almost always a painful time ‐ for organizations and for those individuals made redundant. The traditional way of selecting employees was a simple last in ‐ first out basis. Although this is simple, and in many ways, fair, it can lead to a distorted age/skills profile in the organization. Looks at the legal framework governing redundancy and shows how organizations can act within the law while using a range of selection criteria for redundancy to ensure that the organization remains equipped with the right workforce for the future.
Something fishy: tradition, technology and women’s employment
Authors: Drummond Helga , Kingstone Hodgson Julia A.
Published: May 2004

Relatively few women are employed in the so‐called “heavy industries” because the technology acts as a barrier to recruitment. Argues that apparently essential working practices may conceal institutionalized discrimination and massive inefficiency and that it is necessary to “think the unthinkable” and challenge accepted ways of working in order to improve both efficiency and employment opportunities for currently disadvantaged groups.
A case study of patient flows using Windows‐based computer simulation
Authors: Lehaney Brian , Kogetsidis Harry , Clarke Steve
Published: May 2004

Suggests that hospitals are faced with variable demand patterns, and simulation provides managers with a powerful means to access the demands on resources created by different case scenarios. Outlines the iterative development of a case study of patient flows at one clinic in an out‐patients department, describing the software used ‐ a Windows‐based simulation environment called SIMUL8.
Test scores of urban and rural bank workers in Nigeria: an analysis of the effect of location on test performance
Authors: Johnnie P.B.
Published: May 2004

Reviews the literature relating to job‐related testing, and describes a specific study which examined the test scores, on written tests, of urban and rural bank workers in a national bank. The purpose of the test was to determine the effect of location on test performance of the two sets of bank workers. Also compares the test performance of individual bank workers in both urban and rural branches, and attempts to determine the degree of difficulty and/or ease of the materials to both urban and rural bank workers. Concludes that the location of the bank workers does not have any significant effect on test performance, nor do the individual test scores of both urban and rural bank workers have any significant relationship with location. Also concludes that the test materials were equally difficult for both categories of worker.
Human resource and creativity
Authors: Juniper Dean
Published: May 2004

The humble suggestion scheme can be a creative resource and a springboard for transforming an organization. However, we know that very few of them are! Takes a novel, situation‐based look at creativity and, with a mix of theory and pragmatism, outlines a strategy for encouraging and directing creativity for organizational good and individual reward.
Global trends in organizational design
Authors: Nikolenko Alexander , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: May 2004

Organizations are subject to a variety of constantly changing internal and external influences, such as organizational strategy and environmental conditions. Of these, of particular importance are the development of the global marketplace and increasing global competition, and the emergence of a knowledge‐based economy that is characterized by a high level of development of communications and information technologies. In response to these factors, new forms of organization structure have emerged: the horizontal organization, the network organization and the virtual corporation. Asks whether such structures are adequate to meet the constant change of the world into which we are moving, and whether they can meet the needs of organizations in varying situations in different economies in disparate countries and with different cultures.
Aggregate demand, aggregate supply, a Trojan horse and a Cheshire cat
Authors: Grieve Roy H.
Published: May 2004

The recent publication of a sixth edition of Dornbusch and Fischer’s (D&F’s) Macroeconomics will be of interest to many teachers of macro theory. D&F’s text must currently be one of the most widely used intermediate‐level guides to macroeconomics; as the authors themselves tell us, the book has been translated into many languages and is in use around the world “from Canada to Argentina and Australia, all over Europe, in India, Indonesia and Japan, from China and Albania to Russia”. The undogmatic “middle‐of‐the‐road” approach, together with the careful and clear presentation characteristic of this user‐friendly textbook, has won it many friends.
Cocoa market efficiency: a cointegration approach
Authors: Mananyi Anthony , Struthers John J.
Published: May 2004

Examines the “efficient market” hypothesis for cocoa beans traded on the London Futures and Options Exchange. Futures market efficiency implies that futures prices accurately incorporate all currently known information. Consequently, current futures prices are unbiased forecasts of subsequent cash and/or futures prices and traders cannot earn abnormal returns. The recently developed cointegration theory is utilized to test efficiency in the London Cocoa Market. A problem in testing market efficiency is that the relevant economic data series may be non‐stationary. Under these circumstances, conventional statistical procedures for testing market efficiency are no longer appropriate. The use of a cointegration methodology properly accounts for the non‐stationary properties of futures and spot price series. The price data are monthly data from the London Futures and Options Exchange and they cover the period from 1985‐1991. The evidence presented here does not support the efficient market hypothesis.
Real business cycle: a critical review
Authors: Vecchi Michela
Published: May 2004

Provides an overview of the real business cycle research agenda, tackling the main theoretical and empirical issues. Concludes that although this methodological approach has been popular in terms of the number of papers published, it has not been completely convincing in providing a theory of the business cycle.
The role of the state in economic growth
Authors: Reinert Erik S.
Published: May 2004

This paper attempts to trace and describe the role played by the government sector – the state – in promoting economic growth in Western societies since the Renaissance. One important conclusion is that the antagonism between state and market, which has characterised the twentieth century, is a relatively new phenomenon. Since the Renaissance one very important task of the state has been to create well‐functioning markets by providing a legal framework, standards, credit, physical infrastructure and – if necessary – to function temporarily as an entrepreneur of last resort. Early economists were acutely aware that national markets did not occur spontaneously, and they used “modern” ideas like synergies, increasing returns, and innovation theory when arguing for the right kind of government policy. In fact, mercantilist economics saw it as a main task to extend the synergetic economic effects observed within cities to the territory of a nation‐state. The paper argues that the classical Anglo‐Saxon tradition in economics – fundamentally focused on barter and distribution, rather than on production and knowledge – systematically fails to grasp these wider issues in economic development, and it brings in and discusses the role played by the state in alternative traditions of non‐equilibrium economics.
Laissez‐faire and, therefore, jeopardized national priorities in the process of transition
Authors: Szira Thomas
Published: May 2004

Former socialist economies, as they are trying to engage in a process of transition from state socialism towards forms of a market economy, and as they are trying to open themselves up to international trade, find that extreme social tensions accompany this process which go right to the heart of national identity. This is being discussed with the example of Hungary in mind.
The human interface
Authors: Dix Alan
Published: May 2004

Looks at the design elements of an effective human interface. Outlines
what makes a good interface and why so many are bad. Explains the importance
of having a clear idea of what jobs are to be done and an understanding of
the ways errors happen. Also explains the need to understand and involve the
user and the importance of trying out the interface at an early stage.
Concludes that bad interfaces cost money and can be dangerous and that the
human interface should attract at least the same level of resources as any
other major part of system design.
Training with virtual reality
Authors: Wittenberg Gunter
Published: May 2004

Look at the utilisation of virtual reality for a diverse range of
training programmes from bomb disposal training to pager assembly line
training. Describes how VR software allows three‐dimensional
computer‐generated information to be created in real time and
discusses the five main components of a VR system. Outlines an experiment
designed to assess whether operators would learn to operate laboratory
equipment more successfully in a VR environment of in the real laboratory
environment. Concludes that VR training achieves better results than real
environment training, is more cost effective and does not tie‐up
expensive factory equipment for training purposes.
An object‐oriented and flexible material handling system
Authors: Ho John K L , Ranky Paul G
Published: May 2004

Examines research work aimed at exploring and developing a new,
object‐oriented system design and operation concept, and new system
software and hardware design concepts which could be used to design and build
an open, flexible and reconfigurable material handling system in a Computer
Integrated Manufacturing [CIM] environment that could cope with changes
imposed by the market on today’s manufacturing industries. Looks at the
design of a reconfigurable and flexible conveyor system and outlines the
benefits of using a 3‐D CIM reference model when developing CIM
hardware and software control. Concludes that the proposed new conveyor
system helps resolves the need for an assembly system which can achieve rapid
and flexible responses to meet the challenge set by changing customer
requirements.
Robots add new dimension to parts presentation
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: May 2004

Reports on a visit to assembly machine producers, Modular Automation Ltd
in Birmingham with particular emphasis on the trend towards using robots in
assembly machines and their versatility in parts presentation. With the help
of appropriate tactile or vision sensing a robot can pick up a component from
an imprecise location and correctly align it for assembly. Simpler parts
feeding systems can therefore be employed and the robots can be easily
reprogrammed to accommodate minor product changes. Looks at some of the
applications using robots such as an assembly machine for mounting mirror
bosses to windscreens and the handling and placing of clip‐on bobbin
covers as part of a car boot release mechanism.
Presentation and gripping of flexible materials
Authors: Taylor Paul M
Published: May 2004

Examines studies into the automated handling of flexible materials such
as fabrics, paper and food products and the behaviour of such materials
during handling, concentrating on the two most crucial aspects of
presentation and gripping. Looks at the problems caused by lack of obvious
reference points with many flexible materials and looks at solutions
involving overhead cameras and multiple cameras. Outlines the various types
of grippers which can be used for non‐rigid materials, covering
mechanical action grippers, intrusive grippers and surface attraction
grippers. Concludes that understanding the properties of the material to be
handled is very important when selecting both presentation strategies and
gripping technology.
PC‐based virtual test and measurement speed bench testing
Authors: Matanle Ivor
Published: May 2004

Explores a PC‐based multi‐function virtual test and
measurement system for automated manufacturing lines. The system includes
single and dual channel oscilloscopes, a 50MHz spectrum analyzer, a
multifunctional digital voltmeter and a 20MHz digital frequency meter.
Outlines the benefits of the system including the availability of
high‐performance instruments anywhere there is a PC cost saving and
space saving. It also has considerable potential training test and
maintenance personnel.
Rapid developments in rapid prototyping
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: May 2004

Report from a recent conference held in Italy and organised by the Rapid
Prototyping Research Group at the University of Nottingham. Papers were
presented on a wide variety of subjects including stereolithography,
selective laser sintering, laser forming, fused deposition modelling,
three‐dimensional printing, CAD and data transfer and rapid tooling.
Tooling was one of the key topics during the three‐day
event.
In search of a disassembly factory
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: May 2004

A report from a seminar organised by the Technion Israel Institute of
Technology in Haifa on the recycling of obsolete electro‐mechanical
products. Amongst the topics discussed were experimental projects on the
dismantling of telephones, cars and PCBs.
Planning of disassembly systems
Authors: Zussman Eyal
Published: May 2004

Examines the problems to be considered when looking at the operation
planning of a disassembly factory. Discusses the recycling network comprising
the manufacturers, consumers, disassembly plants and the recycling plants in
which the disassembly plants are considered as dismantlers and waste
management providers. Looks at the need to establish a methodology for
operation planning and controlling of discarded complex products. Concludes
that disassembly of obsolete products is a challenge to flexible automation
and that fully integrated solutions, enabling the automatic design of
environmentally conscious products and recovery processes are the first step
towards advanced disassembly systems.
Machine vision‐based quality control systems for the automotive
industry
Authors: Hage Peter , Jones Bob
Published: May 2004

Focuses on the JL Automation Company of Sunderland, a major supplier of
both turnkey and OEM solutions for the quality control of components for the
automotive industry. The company is relatively unique in that it develops
both its own hardware and software for the machine vision applications. This
allows JL to design low‐cost solutions for OEM markets and advanced
high technology turnkey systems as one‐off projects for
high‐volume products. Describes some of their core machine vision
products and applications.
Sound signatures assist assembly
Authors: Bright G , Moodley P
Published: May 2004

Examines the use of acoustic emission techniques for monitoring part
mating during the assembly process. The frequency recorded during a peg
insertion is compared with known frequencies of successful peg insertion by a
microcomputer. This allows unsuccessful alignment to be readjusted which
being monitored by a digital sound analyzer. Outlines the concept of part
mating which is based on the peg‐in‐hole theory developed by
Simunovic and describes an acoustic emission monitoring system. Concludes
that acoustic monitoring provides a relatively low cost, low complexity
system for part mating monitoring but may have limitation in manufacturing
environments where there is excessive background noise or machine part
vibration.
Robots for workpiece handling to stationary tools
Authors: De‐Gol Gino
Published: May 2004

Outlines the trend in utilising the fixed tool/moving workpiece concept
in automatic production processes, in which a standard robot can be employed
for both positioning and orientation of the workpiece. This process is used
widely in the automotive industry and its’ economic and technical advantages
are illustrated by examining its use in several processes such as the glazing
of automobiles, roller seam welding, deburring and griding of sand and die
castings, power press feeding and spot welding. Concludes that many
industrial processes in which the robot presently carries the process
equipment through the manufacturing cycle can be technically and economically
improved by allowing the robot to present the workpiece to fixed process
equipment.
Man and machine in harmony?
Authors: Jordan Steve
Published: May 2004

Looks at the interface between people and automation and considers which tasks are best suited to machines and which to people. Notes particularly the cost factors involved and the prime concerns of price and quality. Points to a balance in the interface between operator and machine in order to ensure maximum effectiveness. Focuses on three examples of the use of automation and concludes that the future holds increased automation, leading to improved working environments and better products.
Computer vision in interactive robotics
Authors: Cipolla Roberto , Hollinghurst Nicholas , Gee Andrew , Dowland Robert
Published: May 2004

Computer vision provides many opportunities for novel man‐machine interfaces. Pointing and face gestures can be used as a simple, passive means of interfacing with computers and robots. We describe two novel algorithms to track the position and orientation of the user’s hand or face in video images. This information is used to determine where the hand or face is pointing. This can be used in interactive robotics to allow a user with manipulation disabilities or working in hazardous environments to guide a robot manipulator to pick up a simple object of interest.
Moll: sewing to perfection
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: May 2004

Investigates the use of robotic sewing systems for assembling car headrest covers at Moll, a German company. Notes the key role of robots in the production process by virtue of their flexible movement. Reports on increased use of computerization by the company and mentions a current research project looking at the use of robotic sewing systems aimed at the clothing industry, a much greater market.
Productronica ’95: wafers and waste
Authors: Monkman Gareth J.
Published: May 2004

Reports on Productronica ’95 and notes the domination of two main applications: semiconductor wafer processing and printed circuit board production. Focuses on items such as the Spin Etcher for use in wafer etching; improvements in the etch resist removal process; advances in equipment for use in production of printed circuit boards; and methods for dealing with the pollution problem related to printed circuit board production.
A vision‐guided robotic water jet cutting system
Authors: Hillberg Patrick
Published: May 2004

Describes an application using machine vision as a sensing device to allow robots to adapt according to their use. Describes the application in focus, lists the requirements of the cell and provides the solution. Provides details of the system used, emphasizing in particular its adaptability.
NanoPositioning – extreme calibration
Authors: McConnell Malachy
Published: May 2004

NanoPositioning is a combination of piezoelectric ceramics, capacitance sensors and flexure hinges, and is the art of positioning in space with resolutions of one nanometre and less. Describes the technologies involved and how they are applied to the growing demand for precision mechanisms.
Novel mechanism with a twist in the tale
Authors: Wen Yue Dai , Yi Ping Gao , Li Zang , Dong Yang , Wan Lu Tian , Tai Bao Zhang
Published: May 2004

Details a new type of screwing mechanical hand which has been developed. There are three distinguishing features on the structures and functions of the mechanical hand: it can perform both screwing and unscrewing automatically; it has no special driver for its finger grasp and release but adopts some specific mechanisms and structures for this process; and the preset screwing torque is used to control the release of the fingers. Describes the main parts and operating process of the hand; the structure and movements of the wrist and hand; and the principle behind the grasp and release mechanism.
PCB presentation
Authors: Cawthray David
Published: May 2004

Addresses the problem of printed circuit board inspection. Gives an example of an approach which aims to overcome the difficulties associated with it.
Configurator goes live for Wynn Marine
Authors: Reader John
Published: May 2004

Discusses manufacturing control systems using Cheltenham‐based assembly firm, Wynn Marine, as an example. Finds that here a new system of computing has halved the time taken to input orders.
Robotics technology and the advent of agile manufacturing systems in the footwear industry
Authors: Spencer James E.
Published: May 2004

Provides an overview of the present state of the footwear manufacturing industry and the consumer footwear market. Describes how many manufacturers have recognized the need for advanced manufacturing techniques and automation technologies, turning to robotics and automation for more reliable manufacturing system solutions. Reports on the robotics integration and system‐level products specifically targeted for footwear manufacturing operations provided by three specialist companies; ACTIS Engineering, DESMA and Intelligent Machines Corporation.
Pinching grippers for the secure handling of fabric panels
Authors: Taylor Paul M. , Pollett D.M. , Grieβer M.T.
Published: May 2004

Describes one of the most frequently occurring processes in automated garment manufacture – the picking and placing of fabric panels. This can be carried out using pinch grippers which comprise two pegs that are pushed down on to the top of the fabric. The pegs are then brought together so that the fabric buckles up and is secured between them. It is essential that this operation has very high reliability and repeatability as an error can result in distorted, badly placed or misaligned fabric panels, which would then lead to the production of a faulty garment. The important parameters are the frictional characteristics of the peg surface/supporting surfaces combined with the weight and bending stiffness of the fabric, the opening distance of the pegs and the downward pressure applied to them. Describes a model for these relationships and uses experimental data on frictional and bending properties to predict the gripping behaviour for a given gripper design and gripping strategy. The predictions are compared with experimental results.
Robots bring automation to shoe production
Authors: Rooks Brian W.
Published: May 2004

Demonstrates the advanced state of automation in the footwear industry by reporting on the working operations of two companies, Totectors in Rushden, Northamptonshire, and Eccolet Sko, the Danish shoemaker.
Leonardo – rapid renaissance
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: May 2004

Describes a new, low‐cost rapid prototyping system developed in the USA by Utah University and Scroff Development, the company which created the Silverscreen solid modelling CAD system. Reports on its use by a small industrial design office in Scotland, which can now produce prototypes in two to three hours.
Actis and the shoe industry
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: May 2004

Shows how providing robotic solutions for a variety of shoe making processes has enabled Brightwood, the Florida‐based manufacturer of athletics shoes, to compete with off‐shore production where manual labour does similar tasks. Looks at the French shoe manufacturing equipment company, Actis, which supplied Brightwood with Stäubli RX90 robots to perform cementing and roughing processes.
Stitching shoes and much more
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: May 2004

Diversifying in order to make sales has proved successful for L. Gent, specialist in automatic sewing machines which initially served the shoe industry. Describes how the company now distributes industrial sewing machines and associated equipment for Brother and Mitsubishi, as well as providing machines for webbing stitching, car seat belts, slings for helicopters and sewing car airbags. Computers and vision systems now assist in the automation of sewing, and Israeli company Orisol offers the system SEE.N.SEW, which utilizes CCD cameras when stitching shoe uppers.
Quick‐change automation for shoe manufacture
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: May 2004

Describes some of the successful innovations to be seen at Unishoe (Universal Shoe Machine Company Limited), such as a fully automated sole preparation line; a stress reliever lamp for removing creases from shoe uppers; machines for fitting metal shanks to the “shankboards” for stiffening insoles; and machines for conditioning and lasting uppers into shape.
The principles of intelligent textile and garment manufacturing systems
Authors: Stylios George
Published: May 2004

Despite the globalization and internalization of competition and surplus of apparel production, high labour costs and other economic pressures, apparel products are still being produced using traditional methods and machinery, the mechanics of which have not fundamentally changed since the seventeenth century, even nowadays when the materials produced are very flexible and diverse in texture and properties. In developing the industry further, the nature of interaction between machinery, fabric and operatives has to be taken into account, and this poses some real problems if one has to put forward realistic solutions for future industrial development. It is therefore important to be able to take into consideration fabric/machine/human interactions during the manufacturing process in order to propose the next generation of manufacturing systems which is much needed in the current apparel industry. Reports on findings in the area of intelligent garment manufacture which is a means of introducing flexibility, quality, production efficiency and maximization of resources to the apparel industry. Primarily emphasizes the importance of fabric properties and their interaction with the whole manufacturing process, the labour force and especially with sewing. In order to achieve this, applies computational intelligence and engineering to research, develop and implement intelligent textile and apparel environments, and introduce desired flexibility into the whole area of textile and apparel processes, especially in terms of quick response (QR) and just in time (JIT).
Statistical process control (SPC)
Authors: Caulcutt Roland
Published: May 2004

Claims that statistical process control is widely misunderstood, stating that few people realize that it offers a very powerful approach to the achievement of business excellence. Argues that few people, even some users of SPC, understand the fundamental concept, although it is not complex and certainly not statistical. Maintains that the successful implementation of SPC in a company can lead to huge savings as managers learn how and why their power to control a process is strictly limited by its inherent variation.
“Zero‐knit” line formed in‐place gaskets for electronic module sealing
Authors: Beals Jeff
Published: May 2004

Points out that emerging designs of modules housing electronic components, such as engine control modules, are putting greater demands on dispensing and robotics equipment. Looks at the key issues of decreased gasket diameters, zero‐knit lines and speed of processing which are facing equipment suppliers.
Lotus: aluminium extrusions and adhesives
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: May 2004

Spotlights the design and development of an aluminium chassis for the new Lotus Elise. Highlights the benefits of using aluminium extrusions and the reasons for choosing bonding as opposed to welding. Describes the assembly process and how the maintenance and repair drawback of a bonded design can be overcome. Notes that the largest proportion of Lotus’ sales actually come from engineering and consultancy services.
Micro actuation and memory alloys
Authors: Monkman Gareth
Published: May 2004

Drawing on the events of two recent motor and actuator technology conferences, reports a renewed interest in electromagnetic products. Looks, in particular, at the flat transformer which, unlike the square transformer, overcomes problems of heat generation and dissipation. Discusses the recent developments of the electrostatic micromotor and the many applications which exist for motors of this size, for instance in micro‐robots and micro‐grippers, and other new ideas such as the adhesive micro‐gripper, the piezo‐electric actuator, different shape memory alloy (SMA) profiles and applications, including a miniature inspection robot and exploitation of SMA’s superelastic qualities.
New slant in rapid prototyping
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: May 2004

Focuses on the recent boom in research on rapid prototyping (RP), particularly in the area of eliminating the stepped surface of the RP model, as evidenced by the papers expounded at the 5th European Conference on Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing, held in Helsinki. Reports that Europe is lagging behind the USA in all aspects of RP, and relates suggestions from the conference to improve on this position.
Automated dispensing in surface mount assembly
Authors: Stokes Philip
Published: May 2004

Explains how automated dispensers are used to deposit surface mount device adhesives, and solder paste and other “fluids”. Looks at the features and capabilities of today’s equipment and dispenses advice on using it effectively.
Prodel – islands of automation
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: May 2004

Features the French assembly system designer, Prodel, and its UK systems integrator, Schenck Automation Systems, reporting great success with its new modular design, owing to its flexibility and simplicity. Looks at its application at Strix, a manufacturer of electric kettle switches, which is in the initial stages of introducing assembly automation.
Automating water meter manufacture
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: May 2004

Shows how a firm specializing in water meter manufacture (ABB Kent Messtechnik in Germany) has made use of new integrated assembly and test equipment which has meant halving its number of operators and reducing leadtimes from ten days to 40 minutes. Furthermore, it has done this without any enforced redundancies owing to the fact that workers have been assimilated in other areas of production. Posits that the speedy approach produces an operating system quicker than a fully planned one.
European project develops “ice” gripper for micro‐sized components
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: May 2004

Reports on the development of a robot gripper for the handling of small components measuring between 0.1 and 5mm, using the adhesive property of ice. Describes the testing of a prototype, which achieved high reliability.
Executive Development in Major Corporations: A Ten‐year Trend Study
Authors: Vicere Albert A. , Taylor Maria W. , Freeman Virginia T.
Published: May 2004

Suggests that the need to cope with rapid change and global competition
has revolutionized the practice of management within most major
corporations. Reports on a ten‐year study of global trends in the field,
which shows how practices in executive development have evolved to keep
pace with this revolutionary change. The results of the study suggest a
changing and increasingly important role for executive development in
building and revitalizing corporate competitiveness.