bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic analysis of a repairable robot‐safety system composed of (n−1) standby robots, a safety unit, and a switch
Authors: Dhillon Balbir S. , Cheng Shen 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study reliability, availability, and mean time to failure of a repairable robot‐safety system composed of (n−1) standby robots, a safety unit, and a switch.Design/methodology/approachGeneralized expressions for system state probabilities, system availability, reliability, and mean time to failure are developed when the failure rates of robot and safety unit are constant and the failed system repair times are arbitrarily distributed. Supplementary variable and Markov methods were used to develop these expressions.FindingsThis study clearly demonstrates that standby robots and the repair process help to improve system availability.Practical implicationsThis study will help maintenance engineers and reliability practitioners to become aware of the combined effect of standby robots and the repair process on the performance of the robot‐safety system. Consequently, they will make better maintenance related decisions in organizations such as automobile manufacturers that use robots quite frequently.Originality/valueThis paper has studied the effects of having redundant robots and the repair facilities on the performance of a robot‐safety system with perfect mechanism to turn on a standby robot. This is one of the first attempts to study the combined effects of all these factors on a robot‐safety system.
Performance of copper‐coated stereolithographic electrodes with internal cooling channels in electric discharge machining (EDM)
Authors: Anil Devrim , Çoğun Can 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to produce electric discharge machining (EDM) electrodes by using stereolithography (SLA) rapid prototyping technique and investigate the machining performance of these electrodes. In the experimental part of the study, the performance of solid copper and copper‐coated SLA (cc/SLA) electrodes are observed and compared.Design/methodology/approachThe performance outputs such as material removal rate, machining depth, workpiece surface roughness and electrode front surface wear are used as metrics of comparison. The temperature measurements taken from the face of both solid copper and cc/SLA electrodes indicated that the heat build up during machining significantly accelerated the failure of cc/SLA electrodes.FindingsThe paper finds that circulating the cooling liquid inside the internal cooling channels formed with SLA technique, elongated the life of cc/SLA electrodes by dissipating the heat from the coating.Originality/valueThe Fluent Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is used to numerically analyze various aspects of cooling of cc/SLA electrodes. The key findings of the study are presented in this paper.
Use of parameter estimation for stereolithography surface finish improvement
Authors: Sager Benay , Rosen David W. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that significant surface finish improvements can be accomplished in stereolithography (SL) fabricated parts by applying a new process planning method based on parameter estimation (PE).Design/methodology/approachPE is a method that finds a set of parameter values that minimize a measure of deviation. In this work, the measure of deviation is the difference between the exposure received by points along down‐facing surfaces and the SL resin's critical exposure.FindingsThe surface finish of down‐facing surfaces can be improved by a factor of 2‐9, depending upon the surface angle, compared with parts prepared using commercially available software. Surface finishes less than 1 μm Ra have been demonstrated on a SLA‐250/50 machine.Research limitations/implicationsOnly down‐facing surfaces can have their surface finish improved using this method.Practical implicationsCommon form errors known as “stair‐stepping” can be diminished on parts fabricated using SL.Originality/valueThe usage of PE methods for process planning is a new approach.
Coding system for rapid prototyping industry
Authors: Ingole Dilip , Kuthe Abhaykumar , Deshmukh Tushar , Bansod Satish 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the classification and coding system developed for the rapid prototyping (RP) industry.Design/methodology/approachThe similarities among RP part geometries and processes are identified and related for the development of rapid prototyping coding system (RPCS).FindingsRPCS forms a base for developing “prototyping philosophy” to take advantage of parts similarities in determination of optimal build orientation and optimization of part building cost.Research limitations/implicationsMost of the examples are limited to parts built by fused deposition modelling process. But, the concept is applicable to any existing RP process.Practical implicationsRPCS implementation is suitable in industries where variety of RP parts are in use.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt towards development of a formal coding system for the RP industry.
Automated generation of assembly features in layered manufacturing
Authors: Delebecque Benoit , Houtmann Yves , Lauvaux Geoffroy , Barlier Claude 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an original algorithm for point location of assembly features. Decomposing a model into several parts, for its manufacture using machine‐tools with limited dimensional capabilities, requires appropriate model reassembly. Generating and positioning assembly features are required for interlocked positioning of various parts.Design/methodology/approachAn algorithm is presented for the automated generation of assembly features over the decomposition surface.FindingsA skeleton‐based point location method is proposed and its results are discussed with respect to placements achieved on a grid.Research limitations/implicationsThe algorithm describes the placement of features on the planar decomposition surface. Future work will allow its generalization to a 3D surface.Practical implicationsA series of tests made with various parts is described, and an application of this algorithm is presented in a layered manufacturing process.Originality/valueThis paper describes an original algorithm for point location of assembly features which makes it straightforward to reassemble a decomposed part such as in layered manufacturing.
Rapid freeze prototyping technique in bio‐plotters for tissue scaffold fabrication
Authors: Bang Pham Cong , Fai Leong Kah , Chiun Lim Tze , Sin Chian Kerm 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a new bio‐plotter using a rapid freeze prototyping (RFP) technique and to investigate its potential applications in fabricating tissue scaffolds.Design/methodology/approachThe development of cryogenic bio‐plotters including design steps of hardware as well as software is addressed. Effects of structural parameters and process parameters on the properties of tissue scaffolds are demonstrated through simulation and experimental results.FindingsThe paper finds that the RFP method is suitable to fabricate macro‐ and micro‐porous scaffolds, especially for temperature‐sensitive polymers. In addition, through simulation and experiment results, it also shows that macro‐ and micro‐porous properties could be manipulated by structural parameters and process parameters, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper shows that the chamber temperature is an important process parameter that can provide the means to control the micro‐porous structure of the scaffold. However, if the temperature is set too high, the fiber is frozen so rapidly that it cannot be fused with other fibers of the previous layer. On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, the fiber is not solidified fast enough. So, the chamber temperature, together with extruding pressure and nozzle velocity, must be optimized, which will be further investigated in future work.Originality/valueThe RFP technique is successfully proposed to construct 3D tissue scaffolds. In addition, a new cryogenic bio‐plotter is designed and developed, in which general algorithms of rapid prototyping method are presented and implemented, facilitating the fabrication of tissue scaffolds with various cross‐hatching patterns in a RFP process.
Strategic marketing in Chinese manufacturing companies
Authors: Huan Guo , Brooksbank Roger , Taylor David , Babbis Patrycia 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis article aims to examine the extent to which Western World “textbook” strategic marketing is being practised within Chinese manufacturing companies as well as its contribution to competitive success.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by means of a web‐based survey. A total of 89 usable questionnaires were received from Chinese manufacturing firms employing at least 50 people. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS.FindingsThe results confirm that, on the whole, the basic strategic marketing practices which are typically advocated in the mainstream Western academic and prescriptive literature are being widely practised within Chinese manufacturing companies. The results also show the higher performing firms are clearly differentiated from their lower performing counterparts by doing more and better marketing.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the relatively low response rate, one limitation is the extent to which the sample is representative of the population under scrutiny. Also, in spite of the questionnaire being back translated, some misunderstanding of the questions cannot be ruled out. Originality/value – The paper confirms that Western strategic marketing practices are clearly associated with the higher performing Chinese manufacturing companies.
A model for customer‐focused objective‐based performance evaluation of logistics service providers
Authors: Chen Chee‐Cheng 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a customer‐oriented, objective‐based model for evaluating the performance of logistics service providers (LSPs).Design/methodology/approachThe study develops an appropriate customer‐oriented, objective‐based measurement model for LSPs on conceptual grounds. The paper illustrates the application in the form of a case study of a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer.FindingsSatisfactory results are obtained in demonstrating the application of the model. Compared with the previous model used by the case company, the new model produced sensitive, accurate, and effective manufacturing performance rating results for different achievement levels.Practical implicationsThe proposed LSP performance‐rating model can be applied by a variety of manufacturers to assess all kinds of LSPs in various industries. The proposed model can assist manufacturers in selecting the best LSP and integrating LSP capabilities to develop an appropriate quality‐and‐profit improvement program using customer‐specific requirements.Originality/valueThis paper proposes an original model to solve the problem of multiple measurements in assessing an LSP, taking into account the total cost of logistics (including net price, delivery, quality, service, and so on).
Evaluating the logistics performance of intermodal transportation in Thailand
Authors: Kunadhamraks Pichet , Hanaoka Shinya 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the logistics performance of intermodal freight transportation, a reasonably innovative methodology, to Thailand.Design/methodology/approachFuzzy set techniques are applied to assess the meaning of logistics performance within the decision process of freight operators. The fuzzy‐analytical hierarchy process is applied to identify the relative significance among the attributes in the hierarchy framework levels. Consequently, the fuzzy‐multi‐criteria analysis is used to assess decision makers' perception of the logistics performance via proper assignment of numerical scores. The subjective judgments for hierarchical attributes are transformed into fuzzy degrees of score.FindingsResults show a summary of performance indices for different levels in the hierarchy framework. The results demonstrate that the lack of coordination among modes limit the attractiveness of intermodal system. In addition, the methodology is proposed to examine changing variables regarding modal shift and challenge the truck dominance in Thailand.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed framework is only a starting point for integrating the views of logistics operators in the analytical processes. This study did not include several external social costs such as accidents, congestion, and environmental costs.Practical implicationsThe methodology provides an approach lead to the index values for assessment and comparative analysis. The strengths and limitations of each alternative were benchmarked relative to a set of hierarchical attributes. Sensitivity analyses of significant variables are performed to examine the impact on changed costs and services levels. The model can entail use of corresponding parameters to improve a logistics system.Originality/valueThe performance measurement is formulated from the modal choice perspective with a human decision problem. The use of logistics performance base indicators has been linked to the intermodal transport system. This study extends the newly developed methodological framework to evaluate the logistics performance of intermodal transportation.
Evaluating petroleum supply chain performance
Authors: Varma Siddharth , Wadhwa Subhash , Deshmukh S.G. 
Published: August 2008

PurposePerformance evaluation in supply chain management (SCM) is not a straightforward task. This becomes even more complicated while evaluating a process industry supply chain because of its inherently different characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a method to evaluate the performance of one such process supply chain, namely the petroleum industry supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a combination of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and balanced scorecard (BSC) for evaluating performance of the petroleum supply chain. The choice of factors determining supply chain performance under the four perspectives of BSC has been validated using opinion from subject matter experts (SMEs). In order to determine relative importance of criteria opinion of SMEs has been collected in the form of pairwise comparisons. Using these comparisons, the AHP technique has been applied to determine the relative weights of various perspectives as well as the factors under each perspective.FindingsThe importance of four perspectives with respect to petroleum supply chain performance in descending order of importance comes out as: customer, financial, internal business process, innovation and learning. Within these perspectives, the following factors seem to be most important respectively: purity of product, market share, steady supply of raw material and use of information technology.Practical implicationsMost research work has focused on discrete part manufacturing supply chains. Process industry supply chains deserve a different treatment due to their inherently different characteristics. The methodology suggested in this paper tries to include these characteristics and can help in comparing performance of supply chains of different petroleum companies.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies in the unique approach towards determining the performance of process industry supply chains. By using BSC, non‐financial factors have also been taken into account. Opinion of SMEs has been quantified using the AHP technique thus converting qualitative data to quantitative data.
Creation and verification of dynamic compact thermal model of a BGA package
Authors: Mohammadi F. , Marami M. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic compact thermal model (DCTM) of electronic packages. This model is a necessary tool for rapid thermal analysis of the systems which we exposed to boundary condition variation and/or power switching mode such as mobile systems and battery powered systems.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of compact model generation used was based on generating the transient dynamic detailed finite element thermal model of a package, designing a resistor/capacitor network topology representative of the dynamic detailed model, calculating the resistors'/capacitors' value by optimization method and validation efforts. The method is demonstrated for a ball grid array (BGA) package, a commonly used modern electronic package.FindingsBased on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the dynamic thermal behavior of a BGA package can be accurately described by a generated dynamic compact model in terms of predicted junction temperature response and heat flux of the desired locations of the package.Originality/valueThis model is capable of calculating the temperatures and heat fluxes at desired locations which can help the designer to perform the thermal analysis much faster and easier with the required accuracy.
Wire bonding of low‐kdevices
Authors: Zhong Z.W. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review recent advances in wire bonding of low‐kdevices.Design/methodology/approachDozens of journal and conference articles published in 2005‐2008 are reviewed.FindingsThe paper finds that many articles have discussed and analysed problems/challenges such as bond pad metal peeling/lift, non‐sticking on pad, decreased bonding strength and lower wire‐bond assembly yield. The paper discusses the articles' solutions to the problems and recent findings/developments in wire bonding of low‐kdevices.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the page limitation, only brief discussions are given in this paper. Further reading is needed for more details.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to provide an introduction to recent developments and the trends in wire bonding of low‐kdevices. With the references provided, readers may explore more deeply by reading the original articles.
A voltage reference circuit for current source of RFIC blocks
Authors: Marzuki A. , Sauli Zaliman , Yeon Ali 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to design a voltage reference circuit for current source of radio frequency integrated circuit blocks. The voltage reference circuit is called voltage for current source (VCS).Design/methodology/approachThe circuit concept is discussed. A voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) and buffer circuit together with VCS circuit are built to prove the concept. Though the VCS circuit employs no array of diode like standard bandgap circuit, it still employs the concept of proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) and a complement to absolute temperature (CTAT) elements. The integrated VCO, together with VCO core and VCO buffer circuits, are designed for W‐CDMA application particularly for the demodulator section. All circuits are built in fT=45 GHz SiGe BiCMOS process.FindingsAt 760 MHz the power consumption for core circuit is 0.6 and 3.3 mA for VCO buffer amplifier. The fabricated VCO circuit together with VCO buffer was tested and measured with VCO output of −6 dBm at 760 MHz with variation of 0.1 dBm across −40°C to 85°C.Originality/valueA voltage reference circuit which is derived from PTAT and CTAT current generators is presented. The circuit is capable of providing a constant current across absolute temperature or a current PTAT.
Photoconductive cells from screen‐printed and sintered cadmium sulfoselenide
Authors: Franc Jiří , Nešpůrek Stanislav 
Published: August 2008

PurposeScreen‐printing is an appropriate technique for the manufacture of large‐area position‐sensitive detectors. The purpose of this paper is to present simple methods of paste preparation and appropriate processing of thick films.Design/methodology/approachActive layers of photoconductive cells based on doped CdS0.32Se0.68 were prepared by screen‐printing and sintering at 530°C. A sulfide‐selenide mixture or a mixed crystal material and propylene glycol (PG) was deposited as a paste. PG served as the temporary paste binder. Cadmium chloride was used as a fluxing agent and a donor source. Copper(II) chloride was used as an acceptor source. The effect of the paste composition and sintering time on the resistance and slope of the resistance vs illumination dependence of cells was investigated. These parameters were checked again after eight years of cell storage.FindingsThe cell properties are considerably influenced by the time periods between printing, drying, and sintering. Addition of 2.3 mg Cu2 + and 17 mg Cl− per 1 g of mixed crystal CdS0.32Se0.68 enables the preparation of photoconductive cells with the slope higher than 1.2 and a very good long‐term stability of cell parameters.Research limitations/implicationsThe effect of the cell parameters' dependence on the paste, age and the time between printing and sintering rendered it impossible to make a more detailed examination after eight‐year storage of samples.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in showing that in the prepared cells exhibit high slopes of resistance‐illumination dependence. The high slope enables detection of laser pulses using only simple filtration of ambient illumination. The changes in photoconductive cell properties after eight‐year storage are presented.
Defined contribution pensions: dealing with the reluctant investor
Authors: Byrne Alistair , Harrison Debbie , Blake David 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of key issues in the governance of defined contribution pension schemes, with a focus on investment matters, and to recommend best practices.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the results of an online survey of the opinions of pensions professionals and on interviews with pensions professionals.FindingsThe paper finds that many employers and pension scheme trustees are reluctant to take an active role in pension scheme design and to provide support and guidance to members for fear of legal liability. Scope exists for regulators and legislators to create “safe harbour” provisions that will encourage employers and trustees to become more active in supporting members.Practical implicationsThe paper makes a number of suggestions for best practice in the design and governance of defined contribution pension schemes, for example, in terms of the fund choice that should be offered.Originality/valueThe paper provides the first comprehensive review of investment issues for UK defined contribution pension plans.