Papers by Author: G. Peláez

Abstract: Companies require tools to change towards a new way of developing and producing innovative products to be manufactured considering the economic, social and environmental impact along the product life cycle. Based on translating Lean principles in Product Development (PD) from the design stage and, along the entire product life cycle, it is aimed to address both sustainability and environmental issues. The drivers of sustainable culture within a lean PD have been identified and a baseline for future research on the development of appropriate tools and techniques has been provided. This research provide industry with a framework which balance environmental and sustainable factors with lean principles to be considered and incorporated from the beginning of product design and development covering the entire product lifecycle.

Abstract: The aim of the work presented in this paper describes the development of a decision support system based on a discrete-event simulation model of an automobile assembly line. The model focuses at a very specific class of production lines with a four closed-loop network configuration. One key characteristic in the closed-loop system is that the number of pallets inside the first three loops has been made constant. The impact of the number of pallets circulating on the first three closed-loops and of the proportion of four-door car bodies on the performance of the production line has been thoroughly investigated. This has been translated into the number of cars produced per hour, in order to improve the availability of the entire manufacturing system.

Abstract: This paper proposes a methodology to analyze complex manufacturing systems, based on discrete-event simulation models. The methodology was validated by performing different simulation experiments and will be applied to a multistage multiproduct production line, based on a real case, with a closed-loop network configuration of machines and intermediate buffers consisting of conveyors, which is very common in the automobile sector. A simulation model in an Arena environment was developed, which allowed for an analysis of the important aspects not yet studied in specialized literature, namely the assessment of the impact of the production sequence on the automobile assembly line. Various sequence rules were analyzed and the performance of each of the corresponding simulation models was registered.

Abstract: The work presented in this paper consists of the development of a decision making support system, based on a real problem, with the purpose of optimizing the operation of an automobile assembly line with a four closedloop network configuration. This layout system reflects one of the most common configurations of automobile assembly and preassembly lines formed by conveyors. The impact of the speed variation of the intermediate buffers formed by conveyors on the first three closed-loops and of the proportion of four-door car bodies on the number of cars produced / hour has been thoroughly investigated.

Abstract: It has developed a methodology to implement the Project Group Based Learning (PGBL) to solve the problems associated with the introduction of an innovative process conditioned by different types of restrictions, both the structure and type of curriculum, teaching resources available. This paper describes the characteristics of the experiences in PGBL in class practices related Technologies and Manufacturing Processes in ETSII of Vigo, as a part of changing habits and methods based on educational experiences which occurs in different countries of the European Area of Higher Education. We can conclude that the PGBL is a good alternative to the traditional education, especially to address and solve the real problems that require application of knowledge in Mechanical Manufacturing.