Papers by Keyword: Process Automation

Abstract: Chemical etching is an integral part of metallographic sample preparation. Maintaining precise etch times can be difficult and therefore repeatability is limited. The aim of this work is to improve the repeatability of sample preparation using robotization. Prior to etching, metallographic samples of S355J2 (1.0577) structural steel were finely mechanically polished. For verification, 15 specimens were prepared using an in-house designed automated etching machine with a built-in 5-axis robotic arm and 15 specimens prepared manually by an expert metallographer. The samples were etched with Kourbatoff no. 4 reagent for 8 seconds in a beaker placed in an ultrasonic cleaner at 80 kHz. The samples were then cleaned in 7 beakers of cleaning fluid also placed in the ultrasonic cleaner. The robotic etching and cleaning process was optimized and the quality of the resulting surface is at least as good as that of the samples prepared by an expert metallographer. The surfaces were compared using a light optical microscope (LOM) and a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The repeatability of the preparation process is a key aspect for obtaining a large dataset of steel microphotographs for training a deep neural network that will be used in future research.

Abstract: The number of companies that decide to employ industrial robots to facilitate their production process is on the constant increase. Implementation of such solutions requires deep analysis of manifold aspects of such an endeavour. Apart from the economical face of the problem, there appear issues connected with integration of robots with the existing manufacturing infrastructure. Hence software enabling simulation and analysis of a robot work in the future environment is in demand. The following article is devoted to the problem of virtual designing of robotic workstations. The work presents basic information regarding application of robots in manufacturing companies and introduces typical software for simulation and programming of industrial robots. What is more, the process of designing a virtual environment and conducting analysis of robot work analysis is presented based on the laboratory set-up with Kawasaki RS003N robot. Finally, other examples of virtually designed robotic workstations are introduced.

Abstract: Semantic process modeling approaches are used in modelling, making use of the process ontology, which is the preferred BPMO. In the process of semantically modeling, using ontology to describe the business process is an important step. Therefore, the text proposed for BPMO-based OWL representation of business process, lays the foundation for resolving issues, such as semantic annotation, machine-understandable, and reasoning on business process. We will put forward the construction and representation of our business process knowledge; examine the workshop business process activities; according to business rules, describe business processes on the basis of the BPMO; represent BPMO-based process on the basis of ontology modeling language OWL; model the process on the foundation of softeware BPMO Modeller. Workshop product packaging as an example, we will verify business processes based on BPMO methods.

Abstract: Developing automatic assembly techniques is essential for the application of advanced nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This paper presents a review of current research progress towards the automatic assembly of CNTs by dielectrophoresis (DEP). The mechanisms and experimental set-up of three methods for controlled DEP assembly of CNTs are introduced. One is using a limiting resistor to control the electric field after the deposition of a single CNT or a bundle of CNTs. The other two measure electrode gap electrical signals, gap impedance and current respectively, indicating CNT connections to stop the DEP process. The real-time electrical signal monitoring during the DEP process and controlling the DEP using the detected signals represent a research direction in the manipulation of a wide category of nanomaterials and will speed up the industrial applications of the materials.

Abstract: In recent years several attempts were made to transfer the thixoforming technology of steel parts into industrial applicable processes. This paper gives an overview about the progress of a European consortium that established a fully automated thixoforming process for the series production of automotive steel parts. Due to the multi-faceted nature of this technology, problems concerning the development of suitable steel grades and tool materials as well as the development and application of an inductive heating system, a handling unit and of a complex forming tool had to be solved. Besides the development of adapted steel grades and the inductive heating, the handling of the semi solid billets plays a special role because during the manipulation of the parts from the heating station into the tool a loss of heat is unavoidable. Furthermore, scaling of the parts must be prevented. By means of a fully automated process line existing constraints were reduced and the forming process is kept reproducible. Improved silicon nitride composites have been developed as a tool material, which show good mechanical properties in combination with an acceptable chemical stability at the occurring process temperatures as well as in contact with semi solid steel. Basing on the practical experience a comparison of the thixoforming technology to existing processes and an outlook for the future are given.