Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 718

Abstract: Distribution is a crucial element of whole steel products supply chain processes, while transport is very important of distribution stage because it generates the high share in total costs. Authors analyze changes in steel products distribution with rising importance of steel producer distribution sites. Then researches effects on transport effectiveness in one of the largest steel distributors in Poland have been presented. Authors pay special attention on detailed key performance indicators of transport in distribution.

Abstract: Cellular manufacturing, one of the main tools of Lean Manufacturing, significantly improves material flow, which reduces the distance travelled by materials, inventory and cumulative lead times. In our study we focused on examination of the recent trends in cellular manufacturing research, and particularly the trends related to cell formation areas, objective criteria, performance measures, and development tools. The surveyed articles are organized by proposed classification scheme, and they are presented in synoptic graph diagrams. In the paper we also identify the best publication outlets for such research. Our survey on cell formation approaches identifies the major development features in cell manufacturing research area in leading journals between 2000 and 2011. Subsequently, the main findings are summarized and presented in the last part of the paper.

Abstract: In today’s competitive market, customer demand is characterized by high fluctuations and it is more difficult to forecast. Therefore, the classical cellular manufacturing systems need to be revised in order to stay competitive. Among the different approaches to support the cellular manufacturing systems, the concept of virtual cellular manufacturing systems can improve the performance in turbulent environment. This paper proposes two policies to support the problem of the reconfiguration of machines in a virtual cellular manufacturing system. The policies proposed are tested developing a multi-domain simulation environment in ExtendSim^®. The experiments conducted show how the proposed approach improves the performance of the manufacturing systems especially when some disturbances occur as demand fluctuations, machine failures and processing time are uncertain.

Abstract: Contribution of presents a set of information related to modelling the structures of automated production systems. For the creation of integrated structures of production logistics system uses the principles in order to clarify and streamline in-plant material flow between different logistics nodes, including the relevant information flow, eg. throughintegrable and compatible handling and technological systems.

Abstract: This paper contains the description of the production process and the simulation in Plant Simulation. It also contains the description of the steps, which are necessary to create the simulation of the production process with the pictures directly from Plant Simulation.

Abstract: Paper aims to examine and systematize the activities relating to the development, production and use production base. Core of part of the contribution is based on systemized analysis of current approaches to use development of the manufacturing base and describes the problems that remain unresolved.

Abstract: The paper deals with the structure of the planning process of complex magnesite processing, where capacity planning and scheduling of production constitutes an important and essential component of the management process of the production of products throughout their life cycle.

Abstract: Manual assembly has in some areas of production dominant role. For its effective performance the different jigs and fixtures may be used. For the design of such fixtures, it is useful to use CAD systems. The proposed fixture is necessary to additionally verify from the different points of view, including the ergonomic. For the fixture verification from ergonomic point of view, it appears that it is useful to use virtual reality components such as data gloves and their connection to the CAD design. The article describes the application of data glove for the verification of the functionality of the product and the functionality of its assembly fixture from ergonomics point of view.

Abstract: Occupational hazard prevention constitutes a key action in the area of shaping safe and healthy work conditions in manufacturing systems. This article presents the results of verification of existence and nature of relationships between the types of preventive means used and the structure of individual companies from the industrial processing sector. As part of our research work, we identified the level of use of technical means, organisational means and personal protection means in the particular divisions of the industrial processing sector, we determined the structure of individual companies from the particular divisions, and then, using the Tau Kendall correlation coefficient, we also confirmed the existence of relationships between the level of use of technical means and the structure of the analysed individual manufacturing system companies.

Abstract: In this paper, we firstly present a classification framework of assembly systems. Then, models of such assembly systems structures are divided into classes on the basis of the numbers of initial components to be assembled. Subsequently, selected scenarios for measuring a structural complexity of assembly systems structures based on demand are employed. Finally, a relationship between complexity and usability is analyzed and future research is recommended.