Engineering Headway Vol. 11

Abstract: This review research paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of plastics used in food packaging in India, with a focus on materials, technologies, challenges, and potential advancements. The use of plastics in food packaging has become ubiquitous in the modern food industry due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. The review begins by examining the types of plastics commonly employed in food packaging, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and others. It delves into their physical and chemical properties, highlighting their suitability for various food products. Special attention is given to advancements in plastic technologies, such as barrier coatings, antimicrobial additives, and smart packaging solutions, aiming to enhance the shelf life and safety of packaged food. Furthermore, the review outlines potential future directions for research and innovation in the field of food packaging in India. In conclusion, this review aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals involved in the food packaging sector in India. By presenting a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape and future prospects, it contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable practices and innovations in the realm of plastics for food packaging.

Abstract: Recent years have seen tremendous changes in the footwear sector, with an increasing focus on performance, sustainability, and innovation. This paper highlights the dynamic field of polymer science in shoe design and manufacturing by examining the latest developments in polymer materials for footwear applications. With their adaptability, resilience, and low weight, polymer materials are well-known for influencing the direction of footwear. Using advanced polymers to improve performance attributes is one major trend. To produce footwear that offers enhanced comfort, flexibility, and durability, manufacturers are increasingly utilizing materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile rubber (NBR), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), vulcanized natural rubber (VNR), and thermoplastic rubber (TPR). These materials help designers create responsive, lightweight shoes that meet changing consumer demands for various activities. Another critical factor influencing innovation in footwear-grade polymer materials is sustainability. Eco-friendly and recyclable materials are in greater need as environmental concerns gain traction. Recycled plastics, water-based adhesives, and bio-based polymers made from renewable resources are becoming increasingly popular as the industry moves toward more environmentally friendly and circular processes. In summary, a confluence of elements, including performance enhancement, sustainability, sophisticated production processes, and intelligent features, is driving a rapid evolution of polymer materials for footwear applications. The industry's dedication to meeting customer demands and embracing innovation points to the continued importance of polymer materials in influencing footwear design and production.

Abstract: Hand-powered tools are used in a large variety of operations in Industries/ Maintenance workshops. Our study mainly focuses on the effect of handle shape and workpiece orientation on hand discomfort levels and position. Long-term exposure to these discomforts or intense exposure to discomfort for even a short duration of time may cause Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The present study was conducted in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aligarh Muslim University. To investigate – The design of the existing handle shape of hand-powered drill machines currently used in Industries. Modify/ Redesign the shape of tools with ergonomic aspects, According to Indian Anthropometric dimensions. At first, we perform drilling operations on different materials with different workpiece orientations with traditional handles and observe the levels and positions of discomfort. And according to the results we modify the existing handle’s design and experiment with these modified versions with the same working conditions. Then, compare the results with standards and their deviations. The experiment results show that modified handles have low a level of discomfort following the workpiece materials and orientations concerning the traditional handle. They are more comfortable than the existing ones. Additionally, they are more likely to have the perspective of gripping. Hence, it reduces the risk of (MSDs) and improves productivity.

Abstract: Urban built environment consumes number of earth and forest materials that cause environmental degradations and also release greenhouse gases in atmosphere leading to extreme climate changes in recent decades. In the changed scenario, new materials are required to face adversaries’ like flash floods, cloud bursts, landslides, forest fires, high temperatures etc. There is also a need to adopt materials which help us to fight against these adversities and reduce GHG emissions. For this purpose material scientists and product designers have used innovative ideas that are replacing the old traditional materials. Some of them being new insulating concrete foams, multiwall cladding, engineered wood etc. Adaptation of using new design concepts, materials and built environment energy modelling strategy cuts off emissions as well as reduce the total energy load of building. In the present study an assessment has been done for engineered smart technology enabled building materials and design concepts that can help in achieving sustainable development which is the need of the hour.

Abstract: This work is aimed to deepen a research theme focused on manufacturing system in a flexible environment. It is categorized by an emphasis on modeling a flexible manufacturing system involving design, planning and control decisions. The design decision comprises of manufacturing flexibility i.e., routing flexibility (RF0, RF1, RF2 and RF3), and buffer size (5, 10, 15 and 20) whereas the planning decision covers route penalty (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) and system configuration (6 machines with dedicated input buffer) while control decision covers dispatching rule (MINQ), and sequencing rule (FCFS, SPT, HPT and LCFS). The study uses make-span as performance measures to study the impact of route penalty in different conditions. This study is focused on the interaction among various decisions in order to control the part flow effectively through the manufacturing system. It is observed that the performance of the system has marginally diminished with the increase in the %route penalty and it is also found that the %route penalty has an effect on the performance measures but this effect is more visible at higher levels of routing flexibilities in compare to the lower levels of routing flexibility. Other parameters have mixed effect on the performance measures that are discussed in the results.

Abstract: Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) in advanced manufacturing, known as Industry 4.0, has revolutionized traditional manufacturing processes by introducing a network of interconnected devices, sensors, and systems. This paper examines the various uses of IoT in advanced manufacturing, emphasizing its role in raising productivity, sustainability, and efficiency throughout the industrial spectrum. Predictive maintenance, where real-time data from machinery sensors permits the anticipation of equipment breakdowns, supports proactive maintenance plans, and limits costly downtime, is a critical use of IoT in manufacturing. An in-depth discussion of the ability of IoT-driven automation to optimize production processes is provided in this study. Adaptive and responsive manufacturing systems that can lower waste, increase energy efficiency, and dynamically adjust to variations in demand are made possible. Optimization of the supply chain is yet another crucial area where IoT technology provides revolutionary advantages. Manufacturers can obtain real-time visibility into the movement and status of completed goods and raw materials by deploying IoT-enabled devices. This can result in shorter lead times, enhanced inventory management, and overall supply chain efficiency. The study examines IoT's function in quality control and monitoring, highlighting how IoT-enabled sensors and cameras support waste reduction, real-time quality evaluation, and defect reduction. The paper also introduces the notion of collaborating robots, or Cobots, and digital twins, demonstrating how the Internet of Things (IoT) builds digital twins of physical assets and processes for real-time monitoring and analysis. Furthermore, the IoT-enabled collaborative nature of Cobots allows for smooth communication between human workers and robotic systems. This study concludes by offering a thorough review of the various uses of IoT in advanced manufacturing and highlighting how it is changing conventional manufacturing paradigms into flexible, effective, and sustainable ecosystems. The offered insights emphasize how crucial it is to adopt IoT technology to maintain resilience and competitiveness in the quickly changing field of advanced manufacturing.