As Industry 4.0 revolutionizes workplaces with unprecedented technological advancements, this chapter underscores the paramount importance of prioritizing human well-being and…
Abstract
As Industry 4.0 revolutionizes workplaces with unprecedented technological advancements, this chapter underscores the paramount importance of prioritizing human well-being and engagement. It navigates through a comprehensive array of strategies and practices that empower organizations to forge a work environment that is not only technologically advanced but also profoundly supportive, gratifying and motivating for employees (Froschauer et al., 2021). By elucidating how organizations can empower employees with autonomy while fostering collaborative endeavours, it uncovers a pathway to empowerment and job satisfaction (Caldarola et al., 2019; Kadir & Broberg, 2021). This chapter illustrates how organizations can harness these technologies to provide tailored growth experiences, thereby contributing to a thriving workforce. Navigating the ethical landscape of the digital workplace, this chapter examines the profound implications of Industry 4.0 on employee well-being. Delving into issues of privacy, transparency and equitable treatment, it imparts essential considerations for organizations seeking to align their practices with ethical imperatives. The methodology will incorporate case studies specific to the UAE market, providing a localized lens through which to analyze and implement human-centred workplace strategies (Mütze-Niewöhner et al., 2022; Urrutia Pereira et al., 2022). This chapter presents a holistic guide for organizations seeking to infuse human-centred principles into their Industry 4.0 workplaces (Caldarola et al., 2019; Longo et al., 2022). By championing well-being, job satisfaction and fulfilment, it equips leaders and decision-makers with actionable strategies to cultivate a work culture that thrives amid the rapid march of technological progress (Aromaa et al., 2019; Froschauer et al., 2021).
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D. B Short, A. Sirinterlikci, P. Badger and B. Artieri
This study aims to investigate the potential impacts of rapid prototyping systems on the health and safety of operators and the environment, a growing concern given its…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the potential impacts of rapid prototyping systems on the health and safety of operators and the environment, a growing concern given its wide-spread use in industry and academia.
Design/methodology/approach
Materials, processing and equipment features were used to identify potential health and safety risks and hazards, as well as environmental effects.
Findings
The study concludes with a “best practices” guide for rapid prototyping laboratories and service bureaus.
Originality/value
A thorough literature search revealed that Stephen M. Deak, the Rapid Prototyping Department Manager at Hasbro Inc., is the pioneer of the safety and health concerns in the rapid prototyping area. He is the only person to publish papers in this field in addition to these authors’ recent publications. His papers focused on the rapid prototyping laboratory safety guidelines and safe work practices in the rapid prototyping area.
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N. Dhanunjayarao Borra and Venkata Swamy Naidu Neigapula
Masked stereolithography (MSLA) or resin three-dimensional (3D) printing is one of the most extensively used high-resolution additive manufacturing technologies. Even though, the…
Abstract
Purpose
Masked stereolithography (MSLA) or resin three-dimensional (3D) printing is one of the most extensively used high-resolution additive manufacturing technologies. Even though, the quality of 3D printing is determined by several factors, including the equipment, materials and slicer. Besides, the layer height, print orientation and exposure time are important processing parameters in determining the quality of the 3D printed green state specimen. The purpose of the paper is to optimize the printing parameters of the Masked Stereolithography apparatus for its dimensional correctness of 3D printed parts using the Taguchi method.
Design/methodology/approach
The acrylate-based photopolymer resin is used to produce the parts using liquid crystal display (LCD)-type resin 3D printer. This study is mainly focused on optimizing the processing parameters by using Taguchi analysis, L-9 orthogonal array in Minitab software. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the most influencing factors, and a regression equation was built to predict the best potential outcomes for the given set of parameters and levels. The signal-to-noise ratios were calculated by using the smaller the better characteristic as the deviations from the nominal value should be minimum. The optimal levels for each factor were determined with the help of mean plots.
Findings
Based on the findings of ANOVA, it was observed that exposure time plays an important role in most of the output measures. The model’s goodness was tested using a confirmation test and the findings were found to be within the confidence limit. Also, a similar specimen was printed using the fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique; it was compared with the quality and features of MSLA 3D printing technology.
Practical implications
The study presents the statistical analysis of experimental results of MSLA and made a comparison with FFF in terms of dimensional accuracy and print quality.
Originality/value
Many previous studies reported the results based on earlier 3D printing technology such as stereolithography but LCD-based MSLA is not yet reported for its dimensional accuracy and part quality. The presented paper proposes the use of statistical models to optimize the printing parameters to get dimensional accuracy and the good quality of the 3D printed green part.
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Wasan Al-Masa’fah, Ismail Abushaikha and Omar M. Bwaliez
This study aims to evaluate the enhancement in prosthetic supply chain capabilities resulting from the implementation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. The study…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the enhancement in prosthetic supply chain capabilities resulting from the implementation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. The study presents an emerging model outlining the key areas that undergo changes when integrating 3D printing technologies into the prosthetic supply chain.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through field observations and 31 in-depth interviews conducted within various Jordanian organizations associated with the prosthetic industry and 3D printing technologies.
Findings
The findings suggest that the adoption of 3D printing technologies improves the prosthetic supply chain’s capabilities in terms of customization, responsiveness, innovation, environmental sustainability, cost minimization and patient empowerment. The study sheds light on the specific areas affected in the prosthetic supply chain following the adoption of 3D printing technologies, emphasizing the overall improvement in supply chain capabilities within the prosthetic industry.
Practical implications
This study provides recommendations for governmental bodies and prosthetic organizations to maximize the benefits derived from the use of 3D printing technologies.
Originality/value
This study contributes as the first of its kind in exploring the impact of 3D printing technology adoption in the Jordanian prosthetic industry, elucidating the effects on the supply chain and identifying challenges for decision-makers in an emerging market context.
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Professional program assessment is necessary in an accreditation process, in order to ensure educational quality and public accountability. One avenue of assessment is through an…
Abstract
Purpose
Professional program assessment is necessary in an accreditation process, in order to ensure educational quality and public accountability. One avenue of assessment is through an internship. The challenge is to determine how evidence from this indirect learning experience can aid in accreditation. The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of internship supervisor evaluation feedback within the accreditation process for a professional interior design degree program.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, internship assessment was provided by feedback from intern supervisors. Ten years of supervisor feedback were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a content analysis of supervisor comments.
Findings
Two hundred forty-seven internship supervisor evaluation documents were analyzed. Overall, supervisors positively evaluated the performance of the intern as Good to Excellent. A majority of supervisors (91%) provided comments that were positive yet vague, as most could not differentiate between the intern and the intern's performance.
Practical implications
This study links experiential learning to its evidence that can be used in an accreditation process. The challenges for educators in developing an assessment tool useful for accreditation evidence and to be shared by multiple program degree stakeholders are also described.
Originality/value
Research on internships usually focuses on the student's viewpoint. This study is original in that it examines the use of internship supervisor's evidence in program accreditation.
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Virendra Kumar Verma, Sachin S. Kamble, L. Ganapathy and Pradeep Kumar Tarei
The purpose of this study is to identify, analyse and model the post-processing barriers of 3D-printed medical models (3DPMM) printed by fused deposition modelling to overcome…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify, analyse and model the post-processing barriers of 3D-printed medical models (3DPMM) printed by fused deposition modelling to overcome these barriers for improved operational efficiency in the Indian context.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology used interpretive structural modelling (ISM), cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to understand the hierarchical and contextual relations among the barriers of the post-processing.
Findings
A total of 11 post-processing barriers were identified in this study using ISM, literature review and experts’ input. The MICMAC analysis identified support material removal, surface finishing, cleaning, inspection and issues with quality consistency as significant driving barriers for post-processing. MICMAC also identified linkage barriers as well as dependent barriers. The ISM digraph model was developed using a final reachability matrix, which would help practitioners specifically tackle post-processing barriers. Further, the DEMATEL method allows practitioners to emphasize the causal effects of post-processing barriers and guides them in overcoming these barriers.
Research limitations/implications
There may have been a few post-processing barriers that were overlooked by the Indian experts, which might have been important for other country’s perspective.
Practical implications
The presented ISM model and DEMATEL provide directions for operation managers in planning operational strategies for overcoming post-processing issues in the medical 3D-printing industry. Also, managers may formulate operational strategies based on the driving and dependence power of post-processing barriers as well as the causal effects relationships of the barriers.
Originality/value
This study contributes to identifying, analyzing and modelling the post-processing barriers of 3DPMM through a combined ISM and DEMATEL methodology, which has not yet been reviewed. This study also contributes to decision makers developing suitable strategies to overcome the post-processing barriers for improved operational efficiency.
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Sonette Du Preez, Alyson Johnson, Ryan F. LeBouf, Stephanus J.L. Linde, Aleksandr B. Stefaniak and Johan Du Plessis
This paper aims to measure exposures to airborne contaminants during three-dimensional (3-D) printing and post-processing tasks in an industrial workplace.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to measure exposures to airborne contaminants during three-dimensional (3-D) printing and post-processing tasks in an industrial workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
Contaminant concentrations were assessed using real-time particle number (0.007 to 1 µm) and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) monitors and thermal desorption tubes during various tasks at a manufacturing facility using fused deposition modeling (FDMTM) 3-D printers. Personal exposures were measured for two workers using nanoparticle respiratory deposition samplers for metals and passive badges for specific VOCs.
Findings
Opening industrial-scale FDMTM 3-D printer doors after printing, removing desktop FDMTM 3-D printer covers during printing, acetone vapor polishing (AVP) and chloroform vapor polishing (CVP) tasks all resulted in transient increases in levels of submicrometer-scale particles and/or organic vapors, a portion of which enter the workers’ breathing zone, resulting in exposure. Personal exposure to quantifiable levels of metals in particles <300 nm were 0.02 mg/m3 for aluminum, chromium, copper, iron and titanium during FDMTM printing. Personal exposures were 0.38 to 6.47 mg/m3 for acetone during AVP and 0.18 mg/m3 for chloroform during CVP.
Originality/value
Characterization of tasks provided insights on factors that influenced contaminant levels, and in turn exposures to various particles, metals < 300 nm and organic vapors. These concentration and exposure factors data are useful for identifying tasks and work processes to consider for implementation of new or improved control technologies to mitigate exposures in manufacturing facilities using FDMTM 3-D printers.