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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2003

L.C. Hieu, E. Bohez, J. Vander Sloten, H.N. Phien, E. Vatcharaporn, P.H. Binh, P.V. An and P. Oris

Design methods for medical rapid prototyping (RP) of personalized cranioplasty implants are presented in this paper. These methods are applicable to model cranioplasty implants…

2359

Abstract

Design methods for medical rapid prototyping (RP) of personalized cranioplasty implants are presented in this paper. These methods are applicable to model cranioplasty implants for all types of the skull defects including beyond‐midline and multiple defects. The methods are based on two types of anatomical data, solid bone models (STereoLithography files – STL) and bone slice contours (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification – IGES and StrataSys Layer files – SSL). The bone solids and contours are constructed based on computed tomography scanning data, and these data are generated in medical image processing and STL slicing packages.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

L.C. Hieu, N. Zlatov, J. Vander Sloten, E. Bohez, L. Khanh, P.H. Binh, P. Oris and Y. Toshev

Aims to investigate medical rapid prototyping (medical RP) technology applications and methods based on reverse engineering (RE) and medical imaging data.

5529

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to investigate medical rapid prototyping (medical RP) technology applications and methods based on reverse engineering (RE) and medical imaging data.

Design/methodology/approach

Medical image processing and RE are applied to construct three‐dimensional models of anatomical structures, from which custom‐made (personalized) medical applications are developed.

Findings

The investigated methods were successfully used for design and manufacturing of biomodels, surgical aid tools, implants, medical devices and surgical training models. More than 40 medical RP applications were implemented in Europe and Asia since 1999.

Research limitations/implications

Medical RP is a multi‐discipline area. It involves in many human resources and requires high skills and know‐how in both engineering and medicine. In addition, medical RP applications are expensive, especially for low‐income countries. These practically limit its benefits and applications in hospitals.

Practical implications

In order to transfer medical RP into hospitals successfully, a good link and close collaboration between medical and engineering sites should be established. Moreover, new medical applications should be developed in the way that does not change the traditional approaches that medical doctors (MD) were trained, but provides solutions to improve the diagnosis and treatment quality.

Originality/value

The presented state‐of‐the‐art medical RP is applied for diagnosis and treatment in the following medical areas: cranio‐maxillofacial and dental surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, orthosis and tissue engineering. The paper is useful for MD (radiologists and surgeons), biomedical and RP/CAD/CAM engineers.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 12 April 2011

Shaukat Ali Shah, Erik L.J. Bohez and Roongrat Pisuchpen

A major factor to the success of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) is their ability to transport work pieces between different workstations. FMS have now become more advanced…

812

Abstract

Purpose

A major factor to the success of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) is their ability to transport work pieces between different workstations. FMS have now become more advanced and material‐handling systems have become progressively more sophisticated, it is not exceptional to have automated steering of tools to workstations as well. Such system design will improve the tool‐handling capability and the system productivity while holding tool cost to a minimum. Tool cost could represent as much as 25 percent of the operating cost. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new colored Petri net (CPN)‐based approach to the design and development of a tool sharing control system that is intended to help use of the proper and minimal number of tools for a manufacturing system.

Design/methodology/approach

A new black token timed PN model is first developed, to reduce the complexity of the graphical representation a new CPN model is developed. The new CPN model also allows to find the optimal sequence. The optimal sequence has no effect on the work in process (WIP) but it influences the number of tools used in the system. The main input to the PN model for a manufacturing system is the process plan. Next, all the invariants and total number of possible elementary circuits are determined using the Integrated Net Analyzer (INA) software. Output from the INA software is exported to the Excel spreadsheet. The Excel spreadsheet can be designed to calculate the total number of tokens, processing time, cycle time, etc. of each elementary circuit. Subsequently, the constraints used in Lingo will be created according to critical circuit rules. Finally, linear programming (LP) technique is used to optimize the WIP and tool inventory. Lingo software is used for the LP, the constraints from the Excel sheet will be the input data to the Lingo program, and based on those constraints the Lingo will provide the optimal values for the desired parameters. The output from Lingo will be used to recalculate the cycle time of each elementary circuit in the Excel sheet. The system is then analyzed before and after the implementation of the CPN model.

Findings

A new CPN model based on tool‐sharing philosophy for an FMS with N part types and M stations is proposed.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new CPN‐based approach to the design and development of a tool sharing control system, that is, intended to help use of the proper and minimal number of tools for a manufacturing system. The new CPN model also allows to find the optimal sequence. The idea is new and pure and has not been presented before using the methodology adopted in this paper.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 22 February 2011

Hamid Ullah

Petri net (PN) and queuing theory are used in performance analysis of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). They are used to determine the FMS measures of performance. These…

883

Abstract

Purpose

Petri net (PN) and queuing theory are used in performance analysis of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). They are used to determine the FMS measures of performance. These measures of performance include optimal work‐in‐process (WIP), lead time, production rate, machine utilization, and number of servers at each station. The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison between PN and queuing network tools to determine the optimum values for FMS measures of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

PN model with dual kanban and closed queuing network are used for analysis and performance evaluation of FMS. Integrated network analyzer and Lingo softwares are used for performance evaluation of FMS by PN tool. CANQ software is used for performance evaluation of FMS by queuing network. In both the approaches, the throughput is bounded by the utilization of the bottleneck machines.

Findings

The comparison shows that for the given number of servers, PN gives better values of performance measures for FMS. The PN optimization gives minimum WIP corresponding to the maximum production rate. Minimum WIP leads to minimum lead time.

Research limitations/implications

The results are concluded based on one case study. In future research, the results may be achieved by doing more case studies with different numbers of system parameters and/or parameter settings.

Practical implications

Using the PN model, the production manager may design, analyze, evaluate, and even optimize the layout of the production system for minimum WIP, maximum throughput, and reduced lead time. The determination of the total WIP, total number of stations in the production system, and the number of servers at each station may be helpful in shop floor management. It may result in more production efficiency along with ease of supervision.

Originality/value

This paper presents a first novel comparison of its kind between PN and queuing network for evaluation of FMS.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 24 October 2008

Hamid Ullah and Erik L.J. Bohez

The purpose of this paper is to present a new generic Petri net (PN) model based on assembly plan for assembly sequence optimization. The model aims to allow modeling the flexible…

722

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new generic Petri net (PN) model based on assembly plan for assembly sequence optimization. The model aims to allow modeling the flexible assembly system (FAS) configuration, determining the optimal work in process, lead time, throughput, and utilization of each station. Moreover, it aims to show assembly features (AFs) as being useful in assembly sequence planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Sophisticated knowledge of AFs is used to get very few feasible assembly sequences (ASs) rather than all possible ASs for a product. A PN model is developed to find out the near optimal assembly sequence out of the sequences obtained from the AF knowledge. It is also used for design and performance evaluation of FAS. Multiple optimization criteria are used for assembly sequence optimization, keeping in view the line balancing. The PN is optimized using weighted‐WIP when the throughput is bounded by the utilization of the bottleneck machines.

Findings

The results achieved from the example show a considerable reduction in the number of feasible ASs for a product. The PN optimization gives minimum WIP corresponding to the maximum production rate. Moreover, the PN model pushes more inventories to the initial assembly phase.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed PN can be easily extended for inclusion of dual kanban, where the managers may adjust the number of kanban cards as per the requirement.

Practical implications

Managers may use the concept of multiple AFs in order to design and operate robot assembly that will result in more efficient sequence planning. Using the PN model, the assembly manager may design, analyze, evaluate, and even optimize the layout of the FAS for minimum WIP, maximum throughput, and reduced lead time. The determination of total WIP, total number of stations in the assembly line, and the number of servers at each station may be helpful in the factory floor management. Line balancing may result in the highest efficiency and the shortest idling time along with ease of management and supervision.

Originality/value

This paper provides a clear insight into how a large reduction in the number of feasible ASs for a product can be obtained using the knowledge of AFs. It also presents a new PN model used for assembly sequence optimization and design and performance analysis of FAS.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 19 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Publication date: 29 March 2016

Marc Wouters, Susana Morales, Sven Grollmuss and Michael Scheer

The paper provides an overview of research published in the innovation and operations management (IOM) literature on 15 methods for cost management in new product development, and…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper provides an overview of research published in the innovation and operations management (IOM) literature on 15 methods for cost management in new product development, and it provides a comparison to an earlier review of the management accounting (MA) literature (Wouters & Morales, 2014).

Methodology/approach

This structured literature search covers papers published in 23 journals in IOM in the period 1990–2014.

Findings

The search yielded a sample of 208 unique papers with 275 results (one paper could refer to multiple cost management methods). The top 3 methods are modular design, component commonality, and product platforms, with 115 results (42%) together. In the MA literature, these three methods accounted for 29%, but target costing was the most researched cost management method by far (26%). Simulation is the most frequently used research method in the IOM literature, whereas this was averagely used in the MA literature; qualitative studies were the most frequently used research method in the MA literature, whereas this was averagely used in the IOM literature. We found a lot of papers presenting practical approaches or decision models as a further development of a particular cost management method, which is a clear difference from the MA literature.

Research limitations/implications

This review focused on the same cost management methods, and future research could also consider other cost management methods which are likely to be more important in the IOM literature compared to the MA literature. Future research could also investigate innovative cost management practices in more detail through longitudinal case studies.

Originality/value

This review of research on methods for cost management published outside the MA literature provides an overview for MA researchers. It highlights key differences between both literatures in their research of the same cost management methods.

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Article
Publication date: 26 September 2008

Hamid Ullah and Erik L.J. Bohez

The purpose of this paper is to present a Petri net (PN) model based on assembly plan is presented for modeling a flexible assembly system (FAS) configuration, determining an…

671

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a Petri net (PN) model based on assembly plan is presented for modeling a flexible assembly system (FAS) configuration, determining an optimal work‐in‐process (WIP), lead time, throughput, and utilization of each station.

Design/methodology/approach

PN model is developed for design, analysis, and performance evaluation of a FAS, keeping in view the assembly line balancing. PN is optimized using weighted WIP. The throughput is bounded by the utilization of the bottleneck machines.

Findings

The PN optimization gives minimum WIP corresponding to the maximum production rate. Minimum WIP leads to minimum lead time. The weighted arcs make the model simple and reduce the optimized number of kanbans. Moreover, the PN model pushes more inventory to the initial assembly phase. This reduces the total cost of the WIP.

Research limitations/implications

In the proposed PN model, the transportation times are included in the transitions times. In the future research, the proposed model can be extended for inclusion of transportation times for AGVs.

Practical implications

Using the PN model, the assembly manager may design, analyze, evaluate, and even optimize the layout of the assembly system for minimum WIP, maximum throughput, and reduced lead time. The determination of the total WIP, total number of stations in the assembly system, and the number of servers at each station may be helpful in factory floor management. The same cycle time is managed at each assembly station for the purpose of line balancing. It may result in the highest efficiency and the shortest idling time along with ease of management and supervision.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new PN model for the design and performance evaluation of a dual kanban FAS.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 27 April 2010

Joseph E. Petrzelka and Matthew C. Frank

Subtractive rapid prototyping (SRP) uses layer‐based removal from a plurality of orientations in order to create geometry in a highly automated manner. However, unlike additive…

1145

Abstract

Purpose

Subtractive rapid prototyping (SRP) uses layer‐based removal from a plurality of orientations in order to create geometry in a highly automated manner. However, unlike additive means, the method can be inefficient due to redundant cutting operations on previously machined regions. The purpose of this paper is to present process planning methods for SRP, specifically dealing with stock material management in multiple setup operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of remaining stock material was performed by considering slices of respective stereolithography (STL) models. Further, an initial approximation was made of accessibility to enable iterative visibility analysis. The combination of these approaches led to efficient and fast algorithms. After analysis, the slices could be converted back to useful STL models through polyhedral reconstruction.

Findings

This method of approximation yields results similar to exact geometry. Using remaining stock data from this approach leads to a significant reduction in tool path length and processing time in SRP.

Originality/value

This paper presents novel methods of geometric representation and inaccessible volume calculation for four‐axis layer‐based machining and shows a successful implementation in an SRP system.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Roongrat Seeluangsawat and Erik L.J. Bohez

This paper presents a new generic Petri net (PN) model for design and performance evaluation of a flexible assembly system (FAS) and disassembly system (DAS) with dual kanban. The…

2191

Abstract

This paper presents a new generic Petri net (PN) model for design and performance evaluation of a flexible assembly system (FAS) and disassembly system (DAS) with dual kanban. The architectural design of the model is derived from a generic bill of materials (BOMs) in the FAS, a reverse BOM in the DAS and the process plan in the case of flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Integration of FMS, FAS and DAS by developing a new generic PN model with the pull system is introduced. Analysis and performance evaluation of the new model based on invariant analysis and linear programming are also introduced. The method will be illustrated by a small case study.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 15 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Article
Publication date: 26 July 2013

Asawin Wongwiwat, Erik L.J. Bohez and Roongrat Pisuchpen

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new generic hybrid Petri Net (PN) model combined with the lowest makespan cut (LMC) for job shop scheduling problems in mold…

425

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new generic hybrid Petri Net (PN) model combined with the lowest makespan cut (LMC) for job shop scheduling problems in mold manufacturing to minimize the makespan of the mold part manufacture schedule.

Design/methodology/approach

The LMC algorithm finds a solution close to the optimal solution. The searching of the LMC algorithm starts from the lowest estimated makespan (lowest makespan). Almost all of the lowest makespans (LM) are infeasible makespans. A shifting percentage (SP) is added to the LM to obtain the shifting makespan (SM). The SM is compared with the completion time computed from the reachability tree of the Petri Net (PN) model. If the completion time is greater than the SM, the corresponding branch is cut from the reachability graph, and the SM will be compared with another branch from the reachability tree. There are two scenarios. In the first scenario, there is no feasible solution resulting from the comparison of the completion time and the SM, because the SM is lower than all of the feasible solutions. Therefore, the SP is used to increase the SM. On the contrary, in the second scenario, there is a feasible solution: the SP is used to reduce the SM. In the first scenario, a makespan that is lower than the optimal makespan is found. In the second scenario, a makespan that is greater than the optimal makespan is found. After getting close to bounds of the optimal makespan, the least makespan found in the bounds is the best solution.

Findings

The integration of the Petri Net (PN) model and the LMC algorithm can help to improve the production efficiency. In a case study, the proposed algorithm is being compared with other heuristical methods which are practical examples of mold makespans based on the shortest and the longest processing times. The schedule or the sequence obtained by the proposed algorithm is 30% less than the other methods.

Research limitations/implications

This research will consider scheduling multiple mold. The mold design and the mold testing phase are not considered.

Practical implications

The time to produce a mold is very important. Reducing the mold production time will provide more time for mold assembly and testing. The aim of LMC algorithm is minimize the makespan. The time to produce a mold is reduced by finding the best sequence of the jobs and machines.

Originality/value

This paper proposes the new generic hybrid Petri Net model combined with LMC for job shop scheduling problem in the case of mold making shop to optimize the makespan of mold parts scheduling.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

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