Volume 19, Issue 3, 2024/Journal Proceedings in Manufacturing Systems

Abstract: This paper examines Virtual Commissioning (VC) within manufacturing systems, presenting it as an innovative solution that transforms industrial automation and enhances control system interoperability. VC fundamentally relies on simulation software to construct a digital twin of the entire system, capturing all relevant components, sensors, actuators, and control logic. The document reviews different VC methodologies, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Reality-in-the-Loop (RIL), each with unique attributes and applications. Highlighted are the substantial benefits of VC—such as cost and time savings, improved system quality and operational efficiency, and enhanced worker safety through virtual hazard identification. The paper also explores VC's synergy with emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), underlining its contributions to predictive analytics and realistic simulations. While these advancements offer promise, the document addresses challenges in scalability and integration, especially with older systems and cloud-based solutions, stressing the importance of strong security practices. Concluding, it emphasizes VC's transformative role in industrial automation and advocates for a holistic approach to VC deployment, integrating both technical and operational considerations.

Key words: Virtual Commissioning, Digital Twin, Industrial Automation, Robotic Simulation, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Mechatronic Concept Designer.

pp. 97-101 View full text

Lattice structures in sustainable design ‒ material optimization and reducing ecological footprint

Ionuț Cristian PEREDERIC¹, Nicoleta Luminița CĂRUȚAȘU², Nicoleta Elisabeta PASCU³, Patricia Isabela BRĂILEANU^4,*

¹⁾ Assist. Prof., PhD., Department of Robots and Production Systems, POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania

²⁾ Prof., PhD., Department of Robots and Production Systems, POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania

³⁾ Prof., PhD., Department of Robots and Production Systems, POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania

⁴⁾ Associate Prof., PhD., Department of Robots and Production Systems, POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania

Abstract: Lattice structures have gained more attention in sustainable design lately, due to their ability to optimize the use of materials while maintaining structural integrity. This article describes the main application of lattice structures that can reduce the ecological footprint of various industries, with a focus on civil engineering, manufacturing, and product design. By using advanced computational tools and additive manufacturing technologies, lattice structures enable the generation of lightweight and efficient designs that minimize material consumption without compromising strength or product performance. The article reviews current methodologies for integrating lattice structures into sustainable practices, including life cycle assessments. The examples demonstrate how these designs can reduce waste, energy consumption during production and support the principles of the circular economy. This research paper highlights the potential of these structures to drive innovation in sustainable engineering, contributing to both material optimization and environmental conservation.

Keywords: lattice structure, material optimization, sustainable design, manufacturing technologies.

pp. 103-108 View full text

Studies regarding process parameters optimisation for two Watt laser

Andra Elena PENA^1,*, Florea Dorel ANANIA²

¹⁾ Lecturer, PhD, Robots and Production Systems Department, University POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania

²⁾ Assoc. Prof., PhD, Robots and Production Systems Department, University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Romania

Abstract: The laser process represents advanced production technology that involves welding, melting, vaporizing, cutting and shaping materials with a laser beam. This technology is used due to the speed and accuracy in various fields starting from industrial one up to hobby area. It can be used to create decorative elements due to the precision in assembling the parts and the versatility in terms of the materials that can be cut. One of the main problems when using laser cutting procedure is related to the wrong setting of cutting parameters. The mismatching of the parameters leads to a loss of surface quality related to a burr problem, which is hard to re-establish. The paper presents the influence of cutting parameters on laser cutting process for a material used for hobby purposes. This experiment demonstrates the importance of color-based adjustments in CAM processes for improving and optimizing the entire process. The first steps in establishing the optimum pairing feed speed with laser power is to make some experiments on the lighter and darker colors (white and black). Starting from this, the paper presents the optimization of laser cutting parameters for other colors. Laser cutting foam has totally transformed foam making. It i super precise, quick, and reduces waste.

Key words: laser cut, surface quality, laser power, feed, burr, material color.

pp. 109-129 View full text

Trends in the use of plastic materials in 3D printing applications

George CONSTANTIN^1,*, Corina BOTEZ², Sorin Constantin BOTEZ²

¹⁾ Prof., PhD, Robots and Manufacturing Systems Department, POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania

²⁾ Lecturer, PhD, Graphics Engineering and Industrial Design Department, POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania

Abstract: The article proposes an analysis of the most recent articles in the field of 3D printing applications of hard plastic parts made using FDM and FFF technologies. It analyzes the materials used in applications considering their characterization according to several criteria, such as Tensile Strength, Heat Resistance, Chemical Resistance, Cost, Ease of 3D Printing, Dimensional stability (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, Moisture Absorption), Hardness. Related visual aspects of the studied 3D printed materials (Surface Quality, Color Availability, Translucency, and Appearance) are also analyzed. Some conclusions drawn from research conducted by various authors regarding the ranking of the studied materials according to certain parameters are presented. The researched bibliographic sources are presented in a central table grouped by common topics subdivided into specific topics. The common topics considered are mechanical properties, process parameters, applications, and reviews. Articles in the field of material applications in FDM part manufacturing are described and critically analyzed in more detail, being grouped by specific topics, such as tribological applications, 3D-Printed Gears, Aerospace Applications, Automotive Applications, Molds and Dies, Multi-Materials. A special chapter is dedicated to review/overview articles, being described articles with specific topics from the point of view of application fields, such as 3D printing of polymers, Industry 4.0, Industry 4.0 and 3D Printing, Industry 5.0 Innovations, Limitations of 3D printing, technologies. The article presents some more important conclusions of the critical analyses of the studied bibliographic sources.

Key words: 3D Printing, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Thermoplastics, Comparative analysis, Main parameters, Mechanical properties, Process parameters, Applications.

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