Manufacturing Commons^™

A Psychological Perspective On Service Segmentation Models: The Significance Of Accounting For Consumers' Perceptions Of Waiting And Service, Ziv Carmon, J. George Shanthikumar, Tali F. Carmon

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

We examine how service should be divided and scheduled when it can be provided in multiple separate segments. We analyze variants of this problem using a model with a conventional function describing the waiting cost, that is modified to account for some aspects of the psychological cost of waiting in line. We show that consideration of the psychological cost can result in prescriptions that are inconsistent with the common wisdom of queuing theorists derived according to the conventional approach (e.g., equal load assignments). More generally, our intention in this paper is to illustrate that aspects of the psychological cost of …

Analysis Of Cim Performance Using Different Lan Structures A Simulation Approach, Kirk Rawle

Theses

This research illustrates a systematic procedure for modeling and performance analysis of the integration effect of communication network to the physical system. The concept is to model different layouts of Computer Integration Manufacturing (CIM) using different Local Area Network(LAN) structures. The steps to accomplish this concepts are, a) To determine the performance measures for physical layouts and the communication network, in order to obtain a performance analysis. b) Modeling the physical layout using Promodel simulation package. c) Extracting results from the outcome of the simulation of the physical layout and using this as input to the communication network simulation. d) …

Auditing & Measuring The Need For Flexibility In A Manufacturing Facility, Kartika-Sari Stroman

Theses

Flexible manufacturing was created out of the need for facilities to be able to efficiently respond to changes in their environment so as to build a competitive advantage. Flexible manufacturing (FM) is currently viewed as a way for facilities to be able to introduce and produce multiple products quickly and more efficiently. In this research we will present some new tools to help managers address the changes that are affecting the facility.

An audit was developed to help system designers identify the changes that are impacting the facilities. The audit provides the opportunity to understand the changes that are occurring …

The Characteristics Of Agile Manufacturing That Can Be Implemented In The Manufacture Of Agricultural Equipment, Irvin L. Wilhelms

Graduate Research Papers

The problem of this study was to determine the characteristics of agile manufacturing and their applicability to a manufacturer of heavy agricultural equipment.

An Investigation Into The Use Of Expanded Polystyrene Patterns With The Loose-Sand, Vacuum Assisted Counter Gravitational Casting Process, John B. Vandersall

Graduate Research Papers

"Considered for years as a metal casting renegade, Expendable Pattern Casting (EPC) is believed by some to be tomorrows long-term casting future. Others, however, see it as an unproven headache-ridden process that makes the simple art of metal casting unnecessarily complex." (Lessiter, 1994, p. 36). The complexity of this process has been largely due to the lack of knowledge surrounding the interaction of the metal front and the dissipating polystyrene pattern.

Since the discovery of EPS as a pattern material, numerous applied research projects have been performed to gain a better understanding of the thermal breakdown characteristics of the material. …

First Line Supervisor Perceptions: The Effectiveness Of Specific Safety Training Materials, Cynthia Houlson

Graduate Research Papers

The problem of this study was to determine whether first line supervisors, who have been exposed specifically to Safety Focus Topics, perceived them as an effective tool in filling their role as a safety trainer.

Comparison Of Rapid Prototyping Systems For Implementation Into The Product Development Cycle, Daniel S. Koenig

Graduate Research Papers

The problems with the implementation and use of RP technology is choosing the best system from the fifteen or more RP systems commercially available and more than 20 other systems under development throughout the world (Wohlers, 1993). The problem of this study was to evaluate each of six preselected RP systems based on key characteristics. This study provides pertinent data so that those teams and individuals involved in the implementation and the use of a RP process can make sound decisions.

Development Of A Knowledge-Based System For Generating Process Plans Using Group Technology: A Study For Norfolk Naval Shipyard, William P. Keene Jr.

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to study and analyze the Norfolk Naval Shipyard's manufacturing methods of determining part families and generating part process plans for parts in the machine shop. A knowledge-based decision support system was designed based on knowledge acquired from machinist experts and documented sources of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The system interprets specific part information provided by the user, categorizes parts into part families and generates process plans to manufacture the parts. The system was evaluated and tested for parts provided by Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

An Analysis Of The Disposition Of Used Foundry Sand With Thermal Reclamation, Douglas Miller

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to identify the economic and environmental concerns for the disposal, reuse, or reclamation of used foundry sand and show how foundries have developed options to landfills. The sand type and the reclamation processes available are the factors to use in determining whether disposal, reuse, or reclamation is appropriate. The continued use of landfills for disposal of used sand strongly indicates that reclamation and reuse techniques were either not understood or not as economical as disposal. Public concerns and new environmental laws demand that alternate means of disposal for used foundry sand should be developed …

Use Of Multiple Transmitters For 3-D Non-Intrusive Particle Tracking, Jitesh H. Agrawal

Theses

A method for non-intrusive tracking of a particle in 3-dimensional space, based on processing of signals emitted from a transmitter embedded in the particle, is being developed. This method uses a mathematical model, which predicts the induced signal in receivers present in the vicinity of flowing particle, and supporting numerical techniques. Specific application aspects related to improving the accuracy of this method are presented.

The focus here is the development of flexible software capable of processing information coming from multiple transmitters with known distinct spatial orientation. Implementation aspects of modified existing empirical corrections for improving model-reality agreement, and new techniques …

Development Of An Expert System To Facilitate A Pump Manufacturing/Warehouse Facility, Muhammad Mutahir Ghauri

Theses

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing an expert system technology as it relates to manufacturing. It appears that our industries are still uncertain about this technology. In the first phase of this study, procedure for deployment of this technology is discussed. Secondly a knowledge-based expert system is developed, using a VP-Expert microcomputer shell. The system is made of three modules, inventory module, cost analysis module, and decision making module (for the selection of pumps).

A warehouse was selected for the analysis, which carries the finished product in the form of pumps. The quantities and …

Design For Quality Manufacturability Analysis For Common Assembly Process, Suriyanarayanan Ramachandra

Theses

The globalization of market economy has precipitated a dramatic increase in competition necessitating the need for higher quality products at lower cost in shorter time periods. Shorter life cycles and proliferation of products has made companies integrate all the phases of manufacturing to bring about a superior design. Design for Quality Manufacturability (DFQM) provides a technique to invoke manufacturing and assembly considerations while designing a product. The DFQM architecture identifies factors consisting of several variables that are influenced by certain error catalysts to cause one or more specific defects. A methodology is suggested to identify and quantify these error catalysts …

Case Study Of Assembly Defects In Manufactured Products, Michael J. Withka

Theses

Design for Quality Manufacturability (DFQM) is a design tool that empowers engineers to create designs that are easily and effectively transformed into manufactured products. The goal of this methodology is to make designers aware of design characteristics that may lead to product defects during the assembly process. Acknowledging the possibility of these defects will enable the designer to institute design modifications early in the design phase. The benefits realized in this approach are a reduction in the number of defects in the finished product, reduced product cycle times, a reduction in monitoring costs and a reduction in time-to-market.

This thesis …

A Systematic Approach To Defense Diversification, Sathappan Venkatachalam

Theses

The decline in defense spending has resulted in defense dependent companies seeking new markets through re-designing existing products, developing new products and restructuring their businesses. Defense diversification is defined as the process of transitioning a defense company's core capabilities (technologies, products, services) into commercial and non-Department of Defense government markets. A combination of site visits and review of the literature on defense diversification demonstrates the need for diversifying companies to adopt a systematic approach.

A concurrent new product development/product redevelopment model is proposed, based on the principles of concurrent engineering. The model consists of an eight phase development cycle and …

Design For Quality Manufacturability Analysis Of Missing/Misplaced Parts And Part Interference, Altaf Yusuf Tamboo

Theses

Design for Quality Manufacturability (DFQM) is an approach that addresses the issue of quality manufacturability (QM) - the likelihood that defects will occur during manufacture of a product in a standard plant. The DFQM methodology is based on the premise that defects found in assembled products are often influenced by some features of the design and/or assembly process (influencing factors). These influencing factors cause defects in the presence of certain error catalysts.

One of the influencing factors is geometrical features such as shape and symmetry. A classification scheme for part shape and symmetry is developed. This scheme is summarized in …

Statistical And Finite Element Analysis Of The Effects Of Random Input Parameters On The Mechanical Characteristics Of Sheetmetal Forming Processes Using Quadrature Method, Yu Quan

Theses

In this thesis, the computer aided finite element analysis is implemented in the analysis of sheetmetal forming process. To rationalize the experimentation and analysis, the statistical method is introduced to study the variability of sheetmetal deformation process and final shape with respect to the variation of different parameters.

In Chapter 2, the basic characteristics and considerations of deep drawing operation is described with emphasis on the study of geometrical and physical variables of the forming process.

Chapter 3 discussed the three phases which are encountered in the computer aided finite element analysis. As a typical representative of professional finite element …

An Investigation Into Artificial Intelligence Based Generative Computer Process Planning, William Tereshkovich

Theses

The process planning function can be further optimized with the introduction of an intelligent software package such as an Artificial Intelligence based Generative Computer Process Planning System. An AI based CAPP system, also categorized as an expert system, provides the vital link between design and manufacture, a "bridge" of knowledge in the information chain of manufacturing engineering. With the increasing role of computers in the process planning function, planning has become easier, faster, and more efficient.

This thesis provides an explanation of the process planning function and how artificial intelligence will improve it. Topics in AI techniques and procedures, knowledge …