Design of Noise Insulator for Metal Stamping Operation in Manufacturing Sector

Metal stamping is one of the processes involved in metal manufacturing in which dies are used to cut or form flat metal sheets into desired shapes. Consequently, noise is produced from the process. Prolonged exposure to the noise can lead to the health problems, low productivity and low performance of workers. The aim of this study is to design a noise insulator for noise level reduction in a metal stamping operation. This study applied workplace observation, questionnaire survey and noise mapping at the metal stamping workstations.  A prototype design of noise insulator was developed through brainstorming among the metal stamping workers, questionnaire survey and morphological chart. Recycled papers and coconut fibers were used as materials of the noise insulator. Noise level assessment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the developed noise insulator. The noise levels have been effectively reduced to 70.3 dBA by 17.2%. This study concluded that application of materials such as recycled papers and coconut fibers in making of noise insulator was able to reduce noise levels in metal stamping operation. This study suggests that the real fabrication and application should be implemented in the metal stamping operation to reduce the risk of noise exposure to the workers

Design of noise insulator for metal stamping operation in manufacturing sector

Metal stamping is one of the processes involved in metal manufacturing industry in which dies are used to cut or form flat metal sheets into desired shapes. Consequently, noise is produced from the process. Prolonged exposure to the noise can lead to the health problems, hinder productivity and low performance of workers. The aim of this study was to design a noise insulator prototype for noise level reduction in a metal stamping operation. This study applied workplace observation, questionnaire survey and noise mapping at the metal stamping workstations. A prototype design of noise insulator was developed through brainstorming among the metal stamping workers, questionnaire survey and morphological chart. Recycled papers and coconut fibers were used as materials of the noise insulator. Noise level assessment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the developed noise insulator. The noise levels have been effectively reduced to 70.3 dBA by 17.2%. This study concluded that application of materials such as recycled papers and coconut fibers in making of noise insulator was able to reduce noise levels in metal stamping operation. This study suggests that the real fabrication and application should be implemented in the metal stamping operation to reduce the risk of noise exposure to the worker

Tool And Task Design Challenges For Left Handers: A Brief Review

Left-handed users are often overlooked by equipment and hand tool designers. Designers may assume that left handers will eventually learn to adapt themselves in a right-handed environment. However in reality left handers face a lot of difficulties when trying to perform tasks meant for right-handed users. Medical personnel are most affected by this issue, followed by workers in non-medical field such as services and manufacturing. This review aims to highlight the issues faced left handers by analysing common household product examples as well as hand tools in occupational settings. Discussions are centred on the differences between the right-handed tools versus left-handed tools, as well as task/procedural challenges faced by left handers. In summary, the notion of designing an ambidextrous tool may not be a realistic recommendation for tool manufacturers and designers