Data transfer between Cad system and RP system: a report

Rapid Prototyping (RP) is a technology that transform a design generated in Computer Aided Design (CAD) to a 3D model parts. CAD models are usually done on a CAD system and then transported into the RP system. A good interface between the CAD and the RP system is one of the key factors of producing a good quality prototype. This paper reports on the results of an experimentation carried out to identify the problems in transferring data between a CAD system (UNIGRAPHICS) and an RP system (QUICKSLICE). Based on the experimentation’s results and analysis, a basic guideline is proposed for a safer data transfer between the CAD system (UNIGRAPHICS) and an RP system (QUICKSLICE)

A Mixed Integer Programming Model Formulation for Solving the Lot-Sizing Problem

This paper addresses a mixed integer programming (MIP) formulation for the multi-item uncapacitated lot-sizing problem that is inspired from the trailer manufacturer. The proposed MIP model has been utilized to find out the optimum order quantity, optimum order time, and the minimum total cost of purchasing, ordering, and holding over the predefined planning horizon. This problem is known as NP-hard problem. The model was presented in an optimal software form using LINGO 13.0.Comment: 9 pages, 1 figure, 13 tables; International Journal of Computer Science Issues, Vol. 9, Issue 2, No 1, March 201

Simulation of Industrialised Building System components production

The construction of IBS building should starts with the production of the IBS components and the production process is the main activity concerned in the IBS production plant. Having an optimum production line to manufacture the required IBS elements within targeted time and limited number of reusable steel mould is very important. In this study, workstation organization method has been adopted in the production of IBS component of beam and column. Witness 2001 simulation software has been used to model and simulate the most optimum production line set up. Here, two production lines set up have been proposed to complete the production of IBS beam and column between two and three months time with limited number of reusable steel mould to supply for the construction of medium size single storey IBS housing project ranging from 100 to 300 units. A contingency production line set up which able to complete the production of required IBS components within a month time with increased number of reusable steel mould has also been proposed. Number of resources such as workstation, tool, storage area and labour has been determined from the proposal. The proposed production line can be applied in the planning and cost estimating of IBS production plant set up

Association between psychosocial factors and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among internship doctors in Malaysia

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been recognized as one of the main occupational health problems among health care workers. Many studies have suggested the influence of psychosocial factors on MSDs. The objective of this study is to look into the association between psychosocial factors and the prevalence of MSDs symptoms among internship doctors. 86 internship doctors completed a questionnaire which consists of demographic data, physical and psychosocial factors as well as musculoskeletal discomfort. Results show that 32.6% of them reported that they have musculoskeletal discomfort at a single body region during the last year, 16.3% reported two regions and 9.3% reported three regions where the most prevalent region affected was the neck area where 27.9% of the respondent reported they experienced symptoms or pain in this region, followed by wrists / hands (26.7%), lower back (19.8%) and upper back (14.0%). Meanwhile, there were association found between psychosocial factors and prevalence of MSDs in certain body regions. For instance, musculoskeletal symptom at neck, wrist/hands, upper and lower back regions have been found to be associated with five psychosocial stressors examined in this study. The results obtained indicate the influence of psychosocial factors on MSDs

Generalization of mathematical representation for tool path based on boundary representation (BREPS) data structure

A generic representation of linear and curvilinear entities with embedded motion attributes is possible via the integration of a Hermite curve and dynamic of motion. A Hermite curve will form the curve, while a dynamic of motion will position the vertices on the curves with the introduction of a delta distance (Δs). A three-phase algorithm is introduced to examine the applicability of generic representation in tool-path generation. The preprocessing stage will examine the input model prior to Phase I. Phase I will extract the BReps data, and these BReps data will be used in Phase II to develop the generalized mathematical representation of the tool path. Finally, the tool path is drawn in Phase III

Economic comparison of industrialized building system and conventional construction system using building information modeling

The new construction method known as Industrialized Building System (IBS) offers several benefits compared to the Conventional Building System (CBS); however, IBS is perceived by most of the practitioners to be an expensive method for being utilized in construction industry. Whilst relatively numerous studies have been carried out on the subject of IBS and CBS methods, there has not been any exploiting building information modeling (BIM) as a useful tool to calculate quantities, time, and cost needed to construct building with each of the two aforementioned methods. The aim of this paper is to calculate cost of two similar buildings (one is constructed with IBS method and other one with CBS method) and compare them in terms of economy based on a chosen case study and same initial investment. To this end, the construction cost of buildings is calculated using BIM software, namely Revit Architecture and Navisworks Manage for modeling the chosen case study and estimating construction cost, respectively. The findings indicated that IBS was not economic in low investment of company; however, with investment on more than 100 units of IBS, this method was shown more economical compared to CBS method. In addition, the initial investment on IBS method could be returned when more than 200 units of IBS were implemented in the projects

Standard verification test for Industrialised Building System (IBS) repetitive manufacturing

New innovative Industrialised Building System (IBS) has been implemented in Malaysia. It is a sustainable approach, innovative technique and implements repetitive manufacturing using green materials. This paper presents one of the standard tests to check the design and strength of IBS components via an experimental flexural test and then verify the finite element analysis. One IBS frame was set-up, tested with two points of monotonic vertical loading, and analysed by Abaqus 6.12 software. The structural performance in nonlinear state was evaluated in load-displacement relationship of beam, crack pattern, mode of failure, and stresses at concrete and connection deformation to guide the further components inspection

Attribute based feature recognition for machining features

Automated feature recognition is considered a critical component for integration of CAD/CAPP/CAM. The automation of process planning requires the implementation of a feature recognition procedure, so that decisions relating to steps of process planning activities can be made. Various methodologies have been developed to automate feature recognition. This paper presents an approach to feature recognition using rule based on different characteristics specific to each feature such as the total number of faces, the total number of edges, the type of faces, and the attribute of feature i.e. protrusion/depression. The proposed method is implemented using Graphics Interactive Programming (GRIP) and Unigraphics solid modeler. The results show that the proposed technique is capable of recognizing features with a unique set of attributes. The rule is also simple, easy to understand and implement

Improving productivity through line balancing : a case study

This paper describes a case study conducted at a manufacturing company aimed at improving productivity using line balancing. Two alternatives were generated using different assignment rules. However selection of the most suitable alternatives cannot be made based on line balancing alone as they appear similar based on line balance loss. Thus the robustness of the alternatives were tested and evaluated using a 16 factorial ANOVA. Selection of the most suitable solution is then made based on these results

Guideline for improving capacity of a job shop based on selected performance measures

Manufacturing companies are required to fulfill customer’s driven imperatives such as on time delivery as well its own requirements such as high machine utilisation and low work in process. In order to achieve these, manufacturers need to adopt the right manufacturing strategy. Selecting the right manufacturing strategies will improve its capability to meet its customers demand as well as its ovvn limitations. This research identifies five strategies that a job shop may adopt to achieve flexibility in meeting demand. The five strategies ranges from the basic strategy of having a complete set of single–operation machines to flexible multi–operation machines. Each strategy is evaluated and a set of guideline is proposed. The results show that when job tardiness and work–in–process is the performance criteria, the duplication strategy is the best. However, if the performance criteria is machine utilisation, then the best strategy is the replacement strategy