Issue 2, Volume 1 – 12 articles

Cover Story (View full-size image):
Driven by the so-called "carbon dioxide emissions peak" strategy in the world, sustainable manufacturing is an inevitable trend in the future development of manufacturing. Ceramic tool dry cutting technology is one of the key technologies to promote the development of this field. These advanced cutting tools not only provide excellent wear resistance and high temperature stability to improve machining efficiency and accuracy, but also reduce environmental pollution by eliminating the need for coolant. With the increasing awareness of energy efficiency and environmental protection in the industry, the demand for high-performance ceramic tools is growing rapidly. The innovative design of high-performance ceramic tools and the deep optimization of dry cutting processes will continue to break the boundaries of manufacturing and inject strong momentum into sustainable production in the industrial sector.
View this paper

Review

19 July 2024

Solid Additives to Increase the Service Life of Ceramic Cutting Tool: Methodology and Mechanism

With the development of the manufacturing industry, there is an increasing demand for high-efficiency processing, high-precision processing, and high-temperature processing. The characteristics of ceramic tools, such as high hardness and wear resistance, make them suitable for high-precision processing. Additionally, their excellent high temperature resistance perfectly meets the requirements of high temperature processing. However, ceramic tools have a relatively low strength and are prone to breakage, which limits their application in some high-strength machining fields. Their low toughness and brittleness also lead to easy cracking and reduced tool life, resulting in frequent tool changes that further limit processing efficiency. Therefore, improving the service life of ceramic tool materials is crucial to enhance processing efficiency and achieve significant economic benefits. With the development of material science, solid additives with toughening and strengthening properties have greatly improved the performance of ceramic tool materials and given ceramic tools new life-enhancing properties, such as lubrication and repair. By utilizing the combined action of one or more solid additives and employing surface coating technology, the service life of ceramic cutting tools is significantly extended. This makes the application of ceramic tools in industrial cutting more and more widely, and the demand is also growing rapidly. However, the mechanism and methods of various solid additives to increase the life of ceramic tool materials have not been systematically reviewed. The analysis of the composition and functional properties of ceramic tool materials was used as a basis to summarize the mechanism by which various solid additives improve the service life of ceramic tool materials, and to provide points for attention in their use. The aim is to assist researchers in designing and preparing new ceramic tool materials that can meet processing requirements. Finally, the research status, challenges, and prospects of enhancing the service life of ceramic cutting tools with solid additives are summarized, providing a foundation for further research.

Article

19 August 2024

Maturity Model for the Manufacturing Industry with Case Experiences

This manuscript describes the research path when extending a maturity model. The initial modelManuMaturitywas for manufacturing companies aiming beyond Industry 4.0. The extended OSME model covers data sharing within a supply chain, an open innovation ecosystem and sustainable manufacturing. The OSME maturity model has five maturity levels: traditional factory, modern factory, agile factory, agile cognitive factory and agile cognitive industry and seven dimensions (such as infrastructure, data, customer, business model, employee, sustainability and processes). The tool was experimented with in manufacturing companies on two occasions: with a set of manufacturing companies and a group of companies. In both cases, feedback was gathered from the respondents. The article follows the maturity assessment development phases such as scope, design, populate, test, deploy and maintain, and reports the software implementation of the maturity tool. With the help of the developed maturity model and the tool, it was possible to make assessments in case companies, where the tool and its results were commented mostly positively. The tool can be applied in various ways. For example, a group of people can jointly submit their common understanding and have a thorough discussion or a group of company representatives submit their responses and the variation is discussed afterwards.

Article

28 August 2024

Overcoming SME Legal and Regulatory Challenges and Fostering Sustainable Collaboration and 7PS Engineering in the Digital Age through Integrating the X.0 Wave Theory & SME 5.0 Concept

Technological innovations, education, business and society change quickly and often unpredictably. The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (XR) opens a new era in which work, production, communication and thought processes are massively transformed. In this context, the challenge arises: How can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adapt to this accelerated change? This study highlights a path forward and introduces the concept of “SME 5.0” or “Hybrid SME” or “SME of Tomorrow” as a comprehensive solution to address the complexities of the digital age. In this integrated exploration of the X.0 Wave Theory and SME 5.0 Concept, the framework for human civilization’s evolution and technological shifts converges with a practical roadmap for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigating the dynamic digital landscape. Acknowledging transformative waves in technology, economics, and societal structures within the X.0 Wave Theory, the study accentuates the ongoing nature of these shifts. It advocates for a long-term perspective, urging policymakers and industry leaders to consider potential future scenarios to devise strategies fostering innovation, competitiveness, and privacy safeguards. Simultaneously, the study introduces SME 5.0 as a holistic solution for SMEs, aligning with the transformative success envisioned by the X.0 Wave Theory. Proposing the Seven Pillars of Sustainability (7PS) framework tailored to SMEs, the concept emphasizes digitalization and sustainable technology. The title, “Harmonizing the X.0 Wave Theory and SME 5.0 Concept”, encapsulates the synergy between theoretical underpinnings and practical solutions. The subtitle, “Fostering Sustainable Collaboration, 7PS Engineering, and Overcoming Legal Challenges in the Digital Age”, provides a glimpse into the study’s focus on practical implications, sustainability, engineering, and legal considerations for SMEs in the rapidly evolving digital era.

Article

28 August 2024

Metallurgical Characteristics of 316L Stainless Steel by Laser Additive Manufacturing

Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM), an avant-garde technology in manufacturing, harnesses the precision of laser energy to fabricate intricate parts through the meticulous process of melting and subsequently depositing layers of metal powders. Among the esteemed materials employed, 316L stainless steel (316L SS) stands out for its unparalleled corrosion resistance, exceptional high-temperature tolerance, and remarkable creep strength, making it a ubiquitous choice in the aerospace, medical, and nuclear power sectors. LAM has distinguished itself in the fabrication of intricate 316L SS components, yet enhancing the metallurgical bonding strength within these structures remains a pivotal area of ongoing research. This research endeavor delves into the intricate microstructure and mechanical properties that characterize the interface between the LAM-produced 316L SS cladding layer and its substrate, further investigating how varying laser energy densities (E) subtly influence these properties within the additive manufactured components. Remarkably, the interface region exhibits a tensile strength of 615.1 MPa, surpassing that of both the deposited layer and the substrate by 5.4% and 7.4% respectively, underscoring a robust bond between the two layers. This investigation not only sheds light on the unique process capabilities and performance merits of LAM in crafting 316L SS cladding layers but also pioneers novel approaches and conceptual frameworks for bolstering the metallurgical bonding strength of this esteemed material. As such, it constitutes a treasure trove of insights for subsequent research endeavors and practical applications across related disciplines.

Article

30 August 2024

Model for Forecasting the Raw Material Base of the Textile Industry Based on the Analysis of the Dynamics of Production Volumes

The scientific article analyzes the dynamics of textile industry production in the USSR and the Russian Federation from 1985 to 2022 years.The article provides a fairly complete overview of modern methods of forecasting the development of objects, mainly based on time series analysis, including issues of forecasting cyclic and discontinuous processes, forecasting multidimensional objects with a correlated system of indicators. Authors calculate the forecast until 2026 year based on a bank of mathematical forecasting models implementing various monotonic nonlinear transformations both along the ordinate axis and along the abscissa axis. The criterion of the minimum variance of the forecast error was used as a criterion for selecting a specific model from the bank. The scientific value of the article lies in the fact that, for the first time, it offers a criterion for choosing a mathematical model from a set of them, which uses the minimum estimate of the variance of forecast errors for this model. This work can be considered a step towards the creation of artificial intelligence since the selection of the optimal model for a specific time series allows to obtain a training sample for it, which is fundamentally impossible to obtain without it.

Article

02 September 2024

Lithium-Rich Spinel Cathode with Higher Energy Density for Sustainable Li-Ion Batteries Operating in Extended Potential Range

Lithium batteries pave way for rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Still there are concerns associated with battery sustainability, such as the supply of key battery materials like cobalt, nickel and carbon emissions related to their manufacture. While LiMn2O4 spinel is a common cathode material for Li-ion batteries that remove Co and Ni, studies on over-stoichiometric variants and their behavior across a broad potential range may be limited. Research in this area could provide valuable insights into the performance, stability and electrochemical characteristics of such cathodes, offering potential benefits for the development and optimization of Li-ion battery technologies. This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of Li-rich Li1+yMn2−yO4−δ (LMO, y ≈ 0.03, δ ≈ 0.01) spinel as a cathode in Li-ion batteries, focusing on the phenomenon of extra capacity under the extended operating voltage 1.54.8 V vs. Li+/Li. The nanostructured LMO sample synthesized by sol-gel method and calcined at 900 °C is characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and surface area measurements. The Li-rich spinel electrode delivers a specific discharge capacity of 172 mAh g−1 at 1st cycle. It retains 123 mAh g−1 at the 100th cycle (71.5% capacity retention) at current density of 100 mA g−1 current density (i.e., ~0.7 C rate). An excellent stability is obtained in the 1.54.8 V potential window, with a discharge capacity of 77 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at the same current density, owing to the reduction of the Jahn-Teller effect by Li doping. These results contrast with the specific capacity of 85 mAh g−1 (1st cycle) and the capacity retention of 54.3% after 100 cycles, obtained when the cell operates in the narrow potential range of 3.04.5 V.

Commentary

20 September 2024

Sustainable Design and Integrity Control of Onboard Health Tools for Humans and Their Environmental Urban Biodiversity

Recently, onboard sensing and support devices have been used for the well-being of humans, animals, birds, plants and, more generally, biodiversity. The performance of these tools is closely linked to their electromagnetic environment, mainly artificially created by humans. Therefore, the presence of electromagnetic radiation linked to human activities near such tools constitutes a threat. The intelligent and sustainable manufacturing of these tools, which makes it possible to face such a threat, can be achieved through their design and optimization. This commentary aims to highlight the interaction of artificial electromagnetic radiation with onboard health tools involving living tissues in urban biodiversity (One Health concept) and the intelligent and sustainable construction and protection (Responsible Attitude concept) of these tools. The manuscript presents an overview of onboard devices, possible effects of electromagnetic radiation, durable construction and shielding, and analysis of electromagnetic compatibility integrity control. The main outcome of this contribution regarding sustainably designed onboard devices is that numerical analysis tools of electromagnetic fields could efficiently verify their integrity and the behavior of their necessary smart shields. These different themes are associated with examples of literature.

Article

15 October 2024

Binder Jetting 3D Printing Utilizing Waste Algae Powder: A Feasibility Study

This paper reports, for the first time in the literature, a preliminary study to investigate the feasibility of utilizing waste algae powder (byproducts of biofuel manufacturing from algae) in binder jetting 3D printing to produce environmentally friendly products. In this study, the algae powder’s morphology and particle size distribution were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and particle size analyzer, respectively, and the flowability was assessed through apparent density and repose angle. The algae powder successfully printed the cylindrical, cubic, and gyroid parts on a binder jetting 3D printer. Results show that it is feasible to print parts with binder jetting 3D printing utilizing waste algae powder. The use of waste algae powder in additive manufacturing offers a novel approach to upcycling waste algae powder into valuable products for various applications such as packaging and construction.

Article

29 October 2024

Experimental Study on Cold Plasma Jet (CPJ) Assisted Micro-Milling of 30CrMnSiNi2A

As a typical high-performance alloy, the excellent mechanical properties and stringent processing requirements of 30CrMnSiNi2A high-strength steel pose great challenges to high-quality and efficient processing. Currently, researchers have proposed methods such as improving cutting tool performance, minimal quantity lubrication (MQL), and applying external energy field to assist processing. However, due to the unregulated material properties, the further improvement of surface quality is limited, and there are problems of phase change and thermal damage in laser processing. Cold plasma jet (CPJ) is rich in active particles and has a low macroscopic temperature. It can effectively regulate material properties without causing serious surface damage. Therefore, a new 30CrMnSiNi2A machining approach adopting CPJ is proposed to improve the cutting process. The mechanism of its action on material properties and cutting process is revealed based on single-grain diamond scratching tests and micro-milling tests. The results show that CPJ can promote material fracture and improve material removal efficiency. The material removal efficiency R at 400 mN is increased from 0.433 before treatment to 0.895. Under the optimal processing parameters (feed speed Vf = 800 μm/s, spindle speed n = 40,000 rpm, and milling depth ap = 5 μm), compared with dry micro-milling, the cutting forces Fz, Fx and Fy in CPJ-assisted micro-milling are reduced by 26.5%, 24.8% and 31.3%, respectively. The surface roughness Sa is reduced by 19.3%, and the phenomena of plastic flow and burr are suppressed. The CPJ-assisted machining process proposed in this paper can regulate the material properties to improve the cutting process without causing serious damage to the material, providing a new approach for achieving high-quality and efficient processing of 30CrMnSiNi2A.

Review

15 November 2024

Intelligent Manufacturing Factory: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Hotspots and Progress

Intelligent factories provide flexible and adaptive production processes, offering significant competitive advantages to manufacturers and are widely studied in industrial production. Information technology is recognized as a key factor influencing the production efficiency and intelligence of Intelligent factories. However, current research has primarily focused on the operational processes of intelligent factories, with limited analysis of information technology. To address this gap, this paper conducts a bibliometric analysis of information technology in intelligent factories, along with a review of its development and applications. Firstly, the data collection and visualization methods of bibliometrics are introduced. Secondly, bibliometric analyses are performed using platforms such as VOSviewer and Scimago to investigate co-authorship, co-citation, and contributions from countries and institutions in the field of information technology for intelligent factories. Finally, a framework for information technology in intelligent factories is established, summarizing its development in terms of information acquisition, transmission, processing, management, and control. This paper aims to assist scholars in understanding the development trends of intelligent factory technology and enhancing the informatization level of intelligent factories.

Article

20 November 2024

Contextualization of Industry 4.0 Design Principles for the Imminent Industry 5.0 Scenario

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, known as Industry 4.0 (I4.0), has introduced a completely disruptive pace compared to the rhythm of the three previous industrial revolutions. With a wide range of technologies, design principles, and a high potential to replace the human workforce, this industry presents aspects that urgently require greater attention. With a purpose close to meeting this need, Industry 5.0 (I5.0) emerges, a milestone not yet registered with historical facts but with great hopes for positive changes. While I4.0 maintains design principles for its complete activity, I5.0 has a supporting tripod for its operation. As I5.0 is still perceived as an evolutionary character of I4.0, it is expected that for the time being, it will use these same design principles for its activity and may later include new principles. Based on this context, this article seeks to contextualize, in a descriptive way, the functioning of design principles 4.0 for the imminent industrial context 5.0. The article uses a conceptual approach based on previously published literature on the subject of design principles in I4.0. Although the characteristics of I5.0 are not yet fully known, it is assumed that it has a more refined character than I4.0, so that points that presented a positive, significant, and already consolidated result are maintained for the new model. The distinctive feature of this article is its presentation of a textual analysis that breaks down the potential contributions of design principles in relation to the three core values of Industry 5.0: Sustainability, Human-Centricity, and Resilience.

Article

10 December 2024

Sailing the X.0 Wave Theory: Navigating the Future of Civilization

This paper delves into the X.0 Wave/Tomorrow Age Theory, a comprehensive framework conceived, invented, introduced, and developed by Prof. Dr. Hamid Mattiello between 2010 and 2017, to analyze the evolution of human civilization through distinct epochs of knowledge, technology, and business (KTB). The theory segments history into transformative waves, from the first development (X.0 ≤ 1.0) and Agricultural Age (X.0 = 1.0) and the X.0 Wave/Tomorrow Age Theory (2.1 ≤ X.0 ≤ 2.2) spanning the 17th Century to 1870, to the current Age of Artificial Intelligence (X.0 = 4.0). It also projects into the anticipated Human Age (X.0 = 5.0) and Transhuman Age (X.0 = 6.0) and beyond (6.0 ≤ X.0). Each wave represents a revolutionary phase characterized by significant advancements that shape societies, industries, and technologies. The X.0 Wave Theory integrates these historical phases with the Seven Pillars of Sustainability (7PS) to evaluate their societal impacts. The paper explores how these waves influence future developments by examining historical roots, emerging technological paradigms, and socio-economic dynamics. It examines how advancements in AI, biotechnology, and virtual reality are reshaping industries and global business practices, while also addressing the ethical and sustainability considerations essential for navigating these changes. By forecasting future trends, confronting current challenges, and preparing for potential crises, the X.0 Wave Theory offers a robust framework for understanding and adapting to the rapid pace of technological evolution. This paper provides deep insights into how these transformative waves shape our past, present, and future, offering valuable perspectives for navigating the complexities of an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

TOP