articles+ search results

RAPID prototyping and PERFORMANCE standards

Managing tasks in a company is a crucial thing to do, considering the number of functions that exist in that company. PT.XYZ does not have a task management application that causes task complexity to occur frequently for each employee so that the employee performance evaluation cannot be objective. One alternative solution proposed is to approve the task management application and objective key results by implementing the prototyping process model at PT. XYZ so that it can produce approval of application requirements, design data, design architectures, and design applications that can support objective employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAPID prototyping, ENGINEERING design, THREE-dimensional printing, INFORMATION retrieval, and INTERDISCIPLINARY research

Purpose This paper aims to argue about the involvement of additive technologies (ATs) in the prototyping issues of designing. More precisely, it reviews the literature contributions focused on the different perspectives of prototyping activities for design purposes, searching for both available knowledge and research needs concerning the correct exploitation of ATs.Design/methodology/approach A two-step literature review has been performed. In the first step, general information has been retrieved about prototyping issues related to design. In the second step, the literature searches were focused on retrieving more detailed information about ATs, concerning each of the main issues identified in the previous step. Extracted information has been analyzed and discussed for understanding the actual coverage of the arguments and for identifying possible research needs.Findings Four generally valid prototyping issues have been identified in the first step of the literature review. For each of them, available information and current lacks have been identified and discussed about the involvement of AT, allowing to extract six different research hints for future works.Originality/value This is the first literature review concerning AT-focused contributions that cover the complex and inter-disciplinary issues characterizing prototyping activities in design contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAPID prototyping, BONE mechanics, THREE-dimensional printing, COMPUTED tomography, CLINICAL trials, and FEASIBILITY studies

Purpose This paper aims to explore the feasibility of rapid prototyping for human hand bones and additional artery with topological preservation.Design/methodology/approach A serial of slices derived from spiral computed tomography human hand specimen was imported into 3DSlicer 4.4.0 to obtain a three-dimensional virtual model. The model is exported as a standard template library file. Additional arteries were structured according to the atlas and the bone model. Then, a real model was printed based on the virtual model. Measurements were approached in 11 parts of the virtual and real model.Findings There is no statistical difference between virtual and real model in 11 parts, and the topological characters were preserved.Practical implications This method can be used in reconstruction of clinical iconological blood vessel and anatomical education.Originality/value This paper shows that it is possible to keep the topological structure of blood vessel not only in painting but also in clinical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ELECTRIC vehicles, RAPID prototyping, SIGNAL processing, ARTIFICIAL satellite tracking, BRAKE systems, REGENERATIVE braking, and DESIGN

The electro-mechanical brake booster (EMBB) is a kind of mechatronic actuator, which is developed to suit the brake assist requirement of electric vehicles. In this paper, we report on the design of an EMBB system consisting of a dc motor, a two-state reduction of a gear and ball screw, a servo body, and a reaction disk. Considering the inconvenience of installation and high price of the pedal force sensor, we translate the control problem of brake power assist control to position tracking control. Meanwhile, a nonlinear control method for position tracking is presented to solve the problem of power assist braking, which is formalized as three parts: the steady-state control, feed-forward control based on reference dynamics, and state-dependent feedback control. The benefit of the nonlinear control method is that it offers a concise control law and performs well in engineering implementations. In addition, a second-order filter was designed to do the signal processing and obtain a higher-order derivative. Finally, the bench tests based on rapid control prototyping environment were designed and implemented to verify the performance of the controller. Test results show that both the position tracking performance and response time of the EMBB system performed well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DEAF children and RAPID prototyping

Deaf children are an underrepresented group in technology development, despite the potential technology available to aid them in language acquisition. Requirements elicitation prototyping allows Deaf children to act in an informant role in the creation of key technologies. This paper presents a case study of requirements elicitation prototyping conducted with young Deaf children in order to identify issues within the process. Potential solutions to each issue are provided so that designers working with young Deaf children as informants can adjust their design process to obtain relevant information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAPID prototyping, LEARNING modules, THREE-dimensional printing, TEACHING aids, DESIGN education, SCHOOL children, and ELEMENTARY education

In recent years, digital fabrication, and especially its associated activities of 3D design and printing, have taken root in school education as curriculum‐based and maker‐oriented learning activities. This article explores the adoption of 3D design and printing for learning by fourth, fifth and sixth grade children (n=64) in multidisciplinary learning modules in elementary school education. School‐coordinated 3D projects were not led by design experts, such as art and design teachers, designers, researchers or technical specialists, but run 'in the wild' by school teachers. The study was conducted by using an ethnographic research design, including field observations, non‐formal interviews and a reflective questionnaire. The results indicate that, in the adoption of 3D printing activities, learning is centred on the technical skills and the usage of 3D tools. Hence, the elementary ABCs of 3D printing do not achieve the full design and creativity potential of digital fabrication that earlier research has suggested. However, the results do have implications for the potential of 3D printing projects to increase children's empowerment. In their current state, 3D design and printing are some of the learning tools, among others, and similar achievements can be achieved with other hands‐on learning technologies. In order to enhance the learning of creativity and design thinking skills, 3D activities in school should be planned accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAPID prototyping, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY, PROTOTYPES, NEW product development, AUTOMATION, and MANUFACTURING processes

Rapid Prototyping (RP) presents the automatic production of physical parts using by additive manufacturing technology. The start techniques for Rapid Prototyping became available in the late 1980s and were used to produce models and prototype parts. Today they are used for a much wider range of applications and are even used to manufacture production-quality parts in relatively small numbers. Rapid Prototyping is widely used in the automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer products industries. In paper is presented process of design product development, product production and testing of products produced by Fused Deposition Modelling rapid prototyping technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAPID prototyping, DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH, and PROTOTYPES

Rapid prototyping (RP) today is absorbed into practice and is being recognized as a significant technology for design. This paper attempts to formulate key aspects of the design methodological framework that are coalescing with RP''s capability to build artifacts as part of the creative design process. In doing so, it attempts to formulate questions and issues of RP as a design medium that supports the full spectrum of digital design as a paperless process. These issues have been the resultant of early experimental and hands-on involvement with RP technologies in research and educational environments. In this paper, a DDF method (Digital Design Fabrication) is introduced. The DDF method is a two-stage process of working that integrates generative computing and RP into one process. Together they support a process to generate diverse candidate artifacts as solutions to design problems. Through a presentation of issues, procedural observations, and research findings, a range of potential applications of the DDF model are defined and presented. It demonstrates a process of design situated between conceptual design and real-world construction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

RAPID prototyping, CONCURRENT engineering, METHODOLOGY, and MANUFACTURING processes

Abstract: The objective of the study is to suggest a methodology for fabricating designs, through the use of rapid prototyping, that are innate to this mode of production. It endeavors to do so by involving a more inclusive sensory spectrum as an essential ingredient in the conceptualization and realization of a design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

RAPID prototyping, HOUSEHOLD electronics design & construction, and NEW product development

Prototyping is an essential part of product development in companies, and yet it is one of the least explored areas of design practice. There are limited ethnographic studies conducted within companies, specifically around the topic of prototyping. This is an empirical and industrial-based study using inductive ethnographic observations to further our understanding of the various roles prototypes play in organizations. This research observed the entire product development cycle within three companies in the fields of consumer electronics (CE), footwear (FW), and medical devices (MD). Our guiding research questions are: What is a prototype? What are the roles of prototypes across these three companies? Through our analysis, we uncovered that prototypes are tools for enhanced communication, increased learning, and informed decision-making. Specifically, we further refine these categories to display the types of communication, learning, and decision-making that occur. These insights are significant because they validate many prior prototyping theories and claims, while also adding new perspectives through further exploiting each role. Finally, we provide newly modified definitions of a prototype and prototyping based on this empirical work, which we hope expands designers' mental models for the terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAPID prototyping, ENGINEERING equipment, and SUPPORT vector machines

Designers frequently utilize engineering equipment to create physical prototypes during the iterative concept generation and prototyping phases of design. Currently, evaluating designers' efficiency during prototype creation is a manual process that either involves observational or survey based approaches. Real-time feedback when using engineering equipment has the potential to enhance designers' efficiency or mitigate potential injuries that may result from incorrect use of equipment. Toward an automated approach to addressing these challenges, the authors of this work test the hypotheses that (i) there exists a difference in designers' comfort levels before and after they use a piece of engineering prototyping equipment and (ii) a machine learning model predicts the level of comfort a designer has while using engineering prototyping equipment with accuracies greater than random chance. It has been shown that the level of comfort that an individual has while completing a task impacts their performance. The authors investigate whether automatic tracking of designers' facial expressions during prototype creation predicts their level of comfort. A study, involving 37 participants using various engineering equipment, is used to validate the approach. The support vector machine (SVM) regression model yielded a range of R squared values from 0.82 to 0.86 for an equipment-specific model. A general model built to predict comfort level across all engineering equipment yielded an R squared value of 0.68. This work has the potential to transform the manner in which design teams utilize engineering equipment toward more efficient concept generation and prototype creation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAPID prototyping, THREE-dimensional printing, TECHNOLOGY, LEARNING, PROTOTYPES, SECONDARY education, and SCHOOL children

Following initial educational enthusiasms for 'Making' technologies and the 'Maker Movement', increasing numbers of students are now using digital fabrication programs and equipment in school. Given the current lack of empirical research exploring the realities of Making as a school activity, this paper presents an in-depth auto/ethnographic account of 3D printing-currently, one of the most popular Maker technologies in schools. Investigating the case of an 8 week Year 9 design project, this paper seeks to broaden understandings of how 3D printing technologies and practices are shaping 'what counts' as learning within contemporary school settings. In particular, this research focuses on the experiences of Making within a school context; what is learned through these experiences; and how the process of Making in school feels. This paper highlights three key issues that have been marginalised to date in discussions of Making in schools: (1) lack of pragmatic engagement, (2) affective labour of failing; and (3) mediated alienation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ARTIFICIAL implants, BIOMEDICAL materials, DIAGNOSTIC imaging, MEDICAL imaging systems, DESIGN, and SURGEONS

The conventional design process is prior to surgical interventions. The accuracy and efficiency of this method is heavily dependent on experiences and skills of the designer. In order to decrease the dependence on design experience and enhance the participation of surgeons in the design process, we developed a novel method to design and fabricate customized exact-fit medical implant. This method involves several technologies such as three-dimensional geometry modeling based on sectional medical images, triangular mesh defragmentation and rapid (RP) prototyping technology. With the help of a three-dimensional triangular mesh model and RP model, surgeons and engineers could consult conveniently over the design process and modify the design to achieve an exact-fit implant. The result indicates that by using this method the accuracy and efficiency is improved greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NEW product development, OPTICAL scanners, and RAPID prototyping

While the combination of 3D scanning and printing processes holds much promise for the field of new product development, problems with repeatability and accuracy have limited the wider spread adoption of some digital prototyping tools, such as 3D scanners. Studies have explored the errors inherent in higher fidelity scan to print (S2P) processes, yet few have explored the errors in S2P processes that leverage affordable rapid noncontact scanners. Studies have yet to explore the strategies that designers, who are experienced with additive manufacturing, employ to mitigate errors. To address these gaps, a controlled study was conducted using data from 27 scans collected with a prototypical off-the-shelf noncontact optical scanner. The geometric and dimensional integrity of the digital models was found to be significantly out of tolerance at various phases of the S2P process, as compared to the original physical model. Larger errors were found more consistently in the data acquisition phase of the S2P process, but results indicate these errors were not sufficiently filtered out during the remainder of the process. A behavioral study was conducted with 13 experienced designers in digital fabrication to determine strategies for manually cleaning Point Clouds. Actions such as increase or decrease in brush size and select or de-select points were recorded. These actions were analyzed using hidden Markov modeling, which revealed distinct patterns of behavior. Designer strategies were not beneficial and digital models produced by designers were found to be significantly smaller than original physical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAPID prototyping, DOCUMENTATION, INTERNETWORKING, NUMERICAL control of machine tools, and WOLFRAM language (Computer program language)

This paper describes the process for design, development and fabrication of a lamp prototype that worked as an experiment in “digital bridges” between different software, using Mathematica as the main source for design geometry that is passed dynamically to platforms for documentation, lighting analysis and rendering, as well as CNC machining for final fabrication. The process will be used as key for discussing the dynamic relationship between variation, design option and analysis, in relation to the richness of our design culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAPID prototyping, WEARABLE technology, TECHNOLOGICAL innovations, CLOTHING & dress, and TEXTILE industry

As the lines between computing and textiles blur, so do the lines between computing and human bodies. Wearable technology is evolving to a point where it pervades many aspects of human lives. One has become accustomed to being surrounded with technological conveniences. Soon, the garments will become mobile devices that will seamlessly connect one to his/her networks. They will give and receive vital information through interfaces that become so integrated into the actions and activities that they become less invasive and more pervasive. This Essay presents a vision for the future of sensor‐enabled garment‐based wearable technology and identifies barriers faced by designers in the creation of wearable technology. Case studies illustrate problems encountered in both a micro‐ and macroscale from three different perspectives uncovered during the discovery and application of various methods of embedding circuits into textiles projects. The identification of five key areas that need changes in order to bridge the gap between textiles and electronics are discussed alongside the benefits of bringing technology "out of the box" which will revolutionize how one approaches many aspects of his/her current lives. This Essay discusses a vision for the future of sensor enabled garment based wearable technology and identifies barriers faced by designers, using case studies that illustrate the problems encountered in both prototyping and production. The focus is on the discovery and application of various methods of embedding circuits to textiles projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TOPOLOGY, THREE-dimensional printing, RAPID prototyping, METALS, and STRAINS & stresses (Mechanics)

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to communicate a method to perform simultaneous topology optimization of component and support structures considering typical metal additive manufacturing (AM) restrictions and post-print machining requirements.Design/methodology/approach An integrated topology optimization is proposed using two density fields: one describing the design and another defining the support layout. Using a simplified AM process model, critical overhang angle restrictions are imposed on the design. Through additional load cases and constraints, sufficient stiffness against subtractive machining loads is enforced. In addition, a way to handle non-design regions in an AM setting is introduced.Findings The proposed approach is found to be effective in producing printable optimized geometries with adequate stiffness against machining loads. It is shown that post-machining requirements can affect optimal support structure layout.Research limitations/implications This study uses a simplified AM process model based on geometrical characteristics. A challenge remains to integrate more detailed physical AM process models to have direct control of stress, distortion and overheating.Practical implications The presented method can accelerate and enhance the design of high performance parts for AM. The consideration of post-print aspects is expected to reduce the need for design adjustments after optimization.Originality/value The developed method is the first to combine AM printability and machining loads in a single topology optimization process. The formulation is general and can be applied to a wide range of performance and manufacturability requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MANUFACTURES, RAPID prototyping, ARCHITECTURAL design, DILEMMA, CONSTRAINT satisfaction, and STANDARDIZATION

At the disposal of today's architect is an evolving array of interoperable tools and processes that allow the fabrication of design propositions to be increasingly complex, non-standard and adaptive. How are we equipped to deal with such a growing breadth of new potential, and how are the philosophies that underpin this potential being defined? This paper attempts to address what is something of a contemporary dilemma in architecture, as the constraints of industrial standardisation are relaxed. Have the roles of designers and makers changed in a way that we've not experienced before, and is a new approach to making architecture emerging? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DESIGN, RAPID prototyping, INTERACTIVE computer systems, SURFACES (Technology), DEFORMATION of surfaces, COMPUTER-aided design, and MODELS & modelmaking

There is an increasing demand in conceptual design for more intuitive methods for creating and modifying freeform curves and surfaces in CAD modeling systems. The methods should be based not only on the change of the mathematical parameters but also on the user's specified constraints and shapes. This paper presents a new surface representation model for freeform surface deformation representation. The model is a combination of two functions: a displacement function and a function for representing an existing NURBS surface called a parent surface. Based on the surface model, the authors develop several novel deformation methods which are named SingleDef (Single-point constraint based deformation method), MultiDef (Multiple-points constraints based deformation method), CurDef (Curve constraints based deformation method) and FeatDef (Feature constraint based deformation method). The techniques for freeform surface deformation allow conceptual designers to modify a parent surface by directly applying point constraints, curve constraint or a surface constraint to the parent surface. The deformation methods are implemented in an experimental CAD system. The results show that designers can easily and intuitively control the surface shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

POWER electronics, CONVERTERS (Electronics), RAPID prototyping, and DESIGN

In recent years, different off-the-shelf solutions for the rapid control prototyping of power electronics converters have been commercialised. The main benefits of those systems are based on a fast and easy-to-use environment due to high-level programming. However, most of those systems are very expensive and are closed software and hardware solutions. In this context, this paper presents the design and implementation of a control platform targeting at the segment in between expensive off-the-shelf control platforms and low-cost controllers. The control platform is based on the Launchpad TMS320F28379D from Texas Instruments, and it is equipped with an expansion board that provide analogue-to-digital measurements, switching signals and hardware protections. The performance of the control platform is experimentally tested on a 20 kVA power converter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

THREE-dimensional printing, DESIGN, MANUFACTURING industries, RAPID prototyping, and COMPUTER-aided design software

Purpose This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the state-of–the-art design methods for additive manufacturing (AM) technologies to improve functional performance.Design/methodology/approach In this survey, design methods for AM to improve functional performance are divided into two main groups. They are design methods for a specific objective and general design methods. Design methods in the first group primarily focus on the improvement of functional performance, while the second group also takes other important factors such as manufacturability and cost into consideration with a more general framework. Design methods in each groups are carefully reviewed with discussion and comparison.Findings The advantages and disadvantages of different design methods for AM are discussed in this paper. Some general issues of existing methods are summarized below: most existing design methods only focus on a single design scale with a single function; few product-level design methods are available for both products’ functionality and assembly; and some existing design methods are hard to implement for the lack of suitable computer-aided design software.Practical implications This study is a useful source for designers to select an appropriate design method to take full advantage of AM.Originality/value In this survey, a novel classification method is used to categorize existing design methods for AM. Based on this classification method, a comprehensive review is provided in this paper as an informative source for designers and researchers working in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTERACTIVE kiosk design & construction, PAVILION design & construction, HEALTH care industry, ENVIRONMENTAL engineering, RAPID prototyping, ATTITUDE (Psychology), COMPUTER terminals, ECOLOGY, HEALTH facilities, HEALTH facility design & construction, MEDICAL personnel, USER interfaces, PATIENT participation, and ACQUISITION of data

Involving users through participation in healthcare service and environment design is growing. Existing approaches and toolkits for practitioners and researchers are often paper based involving workshops and other more traditional design approaches such as paper prototyping. The advent of digital technology provides the opportunity to explore new platforms for user participation. This paper presents results from three studies that used a bespoke situated user participation digital kiosk, engaging 33 users in investigating healthcare environment design. The studies, from primary and secondary care settings, allowed participant feedback on each environment and proved a novel, engaging "21st century" way to participate in the appraisal of the design process. The results point toward this as an exciting and growing area of research in developing not just a new method of user participation but also the technology that supports it. Limitations were noted in terms of data validity and engagement with the device. To guide the development of user participation using similar situated digital devices, key lessons and reflections are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AMORPHOUS magnetic materials, HIGH frequency transformers, TOROIDAL magnetic circuits, RENEWABLE energy sources, CONVERTERS (Electronics), RAPID prototyping, THREE-dimensional display systems, and MAGNETIC circuits

Recent improvements in magnetic material characteristics and switching devices have generated a possibility to replace the electrical buses with high-frequency magnetic links in microgrids. Multiwinding transformers (MWTs) as magnetic links can effectively reduce the number of conversion stages of renewable energy system by adjusting turn ratio of windings according to the source voltage level. Other advantages are galvanic isolation, bidirectional power flow capability, and simultaneous power transfer between multiple ports. Despite the benefits, design, and characterization of MWTs are relatively complex due to their structural complexity and cross-coupling effects. This paper presents all stages of numerical design, prototyping, and characterization of an MWT for microgrid application. To design the transformer for certain value of parameters, the reluctance network method is employed. Due to the iterative nature of transformer design, it presented less computation time and reasonable accuracy. A prototype of designed transformer is implemented using amorphous magnetic materials. A set of experimental tests are conducted to measure the magnetic characteristics of the core and series coupling and open-circuit tests are applied to measure the transformer parameters. A comparison between the simulation and experimental test results under different loads within the medium-frequency range validated both design and modeling procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EXPERT systems (Computer science), SPECIFICATIONS, DESIGN, RAPID prototyping, and PRODUCT design

Product design and optimisation today involves so many fields of expertise, many of which are in rapid evolution, that it can be very difficult for the designer to manage them. This paper describes the development of the DGLs (Design Guidelines), a knowledge-based tool that could be of great help to designers and engineers in modifying their products to get compatibility with different manufacturing and verification technologies. The current release of the DGLs, heavily influenced by the adoption of some ISO-GPS (Geometrical Product Specification) concepts, has been validated using the Rapid Prototyping technique called FDM (Fluid Deposition Modelling) and the CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) verification technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUTHENTIC learning, INSTRUCTIONAL systems design, ACTIVE learning, DESIGN students, ONLINE education, and VIRTUAL classrooms

Integrating authentic learning opportunities into online courses can be particularly challenging. These challenges have contributed to a lack of examples (i.e., case studies) of how online instructors have successfully integrated authentic learning into their courses (Vo et al. 2018). This article fills this gap by describing the process of redesigning an online graduate-level instructional design course to incorporate authentic learning activities. This course integrated authentic learning principles and a real-world project situated in a real-life context, allowing students to develop instructional design skills, including project management, stakeholder negotiation, and product design, development, and testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CROP management, AGRICULTURAL innovations, SIMULATION methods & models, AGRICULTURAL industries, RAPID prototyping, and EXPERIMENTAL agriculture

Abstract: To help agricultural advisors to propose innovative crop management systems, simulation models can be a complementary tool to field experiments and prototyping. Crop management systems can be modelled either by using a vector representing dates and quantities used as input parameters in crop models or by developing specific decision models linked with biophysical models. The general design process of crop management systems by simulation follows a four-step loop (GSEC): (i) generation; (ii) simulation; (iii) evaluation; (iv) comparison and choice. The Generation step can follow different approaches: from blind generation before simulation to optimization procedures using artificial intelligence algorithms during the loop process. Simulation is mainly an engineering problem. Evaluation process means assigning a vector of indicators to the simulated crop management systems. A three-point evaluation can be carried out on the simulated crop management systems: global, agronomic and analytical. Comparison and choice of different simulated crop management systems raise the question of “monetary” versus “non-monetary” comparison and how to aggregate different quantities such as drainage, nitrogen fertilisers, labour, etc. Different examples are given to illustrate the GSEC loop on the basis of research programs conducted in France. Methodological advances and challenges are then discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

COMPUTER-aided design, CAD/CAM systems, MANUFACTURING processes, POLYMERIZATION research, THREE-dimensional printing, and RAPID prototyping

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to suggest the joint use of computer-aided design (CAD) and additive manufacturing (AM) technology for the fabrication of custom-made moulds, designed for the manufacture of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implants for cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction to reduce their fabrication time. Even though tailor-made skull prostheses with a high technological level and state-of-the-art materials are available in the market, they are not always accessible to the general population in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach – Computed tomography data were handled to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of the injury of the patient, by reconstructing Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images into an Standard Tessellation Language (STL) file that was further used to design the corresponding implant using CAD software. Accordingly, a two-piece core and cavity moulds that replicated the implant geometry was also CAD designed. The 3D-CAD data were sent to an AM machine (fused deposition modelling) and the moulds were fabricated using polycarbonate as thermoplastic material. A reacting mixture to produce PMMA was poured directly into the fabricated moulds, and left to polymerise until cure. Finally, a clear bubble-free case of study PMMA implant was obtained. Findings – The fabrication of CAD-designed moulds with AM, replacing the production of the injury model, resulted in the reduction of the lead-time in the manufacturing of PMMA around 45 per cent. Additionally, the implant showed better fit than the one produced by conventional process. The use of AM moulds for the fabrication of PMMA implants has demonstrated the reduction in lead-time, which potentially can reduce the waiting time for patients. Social implications – Currently, the demand of cranio-maxillofacial implants at only the Hospital General de México “Dr Eduardo Liceaga” (HGM) is 4,000 implants per year, and the average waiting time for each patient is between 5 and 10 weeks, including third-party services’ delays and the time needed to obtain the economical resources by the patient. Public hospitals in Mexico lack manufacturing facilities, so patients have to make use of laboratories abroad and most of the population have no access to them. The implementation of this suggested procedure in public hospitals may improve the accuracy of the implant, increase the number of patients attended per year (up to 83 per cent) and the reduction in waiting time can also reduce mortality and infection rates. Originality/value – The authors of this paper suggest the joint use of CAD and AM technologies to significantly reduce the production time of PMMA implants by producing moulds rather than the injury model, maintaining the general terms and known steps of the process already established for PMMA implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INDUSTRIALIZATION, MANUFACTURING processes, INDUSTRIAL engineering, and RAPID prototyping

Abstract: Manufacturing high-gradient superconducting cavities for future accelerators requires detailed knowledge of the entire production process. This knowledge has to be transferred from the laboratories, which are developing the process, to industry in order to achieve reproducible results in the industrial production of large numbers of cavities. The paper introduces DESY’s approach to process industrialization based on the use of an engineering data management system (EDMS). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

INTRAOCULAR lenses, MANUFACTURING processes, TREATMENT of cataracts, REFRACTIVE errors, and RAPID prototyping

Intraocular lens implantation surgery is the only approach for cataract treatment at present. Apart from removing the cloudy lens, correction of refractive errors becomes the second main function of intraocular lenses. This paper systematically summarizes the intraocular lenses in terms of its material, design, manufacturing and evaluation. The next generation of intraocular lenses with customized freeform surfaces is highlighted from the lens design viewpoint. The status of processing and measurement methods is presented for both current intraocular lenses and future freeform lenses. Finally, the research perspectives are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DATA modeling, DATA analysis, INFORMATION modeling, NEW product development, and RAPID prototyping

One-off or Batch upgrading is the term given to the process of improving one or several operational instances of complex products or systems (e.g., trains, aircrafts, etc.) during their life span. Other products such as cars or personal computers are regularly improved through redesign, generation after generation; however, redesign never concerns only one or several instance(s). The main challenge presented in this paper is to provide a suitable framework to analyse one-off and batch upgrading processes. This framework targets at containing required concepts and drivers for upgrade problem posing. The axiom beneath this research is that the goal of upgradings is to improve the performances of products or systems. Upgrade-to-performance, UtP in short, represents this paradigm that will be defined and illustrated through examples. To reach this goal, necessary concepts are defined and linked together through a generic data model. The UtP data model can be used in a conceptual way clarifying the scope of the upgrading process. It can also be specialized to specific industrial domain and used as the main driver of the design of a database for a given upgrading projects. The use case reported concerns the conversion of a passenger train into an express freight where the focus is put on enlarging a coach’ door. The results are then discussed to figure out the links between the UtP problem-posing and problem-solving methods and the gaps to fill. Finally, further research niches are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ARTIFICIAL feet, SINTERING, AMPUTEE rehabilitation, FOOT abnormalities, FOOT surgery, STIFFNESS, and GAIT disorder treatment

Proper selection of prosthetic foot-ankle components with appropriate design characteristics is critical for successful amputee rehabilitation. Elastic energy storage and return (ESAR) feet have been developed in an effort to improve amputee gait. However the clinical efficacy of ESAR feet has been inconsistent, which could be due to inappropriate stiffness levels prescribed for a given amputee. Although a number of studies have analyzed the effect of ESAR feet on gait performance, the relationships between the stiffness characteristics and gait performance are not well understood. A challenge to understanding these relationships is the inability of current manufacturing techniques to easily generate feet with varying stiffness levels. The objective of this study was to develop a rapid protolyping framework using selective laser sintering (SLS) for the creation of prosthetic feet that can be used as a means to quantify the influence of varying foot stiffness on transtibial amputee walking. The framework successfully duplicated the stiffness characteristics of a commercial carbon fiber ESAR foot. The feet were mechanically tested and an experimental case study was performed to verify that the locomotor characteristics of the amputee's gait were the same when walking with the carbon fiber ESAR and SLS designs. Three-dimensional ground reaction force, kinematic, and kinetic quantities were measured while the subject walked at 1.2 m/s. The SLS foot was able to replicate the mechanical loading response and locomotor patterns of the ESAR foot within ±2 standard deviations. This validated the current framework as a means to fabricate SLS-based ESAR prosthetic feet. Future work will be directed at creating feet with a range of stiffness levels to investigate appropriate prescription criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]