Manufacturing Technology Today

M. Eswaramoorthi ¹, P. S. S. Prasad ¹, P. V. Mohanram ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engg., PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, IN

Abstract

In manufacturing, assembly is one of the major activities that combine the machined components into final product. Decision on assembly sequence (line balancing) and appropriate facility layout adaptable to takt time with cost benefit is a challenging task. This paper presents an effective cost model to configure the assembly system based on cost per piece. The proposed cost model is experimented with a prototype assembly system established in this research to demonstrate its effectiveness. The experiments conducted for pneumatic cylinder assembly with different takt times indicates that the proposed procedure can be used effectively to configure the assembly systems to promote lean operations.

Keywords

Value Added Activity, Waste, Takt Time, Lean Machine, Lean Maintenance.

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B. Gangadhara Shetty ¹, P. S. S. Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Mechanical Engg., PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, IN

Abstract

Surface roughness measurement of a complex geometry has been one of the challenging tasks of a precision component manufacturing industry. Holding such components of complex and irregular geometry in conventional methods is difficult and sometimes impossible too. In this context, flexible work holding fixtures may come to the rescue of users to hold the component in a desired position and orientation with respect to the measuring device. In the present work, a flexible work holding fixture using Magnetorheological (MR) fluid has been proposed. This fixture is capable of holding all regular, irregular and complex shaped components of any material and constrains all degrees of freedom (DOF), during measurement. A mathematical model has also been developed to evaluate the holding strength of the MR fluid, based on the various forces acting on the component while holding. The efficiency of proposed device/method was demonsfrated to hold the component during surface roughness measurement and then measuring time was determined to compare with conventional one.

Keywords

Complex Geometry, Flexible Fixture, Irregular Shape, Surface Roughness, Magnetorheological Fluid.

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G. Madhan Mohan ¹, P. S. S. Prasad ², K. Sunitha ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Prod. Engg., PSG College of Technology, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, IN
2 Dept. of Mechanical Engg., PSG College of Technology, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, IN

Abstract

Manual work is still customary in many Indian foundries. They provide ample employment opportunities, nevertheless physically intensive. The study aims (a) to carry out a survey with an appropriately designed questionnaire amongst Indian foundry workers; and (b) to identify most risky activities using statistical analysis. This study also attempts to establish a logistic regression model to relate the probability of worker facing an accident with demographic data of the worker. Fifty-eight foundry workers were interviewed individually. The study revealed that there is a 92.9% risk in 'Discharging of liquefied metal from furnace to ladle', followed by 'Transfer of molten metal from one furnace to another' with an 88.9% risk. The study has brought forth the major hazardous work in a foundry, such that necessary focus can be directed to reduce occupational health issues amongst workers.

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