https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/929 2026-10-17T11:44:51Z 2026-10-17T11:44:51Z Borg, Jonathan C. MacCallum, K. J. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149347 2026-09-24T09:33:50Z 1996-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Structuring knowledge of life-cycle consequences for supporting concurrent design exploration Authors: Borg, Jonathan C.; MacCallum, K. J. Abstract: This paper is concerned with the development of a model for knowledge of consequences which can support provident reasoning design. The work is focused on part design synthesis decision making so as to support individual designers engaged in life-cycle design exploration. The emerging model is one based on structured relationships between a number of aspects which are considered to be the source of life-cycle consequences. namely Features [Fl. Parameter values [V]. Material [M]. Constraints [C] and Process [PI factors. The approach is seen to be a framework for the systematization of domain knowledge which can subsequently be employed in a Knowledge Intensive CAD system for supporting concurrent design of components. Examples in the approach are drawn from the domain of injection moulded plastic components.

1996-01-01T00:00:00Z Thiele, H. Weber, S. Reichwein, J. Bartolo, J. A. Tchana, Y. Jimenez, L. Borg, Jonathan C. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149344 2026-09-24T09:21:49Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A scrum agile integrated development framework Authors: Thiele, H.; Weber, S.; Reichwein, J.; Bartolo, J. A.; Tchana, Y.; Jimenez, L.; Borg, Jonathan C. Abstract: With design methodologies, as Integrated Product Development, industry is continuously looking to improve their product development processes. Staying ahead concurrence forces them to deliver new and more complex products in shorter time. When it comes to fast delivery and requirement changes, product development can be inspired by agile methods. Although the application is difficult, the idea to implement these methods for development of products other than software comes out. To ease its implementation, this paper proposes to use IPD as a framework for agile product development.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Amza, Cătălin Gheorghe Zapciu, Aurelian Eyþórsdóttir, Arnheiður Björnsdóttir, Auðbjörg Borg, Jonathan C. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149343 2026-09-24T09:12:39Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Embedding ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers in 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) parts Authors: Amza, Cătălin Gheorghe; Zapciu, Aurelian; Eyþórsdóttir, Arnheiður; Björnsdóttir, Auðbjörg; Borg, Jonathan C. Abstract: This study aims to assess whether ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers can be successfully embedded in a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix in a material extrusion 3D printing (ME3DP) process, despite the apparent thermal incompatibility between the two materials. The work started with assessing the maximum PLA extrusion temperatures at which UHMWPE fibers withstand the 3D printing process without melting or severe degradation. After testing various fiber orientations and extrusion temperatures, it has been found that the maximum extrusion temperature depends on fiber orientation relative to extrusion pathing and varies between 175°C and 185°C at an ambient temperature of 25°C. Multiple specimens with embedded strands of UHMWPE fibers have been 3D printed and following tensile strength tests on the fabricated specimens, it has been found that adding even a small number of fiber strands laid in the same direction as the load increased tensile strength by 12% to 23% depending on the raster angle, even when taking into account the decrease in tensile strength due to reduced performance of the PLA substrate caused by lower extrusion temperatures.

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z Yan, X.-T. Borg, Jonathan C. Juster, N. P. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149342 2026-09-24T09:07:16Z 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Concurrent modelling of components and realization systems to support proactive design for manufacture/assembly Authors: Yan, X.-T.; Borg, Jonathan C.; Juster, N. P. Abstract: Increasing market pressure is forcing manufacturing companies to improve product lead times and quality at reduced cost. An important approach aimed at tackling these problems is to generate manufacturing/assembly system models concurrently with the design solutions of a component. A designer can therefore make product design decisions while having access to, and interacting with, the evolving 'virtual' manufacturing system models. This allows designers to foresee any potential manufacturing problems caused by design decisions. This paper presents an approach that proactively supports designers in making informed design decisions, through the timely revelation of knowledge about manufacturing and assembly processes. Such knowledge, when provided early in the design process, allows designers to avoid negative implications and to use positive ones. Based on this approach, a knowledge-intensive computer aided design (KICAD) prototype tool, named FORESEE, has been developed. FORESEE is a proof-of-concept system and allows designers to foresee and explore manufacturing and assembly consequences caused by design decisions, as the design of a mechanical component evolves. The paper presents an outline of the KICAD approach, together with a brief description of FORESEE's architecture and implementation. The application of FORESEE is demonstrated through a thermoplastic component design case study. FORESEE has been evaluated by practising designers. Evaluation results indicate that the approach has the potential proactively to support component design.

2001-01-01T00:00:00Z