https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/74126 2026-04-14T18:44:28Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/74749 Title: Developing an enhanced video communication system between multidiscipline dispersed teams Abstract: Today’s globalisation encourages several companies that are globally distributed to virtually collaborate on a common task to maximise time and money. This project includes a process improvement methodology which is the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) process on a system that already exists at Methode Electronics Malta Ltd. This system, also known as the Hawk-Eye system, is used to video conference between Malta and Egypt to avoid experts in Malta having to travel to Egypt to solve issues with relation to maintenance and repair. The improvements are essential since presently this system does not encourage the user to make use of it, as most of the times there is misunderstanding and bad quality in communication techniques. Hence, the experts in Malta need to travel onsite. This results in a long downtime to solve issues and thus incurring travel expenses. The newly developed system was a gradual improvement of the current system by utilizing the five phases of the DMAIC methodology. The newly developed system was improved by considering both literature review and the DMAIC methodology. Different communication techniques and mediums where analysed in detail to identify and choose the correct elements for this particular system. It is important that the company’s and users’ needs are clear so that the system will meet their expectations and goals. By means of DMAIC process, the problem was first defined and was then followed by the Measure phase to identify the greatest limitations that the users are facing with the current system. In the Analyse phase, the data collected in the Measure phase and root causes of the limitations were analysed. Then the Improvement phase included the different elements to enhance the system with the help of the data collected and the literature review. Finally, the Control phase includes which techniques should be utilized so that the system remains in control and will be further improved. A number of different quality tools are used throughout the different phases of both the DMAIC such as the Cause and Effect diagram, Pareto Chart and Affinity Diagram. Description: B.ENG (HONS) 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/74741 Title: Two-component injection moulding of thermoset elastomer and rigid thermoplastic Abstract: This project is a collaboration between the University of Malta and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Malta. The main aim of this project is to investigate the process parameters which should be optimised to produce rubber to plastic products (a subset of two component technology) with the best possible bond strength between the rigid thermoplastic component and the thermoset elastomer component of the final product. Two-component injection moulding of thermoset elastomer (rubber) and thermoplastic is a new technology that enables the production of components made from those two material types without the use of conventional moulding processes such as over moulding) or post-processes (assembly). However, the moulding material combinations proposed by TSS involve balancing competing temperature processes with the high-performance thermoplastic component being injected from a hot barrel to a cold mould and the reverse for the high-performance engineering thermoset elastomer component. These two competing requirements in the same mould will affect the process itself, making it a rather delicate and unpredictable process without adequate analysis. The project commenced with the proper research and selection of software- based tools that would be used to conduct an in-depth analysis to support the optimisation of the production process. Once the tools were selected, specific equipment and material knowledge was expanded upon within TSS facilities and production, validation testing, materials testing, characterization analyses and finally the optimized process parameters were obtained and shared with TSS in the form of this report. Description: B.ENG (HONS) 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/74733 Title: Sustainability assessment of recyclable and reusable plastic cosmetic packages Abstract: The importance of sustainability has become increasingly relevant in past years, with the government, businesses, and the general public alike striving to improve their environmental footprint in various aspects of their life. This sense of sustainable urgency also applies to the cosmetic industry, which contributes significantly to the global plastic manufactured and used worldwide. The main tool used to assess the proposed methodology was the life cycle analysis (LCA). The primary goal of this study was to analyse the total life cycle environmental impact of a reusable cosmetic product and a recyclable cosmetic product. This was done by creating several different versions of the existing cosmetic product being analysed, with each version housing a specific attribute change. Some examples of the attribute alterations include applying different rates of dematerialisation, adding recycling potential, and altering the product’s design to study the effect that this has on sustainability. In total seven versions were proposed, including the original existing version which was treated as the benchmark. Results showed that the most environmentally friendly version proved to be the design which eliminated the use of the pan altogether, thus allowing the cosmetic powder to be inserted directly into the case itself. However, this was deemed as not being entirely realistic, since the pan component design cannot be altered easily. Thus, the most environmental version resulted in being the version which is both reusable and recyclable. In addition to this, the variation of the environmental footprint with regards to all phases of the plastic cosmetic product’s life cycle, i.e. raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and end of life, were also analysed. It was found that throughout all the seven versions, the biggest contributor by far was contributed to the raw material extraction and manufacturing stages. Furthermore, the effect of how altering different parameters such as the manufacturing location, and end of life location were studied. Results showed that manufacturing in Malta proved to be 13% more environmentally friendly than manufacturing in China, and that using and disposing of this product in Europe proved to be on average 44% more environmentally friendly then the proposed alternative in the United States of America. Finally, the cost aspect of sustainability was also discussed by using the life cycle costing tool. In summary, this exercise found that the highest part contributor to the case assembly was the mirror, and that manufacturing in China proved to be cheaper overall than manufacturing in Malta. Description: B.ENG (HONS) 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/74533 Title: Design of a 3D printed industrial robotic manipulator Abstract: Industrial robotic manipulators are a whole family of industrial machinery whose purpose is to, accurately and precisely, position and orient tools called end-effectors from one location to another. These so-called end-effectors come in the form of grippers, welding torches, power tools and countless other devices that are designed to accomplish specific industrial operations. This project explores the possibility of designing an original industrial robotic manipulator and subsequently transforming the design into an operational prototype through the application of 3D printing technologies. The finished product was to replicate the performance observed in a real-life manipulator as accurately as possible, with all limitations considered. The methodology adopted was based on ‘The Basic Design Cycle’ of engineering design theory. During the problem analysis stage, the quantifiable, physical, safety and technological requirements were drawn up in a Product Design Specifications (PDS) chart. Once these requirements were formulated, the design process was branched into two sections, so that the solution could be developed in stages. In preparation of the design processes, the torques required at each joint were estimated through a static model analysis, which was based on the quantifiable requirements set in the PDS. The results obtained could then be used as a general guideline throughout the following design process sections. The first section involved the design, prototyping and optimization of the first joint prototype, which determined the fundamental elements of the entire robotic manipulator. The second section featured the incorporation of the optimized robotic joint design into the whole scheme of the project. Having defined the main elements in the first section, the second stage focussed more on the selection of concepts, configurations, and actuators. The assembly as well as the control system of the whole industrial robotic manipulator were designed based on the decisions made. Finally, once the complete prototype was produced and assembled, evaluation and testing were carried out as to define its performance. Strengths, limitations and possible improvements of both design and physical prototype were also specified. Description: B.ENG (HONS) 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z