Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/73766
Title: Case study : evaluation and optimization of a reconfigurable system for automated assembly of deformable products
Authors: Azzopardi, Josmar
Saliba, Michael A.
Keywords: Manufacturing processes -- Automation
Flexible manufacturing systems
Automation
Issue Date: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Citation: Azzopardi, J., & Saliba, M. A. (2015). Case study : evaluation and optimization of a reconfigurable system for automated assembly of deformable products. 25th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing (FAIM 2015), Wolverhampton. 324-331.
Abstract: Nowadays many commercial products have a certain degree of deformability which brings a set of challenges to the industrial automation scenario. An industry that is affected significantly by this is the medical product sector. In the case study presented here, a manufacturing company that operates in this sector produces a high quantity of flexible intravenous sets. The automatic assembly line used for the production was originally designed for a single product, however in response to market demands the company has modified the line to manufacture a number of product variants. This has resulted in a drop in operational efficiency of the line. This work presents a thorough investigation of this problem as a case study in the application of formal evaluation, optimization and design tools to a complex automation problem. After an analysis involving engineering tools such as operational equipment efficiency metrics and 5-why analysis, the transfer and holding of coiled tubes were identified as problem areas. Through the appropriate use of design tools and investigation in Total Productive Maintenance pillars, a number of potential design and maintenance improvements were identified. The eventual adoption of these measures are projected to lead to 55% reduction of the current lost revenue.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/73766
Appears in Collections:Scholarly Works - FacEngME



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