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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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