Search Results (161)

Entropy is a foundational concept across scientific domains, playing a role in understanding disorder, randomness, and uncertainty within systems. This study applies Shannon’s entropy in information theory to evaluate and manage complexity in industrial supply chain management. The purpose of the study is to propose a quantitative modeling method, employing Shannon’s entropy model as a proxy to assess the complexity in SCs. The underlying assumption is that information entropy serves as a proxy for the complexity of the SC. The research method is quantitative modeling, which is applied to four focal companies from the agrifood and metalworking industries in Southern Brazil. The results showed that companies prioritizing cost and quality exhibit lower complexity compared to those emphasizing flexibility and dependability. Additionally, information flows related to specially engineered products and deliveries show significant differences in average entropies, indicating that organizational complexities vary according to competitive priorities. The implications of this suggest that a focus on cost and quality in SCM may lead to lower complexity, in opposition to a focus on flexibility and dependability, influencing strategic decision making in industrial contexts. This research introduces the novel application of information entropy to assess and control complexity within industrial SCs. Future studies can explore and validate these insights, contributing to the evolving field of supply chain management. Full article

This paper presents an Industrial–Ecological Symbiosis Framework that enables industrial operations to achieve quantifiable ecological gains without compromising operational efficiency. The model integrates Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with AI-optimised forecasting to allow real-time adjustments to production and resource use. It was tested across the apparel manufacturing, metalworking, and mining sectors using publicly available benchmark datasets. The framework delivered consistent improvements: fabric waste was reduced by 10.8%, energy efficiency increased by 15%, and carbon emissions decreased by 14%. These gains were statistically validated and quantified using ecological equivalence metrics, including forest carbon sequestration rates and wetland restoration values. Outputs align with national carbon accounting systems, SDG reporting, and policy frameworks—specifically contributing to SDGs 6, 9, and 11–13. By linking industrial decisions directly to verified environmental outcomes, this study demonstrates how adaptive optimisation can support climate goals while maintaining productivity. The framework offers a reproducible, cross-sectoral solution for sustainable industrial development. Full article

This paper analyzed the importance of applying modern concepts and tools for monitoring production processes in order to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing. The aim of the study was to develop and apply a stochastic model based on a modified real-time observation method to optimize production cycles in the metalworking industry. The research was conducted over several years in real industrial conditions using instantaneous observations, and the collected data were statistically analyzed using control charts and flow coefficient functions. The results showed a significant reduction in production cycle times and improved efficiency, particularly when the batch size was optimized to 10 units. The analyzed working time elements and flow coefficients enabled a comprehensive analysis and influenced trends in subsequent years, thereby improving production management. A comparative analysis of the results reveals a downward trend in average PC time per unit over the years—56.2, 37.7, 31.5, and 44.8 min from phases I to IV—until the introduction of a new operation. The corresponding flow coefficient functions are y₁ = 297.54/x + 2; y₂ = 239/x − 7.36; y₃ = 192/x + 0.65; and y₄ = 438.2/x − 11.3. These findings suggest that the optimal batch size for the enterprise under consideration is 10 units. The findings confirmed that the integration of Lean principles and Industry 4.0 methods contributes to the reduction of non-productive time and better process control. The study provided a simple and effective model for cycle time optimization that can be implemented even in small and medium-sized enterprises. Full article

Introduction: Cold welding is an anecdotally well-known complication of removal of metalwork, most commonly at the screw–plate interface, and can often complicate extraction of implants after fracture fixation. Even though this phenomenon is familiar amongst the orthopedic community, there is relatively little formalized discussion or literature pertaining to its identification and management clinically. In addition, as far as we can establish, there does not seem to be a paper that discusses the various techniques described in the literature that are employed to combat cold welding. Methods: A systematic review was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA guidance, with two independent reviewers and a third person to arbitrate for any discrepancies. Manuscripts were identified using a search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar. Studies eligible for inclusion were tabulated and the results categorized qualitatively with respect to the technique described for removal of the implants. Results: A total of 272 manuscripts were identified using a search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar, and of these 14 were ruled to be eligible for inclusion reporting on 292 patients. Common locations of the cold-welded screws included femur, tibia, distal radius and clavicle. The most common technique for metalwork removal was using either bolt cutters or burrs to cut the plates between the screws and mobilize the screw and plate as one unit. Other techniques included using specialized removal tools and cutting between the screw head and body. There was no appreciable correlation between the specific anatomic location of the welded implant and the technique used in its removal. From the studies, it was found that, of the total number of screws (n = 1654), 58 (3.5%) were cold welded. The mean time to metalwork removal was 1104 days (36.8 months). Conclusions: As far as we can tell, this is the first systematic review pertaining to the phenomenon of cold welding specifically, and with this project we have collated the techniques used to remove implants affected by cold welding from a variety of different articles. Our work aims to highlight the relative paucity of literature in this area and provide a number of accessible and safe techniques to facilitate the removal of cold-welded implants in fracture fixation. Full article

Laser cutting processes entail the cutting of metal sheets by the emission of a laser source that melts the material along defined paths, potentially generating incidental metal nanoparticles (IMNPs). These particles have been associated with genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory responses. However, quantitative data on IMNP emissions remain limited. This study assessed IMNP emissions from CO₂ and fiber laser cutting through two monitoring days at a high-precision metalworking facility in Italy. The first day dealt with environmental monitoring, while the second included both personal and environmental monitoring. Personal sampling consistently indicated elevated particle number concentrations and lung-deposited surface area, with average values reaching up to five times the background level (161,960 n/cm³) and peak concentrations as high as 2,781,962 particles/cm³. Environmental concentrations increased significantly only during CO₂ stainless steel cutting (95,670 n/cm³). Depending on the process, 73–89% of the emitted particles were <300 nm, with substantial enrichment in the nanoparticle fraction. Emission profiles varied by laser source, metal, and sheet thickness, with the highest concentrations recorded during CO₂-laser cutting of stainless steel. These findings provide preliminary evidence of occupational exposure to IMNPs during laser cutting and highlight the need for systematic exposure assessments to quantify the potential occupational health risk. Full article

The widespread use of mineral cutting fluids in metalworking poses challenges due to their poor wettability, toxicity, and non-biodegradability. This study explores cactus oil-based nanofluids as sustainable alternatives for metal cutting applications. Samples of cactus oil are prepared in plain form and with 0.025 wt.%, 0.05 wt.%, and 0.1 wt.% activated carbon nanoparticles (ACNPs) from recycled plastic waste. Plain cactus oil exhibited a 34% improvement in wettability over commercial soluble oil, further enhanced by 60% with 0.05 wt.% ACNPs. Cactus oil displayed consistent Newtonian behavior with a high viscosity index (283), outperforming mineral-based cutting fluid in thermal stability. The addition of ACNPs enhanced the dynamic viscosity by 108–130% across the temperature range of 40–100 °C. The presence of nano-additives reduced the friction coefficient in the boundary lubrication zone by a maximum reduction of 32% for CO2 compared to plain cactus oil. The physical and rheological results translated directly to the observed improvements in surface finish and tool wear during machining operations on H13 steel. Cactus oil with 0.05 wt.% ACNP outperformed conventional fluids, reducing surface roughness by 35% and flank wear by 57% compared to dry. This work establishes cactus oil-based nanofluids as a sustainable alternative, combining recycled waste-derived additives and non-edible feedstock for greener manufacturing. Full article

Biofouling, the undesirable deposition of microorganisms on surfaces, is ubiquitous in aqueous systems. This is no different for systems running with water-miscible metalworking fluids (MWFs), which additionally contain many organic chemicals that create favorable conditions for growth and metabolism. Biofilm formation is thus inevitable, as there is no shortage of wetted surfaces in metalworking systems. MWF manufacturers tried in vain to offer resistance by using biocides and biostatic compounds as ingredients in concentrates and as tank-side additives. We report here that such elements, alone or as components of MWFs, did not prevent biofilm formation and had negligible effects on pre-established laboratory biofilms. Moreover, biofilms in metalworking systems are interwoven with residues, sediments, and metal swarfs generated during machining. Again, co-incubation of such “real” biofilms with MWFs had no significant effect on population size—but on population composition! The implications of this finding are unclear but could provide a starting point for the treatment of biofouling, as biofilm population structure might be of importance. Finally, we show that bacteria gain function in biofilms and that they were able to degrade a toxic amine in MWFs, which the same bacteria were unable to do in planktonic form. Full article

Many scholars have claimed that the skills depicted by Zhuangzi can lead to self-transcendence of experiencing and attaining the Dao. However, this view is open to question. Based on a comprehensive reading of the received text of Zhuangzi, this paper attempts a comprehensive reinterpretation of its allegories of skills, including “Cook Ding Butchering an Ox”, “The Hunchback Catching Cicadas”, “The Ferryman Handling a Boat”, “The Man of Lüliang Swimming in the Torrent”, “Woodworker Qing Carving a Bell Stand”, “Artisan Chui Drawing Circles with His Fingers”, “Wheelwright Bian Chiseling Wheels”, “Bohun Wuren Demonstrating Archery”, and “The Old Metalworker Forging Weapons”. This study argues that the emphasis of these skill allegories is not on extolling skills but on pointing towards self-transcendence in a metaphorical way. Just as Mark Twain once likened an apple peel to the Mississippi River, the depiction of skilled performance and its contexts primarily serves as a vivid and illustrative vehicle for explaining self-transcendence rather than constituting self-transcendence itself. Logically speaking, exercising skills requires intentionality, whereas self-transcendence in Zhuangzi’s sense demands complete forgetfulness and a state of non-attachment. Since the states of intentionality and non-attachment are contradictory, the former does not necessarily enable the latter. Thus, the skill in Zhuangzi cannot directly lead to self-transcendence. The skill allegories in Zhuangzi represent the authors’ subjective elaborations, rooted in the focus and tacit understanding inherent in skill activities, and should not be interpreted in an overly mystical light. Full article

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), such as the Cantor alloy, are considered for various structural applications owing to their excellent corrosion resistance and high strength at low temperatures, typically below −70 °C, including cryogenic conditions. However, during metalworking, introducing stresses and grain refinement can reduce the corrosion resistance of HEAs. Recrystallization heat treatment relieves these stresses and homogenizes the grain structure, thereby restoring their corrosion resistance and physical properties. However, inadequate heat treatment can result in a microstructure in which coarse and refined grains coexist; thus, the corrosion resistance is diminished and the physical properties are compromised. Therefore, a proper heat treatment is essential for achieving the desired corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of HEAs. In this study, a cold-rolled high-entropy Cantor alloy was subjected to heat treatment for various durations, and the conditions were analyzed. The microstructure and electrochemical behavior were examined. The results indicated that the grains coarsened after a heat treatment time of 5 min and the residual stresses decreased for 15 min. The potential increased from −0.20 to −0.09 V, whereas the resistance of the passive layer increased from 39 to 56 kΩ. These findings confirm that in the Cantor alloy, residual stress reduction and recrystallization begin after 5 min of heat treatment at 1100 °C, which contributes to the recovery of corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of the Cantor alloy can be effectively controlled through heat treatment. This underscores the importance of optimizing the heat treatment process in the manufacturing of Cantor alloys. Full article

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are crucial in the manufacturing industry, playing a key role in facilitating various production processes. As each machining operation comes with distinct requirements, the properties of the MWFs have to be tailored to meet these specific demands. Understanding the properties of different MWFs is fundamental for optimizing processes and improving performance. This study centered on characterizing the thermal behavior of various cutting oils and water-based cutting fluids over a wide temperature range and sheds light on the specific tribological behavior. The results indicate that water-based fluids exhibit significant shear-thinning behavior, whereas cutting oils maintain nearly Newtonian properties. In terms of frictional performance, cutting oils generally provide better lubrication at higher temperatures, particularly in mixed and full-fluid film regimes, while water-based fluids demonstrate greater friction stability across a wider range of conditions. Among the tested fluids, water-based formulations showed a phase transition from solid to liquid near 0 °C due to their high water content, whereas only a few cutting oils exhibited a similar behavior. Additionally, the thermal conductivity and heat capacity of water-based fluids were substantially higher than those of the cutting oils, contributing to more efficient heat dissipation during machining. These findings, along with the reported data, intend to guide future researchers and industry in selecting the most appropriate cutting fluids for their specific applications and provide valuable input for computational models simulating the influence of MWFs in the primary and secondary shear zones between cutting tools and the workpiece/chiplet. Full article

Background: Work engagement is defined as a positive and fulfilling work-related state of mind, characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. High levels of engagement are associated with improved organizational functioning and a stronger sense of belonging among employees. Objective: This study, conducted in collaboration with a large metalworking company in central Italy, aimed to explore the relationship between work engagement and organizational cynicism among Maintenance Team Leaders. Specifically, the goals were to assess the levels of engagement and emotional involvement and to examine how these dimensions vary according to socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, educational background, and seniority. The ultimate aim was to support occupational physicians and workplace safety officers in identifying the best practices for preventing psychosocial risks, work-related stress, and burnout. Methods: A total of 99 Maintenance Leaders participated in the study. The Italian version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) was used to assess the three core dimensions of engagement: vigor, dedication, and absorption. Additionally, the Cynicism scale development by Naus, Van Iterson, and Roe was administered. Results: While the sample size limits generalizability, the findings offer preliminary insight into engagement levels within this population. The results emphasize the need to expand the sample and to conduct comparative analyses across different teams within the company better understand engagement patterns and inform targeted interventions. Conclusions: Although work engagement has been extensively studied in the healthcare sector, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, limited research has addressed its role in the industrial context, and even less within the metalworking sector. This study contributes to filling that gap by providing an initial profile of engagement among maintenance leaders and by highlighting the interplay between engagement, cynicism, and individual characteristics in a high-demand industrial environment. Full article

As the application of mobile robots becomes increasingly widespread, many navigation applications now require more than just obstacle avoidance capabilities. There is a growing demand for robots to follow predetermined global paths. Inspired by stamping technology in the metalworking field, this paper proposes a two-stage local path planning algorithm based on sampling and optimization, termed the path stamping forming algorithm. In the exploration stage, the path stamping forming algorithm finds a preliminary path that avoids obstacles and runs parallel to the global path. The subsequent optimization stage determines the optimal local path that meets specific constraints. Finally, we compared the proposed algorithm with existing advanced navigation algorithms through simulations and experiments, demonstrating its superior performance. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm enables mobile robots to avoid obstacles and follow the global path without the need to re-plan the global path. Compared with the traditional local path planning algorithm, the performance of the proposed algorithm in following the global path is improved by up to 52.71%. Full article

Arsenic contamination in drinking water poses a critical environmental and public health threat, particularly in rural areas such as Huanuara, Peru, where concentrations exceed the 10 µg·L⁻¹ limit established by the World Health Organization (WHO). This study explores the potential use of iron-rich metalworking residues as an alternative adsorbent. Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed a specific surface area of 0.7469 m²·g⁻¹, with magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and metallic iron (Fe⁰) as the predominant phases. Arsenic concentrations were quantified by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS). A batch reactor system treated 16 L per cycle under conditions of 293–298 K and 95.46 kPa. Adsorption parameters were optimized using a Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD), with adsorbent mass (31.72–88.28 g) and contact time (4.17–9.83 h) as variables. Under optimal conditions (80 g, 9 h), 99.07% arsenic removal was achieved, reducing concentrations from 530.03 µg·L⁻¹ to ≤4.91 µg·L⁻¹. The quadratic regression model (R² = 0.90, p = 0.0006) was validated by ANOVA (p < 0.05; F = 22.02). These results demonstrate that metalworking residues offer a scalable and sustainable solution for arsenic remediation, supporting circular economy principles and decentralized water treatment. Full article

This study explores the application of Eastern philosophy in craft innovation education, identifying opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Drawing on the I Ching and Laozi’s thought, it examines human needs in craft across three dimensions: Qi-form (material), Xin-form (psychological), and Dao-form (philosophical). Taiji theory’s Yin–Yang balance highlights the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in craft innovation. This study introduces the “Spiral Innovation Theory” as a framework for craft education, implemented in the 2024 Taiwan Craft Academy Summer Program with 43 participants. The curriculum covered lacquer, wood, metal, and ceramics, employing a multi-mentor system. Using the Learning Motivation Strategies Scale, Imaginative Thinking Scale, and interviews, the findings reveal that different crafts foster distinct creative abilities. The ANOVA results show woodworking enhances ideation, metalwork and ceramics improve fluency, ceramics and woodworking strengthen flexibility, while woodworking and lacquer work boost creativity. A significant correlation between learning motivation and imagination was found. These findings offer insights into future craft education, advocating the dual mentorship model as a strategy for interdisciplinary innovation. Full article

Accident rates are notably high in industrial metalworking processes. This study aimed to identify and manage occupational health and safety (OHS) risks using the ELMERI observation method to minimize workplace accidents within a foundry operating in the metalworking sector. A quantitative case study was conducted, during which the foundry was monitored quarterly over the course of 1 year. For each of the processes considered—melting, molding, casting and thermal process—1800 observations were made, culminating in a total of 28,800 observations by the end of the year. The average safety index was calculated for each department, and the variability in OHS risks throughout the year was analyzed on a departmental basis. In calculating the safety index, seven key criteria from the ELMERI scale were emphasized, as follows: safety behavior, order and tidiness, machine safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, floor and access ways, and first aid and fire safety. Assessing the level of safety in these processes based on these criteria provides a strong foundation for effectively analyzing and managing OHS risks. This case study demonstrates that the periodic application of the ELMERI scale in foundries characterized by hazardous work environments is a valuable tool for managing fluctuating OHS risks. Full article