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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2020

Eung Tae Kim and Sungmin Kim

The purpose of this study is to develop a modular garment assembly line simulator that can be used for various production methods such as traditional mass production or modern…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a modular garment assembly line simulator that can be used for various production methods such as traditional mass production or modern small quantity batch production.

Design/methodology/approach

For realistic simulation, the actual shape and sewing information of the garment patterns were used. The assembly line consists of process units including the cutter, preprocessor, module assembly, final assembly, finish, and stack units. Any number of units can be arranged and connected to form various layouts. The simulation can be run at an arbitrary speed.

Findings

This system can be used to estimate the time required to process the given order for a specific layout. Therefore, it can be utilized as the basis for optimum production line design.

Originality/value

This system is expected to be utilized by garment manufacturers for obtaining the productivity improvement, production cost reduction, and increased competitiveness.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2016

Sergey Golovin

The purpose of this paper is to represent replacement policies (rules) in the form of a matrix. Visualization of replacement rules is useful for maintenance records. Matrix…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to represent replacement policies (rules) in the form of a matrix. Visualization of replacement rules is useful for maintenance records. Matrix representation is more effective than the verbal description usually provided, as it allows better understanding of the specifics of the different replacement rules without careful research of their mathematical models.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach employs mathematical models to investigate the simple conditions (requirements) for replacement of system component with illustrative examples. When comparing the different replacement rules a cost structure is applied to takes into account the nature and technology of disassembly assembly actions for the repair unit.

Findings

Representation of replacement rules in the matrix form is useful when describing planned replacement models, opportunity replacement models, group replacement models and others, as well as computer modeling of the renewal process. Forming simple conditions for the replacement of system components ensures the total average repair cost is minimized. These conditions can be applied in the early stages of creating a maintenance program for the machine.

Practical implications

Replacement matrices can be specified in a technical manual for maintenance of machines to achieve reliable operation and to reduce repair costs. Replacement matrices can be put into practical use for maintenance records and may be included in the maintenance procedures library of CMMSs. Developed in the paper, the replacement matrix, the conditions for replacement of system components and the cost structure will help engineers to make decisions at the time of repair for assembly units.

Originality/value

Proposed in the paper is a new approach to the visualization of the replacement rules and cost structure which simplifies the analysis of options for repair actions. The proposed technique contributes to the record of maintenance actions and the decision making process for replacement.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1986

B. Lotter

The dividing line between the sensible and efficient use of assembly robots and that of dedicated automatic assembly machines requires detailed planning.

Abstract

The dividing line between the sensible and efficient use of assembly robots and that of dedicated automatic assembly machines requires detailed planning.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Book part
Publication date: 28 February 2022

Javier E. Portillo

The act of consolidating multiple parcels of land to form a single larger parcel is known as land assembly. Laboratory experiments have enabled researchers to explore how various…

Abstract

The act of consolidating multiple parcels of land to form a single larger parcel is known as land assembly. Laboratory experiments have enabled researchers to explore how various factors, environments, and institutions hinder or assist the aggregation process. This chapter surveys the experimental literature and highlights the experimental design used in those studies, as well as their main findings.

Details

Experimental Law and Economics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-537-0

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2006

Peter Fredriksson

This paper aims to investigate one crucial aspect and inherent difficulty of modular assembly systems, which is how the dispersed activities, resources and organizational units

2643

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate one crucial aspect and inherent difficulty of modular assembly systems, which is how the dispersed activities, resources and organizational units are coordinated with one another and the corresponding effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a subset of the data collected during a four‐year case study of Volvo Car Corporation's modular assembly system. For this particular paper, 15 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with representatives from different functions related to both pre‐ and final assembly activities.

Findings

The paper concludes that the efficiency of a modular assembly system is dependent on the use of several coordination mechanisms, such as the use of plans, standardization and mutual adjustment. The efficiency‐related rationales of activity synchronization, resource sharing, and activity and resource development can then be achieved. These mechanisms should cross the boundaries of the organizational units performing pre‐ and final assembly activities. The efficiency of a modular assembly system thus relies on an integral coordination pattern.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are mainly relevant for companies which design and produce complex products involving several technologies, and which use company‐specific module interfaces.

Practical implications

The importance of using a variety of mechanisms for coordinating activities in modular assembly systems is highlighted. The paper also shows what effects can be obtained by using several coordination mechanisms. For practitioners, the detailed case description may also provide valuable reference material.

Originality/value

The paper highlights how efficiency of a modular assembly system can be achieved through the planning and use of several mechanisms when designing and operating it.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2006

Peter Fredriksson

To identify operations and logistics issues which are critical for the operational performance in modular assembly processes.

4052

Abstract

Purpose

To identify operations and logistics issues which are critical for the operational performance in modular assembly processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on case studies of Volvo Cars, Toyota, and Saab, the paper identifies operations and logistics issues that are critical for the operational performance of modular assembly processes. The issues are used for extending our understanding of the design and operation of modular assembly processes.

Findings

The issues identified concern production planning, deviation handling, assembly flow balance, small unit disadvantages, and module flow control. They reveal that a modular assembly process design brings structural disadvantages related to the dispersion of activities and resource needs. The issues also demonstrate the need for extensive coordination across the interfaces of the decoupled parts of the process.

Research limitations/implications

The findings will mainly be relevant for firms that design and produce complex products involving several technologies and that use company‐specific modules as is the case in the automotive industry, for instance.

Practical implications

Operations and logistics managers may use the findings in order to design and operate modular assembly processes, provide input to the design of modular products, analyze operations and logistics issues before the firm decides to go modular, or not.

Originality/value

Complements existing research on modular assembly processes by outlining structural disadvantages and explaining the need for extensive coordination in such processes.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1989

B. Aregger and P. von Burg

ASSEMBLY automation like other technologies has not developed continuously but in innovative spurts. The 1960s and 1970s produced the first generation of dedicated assembly

Abstract

ASSEMBLY automation like other technologies has not developed continuously but in innovative spurts. The 1960s and 1970s produced the first generation of dedicated assembly machines, reflecting a manufacturing environment of large volume, standardised products with few product variables. Such market conditions were provided mainly in the USA, Japan and in a few European industrial countries. Today, the European market faces increasing pressures to adapt standard products to individual customer requirements. This in turn re‐enforces the need for a new generation of assembly machines: robot‐assisted assembly systems.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1981

H.‐J. Warnecke and J. Walther

West Germany is one of Europe's leading users of assembly automation techniques. This report classifies the types of systems now being installed and gives examples of some…

Abstract

West Germany is one of Europe's leading users of assembly automation techniques. This report classifies the types of systems now being installed and gives examples of some successful applications.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 1 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1973

FEW workers display greater concentration than the man creating delightful glass objects on a seaside pier during the summer months. He is so intent on his work that he has small…

Abstract

FEW workers display greater concentration than the man creating delightful glass objects on a seaside pier during the summer months. He is so intent on his work that he has small interest in the fascinated onlookers. Here is living proof that to the average worker nothing is more important than the nature and content of his job.

Details

Work Study, vol. 22 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0043-8022

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2022

Yu Zhu, Jun Yang, Hongwei Zhang, Wenmin Zhu, Jie Wang and Zelin Zhou

Marking and inspecting are key steps in hull structure construction. However, currently most marking and inspecting operations are still carried out manually, which leads to low…

Abstract

Purpose

Marking and inspecting are key steps in hull structure construction. However, currently most marking and inspecting operations are still carried out manually, which leads to low assembly efficiency and quality. This paper aims to solve these problems through the application of digital technology: the optical projection and machine vision.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the assembly process model of hull construction is established in 3D design environment. Second, the process information is presented to workers in a virtual form through optical projector, which provides accurate guidance for the manual operation. On this basis, the workers can complete welding and assembly operations readily. Finally, the machine vision method is used to check the assembly results, which can decrease the subjective errors.

Findings

A rapid and accurate assembly positioning for hull structure construction is realized based on optical projection, which can avoid the pollution caused by the marking machine and the error caused by human.

Originality/value

This paper combines the advantages of optical projection and machine vision to the field of shipbuilding. The shortcomings of the traditional marking and inspection methods is effectively solved, which may provide a new way for enhancing the assembly efficiency and quality.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

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