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1 – 10 of 17
Article
Publication date: 21 November 2018

Lifang Wu, Lidong Zhao, Meng Jian, Yuxin Mao, Miao Yu and Xiaohua Guo

In some three-dimensional (3D) printing application scenarios, e.g., model manufacture, it is necessary to print large-sized objects. However, it is impossible to implement…

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Abstract

Purpose

In some three-dimensional (3D) printing application scenarios, e.g., model manufacture, it is necessary to print large-sized objects. However, it is impossible to implement large-size 3D printing using a single projector in digital light processing (DLP)-based mask projection 3D printing because of the limitations of the digital micromirror device chips.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-projector DLP with energy homogenization (EHMP-DLP) scheme is proposed for large-size 3D printing. First, a large-area printing plane is established by tiling multiple projectors. Second, the projector set’s tiling pattern is obtained automatically, and the maximum printable plane is determined. Third, the energy is homogenized across the entire printable plane by adjusting gray levels of the images input into the projectors. Finally, slices are automatically segmented based on the tiling pattern of the projector set, and the gray levels of these slices are reassigned based on the images of the corresponding projectors.

Findings

Large-area high-intensity projection for mask projection 3D printing can be performed by tiling multiple DLP projectors. The tiled projector output energies can be homogenized by adjusting the images of the projectors. Uniform ultraviolet energy is important for high-quality printing.

Practical implications

A prototype device is constructed using two projectors. The printable area becomes 140 × 210 mm from the original 140 × 110 mm.

Originality/value

The proposed EHMP-DLP scheme enables 3D printing of large-size objects with linearly increasing printing times and high printing precision. A device was established using two projectors to practice the scheme and can easily be extended to larger sizes by using more projectors.

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2021

Lifang Wu, Zechao Liu, Yupeng Guan, Kejian Cui, Meng Jian, Yuanyuan Qin, Yandong Li, Feng Yang and Tianqin Yang

This paper aims to address the problem of uncertain product quality in digital light processing (DLP) three-dimensional (3D) printing, a scheme is proposed to qualitatively…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address the problem of uncertain product quality in digital light processing (DLP) three-dimensional (3D) printing, a scheme is proposed to qualitatively estimate whether a layer is printed with the qualified quality or not cured .

Design/methodology/approach

A thermochromic pigment whose color fades at 45°C is prepared as the indicator and it is mixed with the resin. A visual surveillance framework is proposed to monitor the visual variation in a period of the entire curing process. The exposure region is divided into 30 × 30 sub-regions; gray-level variation curves (curing curves) in all sub-regions are classified as normal or abnormal and a corresponding printing control strategy is designed to improve the percentage of qualified printed objects.

Findings

The temperature variation caused by the releasing reaction heat on the exposure surface is consistent in different regions under the homogenized light intensity. The temperature in depth begins to rise at different times. The temperature in the regions near the light source rises earlier, and that far from the light source rises later. Thus, the color of resin mixed with the thermochromic pigment fades gradually over a period of the entire solidification process. The color variation in the regions with defects of bubbles, insufficient material filling, etc., is much different from that in the normal curing regions.

Originality/value

A temperature-sensitive organic chromatic chemical pigment is prepared to present the visual variation over a period of the entire curing process. A novel 3D printing scheme with visual surveillance is proposed to monitor the layer-wise curing quality and to timely stop the possible unqualified printing resulted from bubbles, insufficient material filling, etc.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 27 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2010

Lifang Wu, Daewoo Park, Ravi Chinta and Margaret Cunningham

Global entrepreneurship study is primarily concerned with why, when, and how entrepreneurial opportunities are discovered and exploited in the global market. The purpose of this…

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Abstract

Purpose

Global entrepreneurship study is primarily concerned with why, when, and how entrepreneurial opportunities are discovered and exploited in the global market. The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for pursuing global entrepreneurship where supply chain management (SCM) can often serve as a platform for resource acquisition, market development, and risk mitigation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a case study to show how SCM is utilized by entrepreneurs in China for developing two formats of entrepreneurship: domestic private companies through horizontal supply chain clustering and vertical (forward and/or backward) supply chain extensions. In particular, the paper explores firm‐level behavior in supply clusters to discern patterns at the collective level of supply clusters.

Findings

Entrepreneurs rely on their existing supply chain networks to pursue new venturing opportunities. Two types of supply chain expansions (horizontal supply chain clustering and vertical supply chain extensions) are found in China. Competitive rivalry in this paper of supply clusters is found to demonstrate “co‐opetition” (collaboration amongst competitors).

Originality/value

This paper's theoretical framework offers unique perspectives towards global entrepreneurship, and is empirically supported by numerous real business examples. The paper integrates SCM with international entrepreneurship and identifies two distinct patterns that are evident in China. In particular, the paper describes the specific contexts in which each of the two patterns is successful. These patterns provide valuable guidance for future Chinese entrepreneurs interested in globalization. The paper is a harbinger to future research on collective behavior of competitors in supply clusters. This could potentially redefine competitive rivalry (in Porter's 5‐forces) in more cooperative terms.

Details

Journal of Chinese Entrepreneurship, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-1396

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Lifang Wu, Xiaohang Yue, Alan Jin and David C. Yen

As traditional supply chains are increasingly becoming intelligent with more objects embedded with sensors and better communication, intelligent decision making and automation…

12218

Abstract

Purpose

As traditional supply chains are increasingly becoming intelligent with more objects embedded with sensors and better communication, intelligent decision making and automation capabilities, the new smart supply chain presents unprecedented opportunities for achieving cost reduction and enhancing efficiency improvement. The purpose of this paper is to study and explore the currents status and remaining issues of smart supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is conducted to synthesize the earlier work in this area, and to conceptualize and discuss the smart supply chain characteristics. Further, the authors formulate and investigate five key research topics including information management, IT infrastructure, process automation, advanced analytics, and supply chain integration.

Findings

Studies in those aforementioned subject fields are reviewed, categorized, and analyzed based on the review questions defined in the study. It is notable that while the topics of converging atoms with digits are increasingly attracting attention from researchers and practitioners alike, there are many more interesting research questions needing to be addressed.

Originality/value

The paper provides original and relevant guidance for supply chain management researchers and practitioners on developing smart supply chains.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2009

Lifang Wu and Daewoo Park

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a dynamic outsourcing framework for making and implementing process outsourcing decisions in a rapidly changing environment.

2901

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a dynamic outsourcing framework for making and implementing process outsourcing decisions in a rapidly changing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework incorporates three major concepts/techniques: the order winner concept to identify strategic level competitive priorities, the modularization concept to reconfigure enterprise organizational structure, and the analytical hierarchy process technique for linking critical demand attributes with process modules at the operational level.

Findings

The study presents a dynamic outsourcing approach through organizational modularization and shows when and how core and non‐core activities can be outsourced in a fast changing market.

Research limitations/implications

The complexities of the framework will need facilitation and supports on issues such as organizational modularity, multi‐goal optimization, and empirical validation.

Practical implications

This paper offers practical insights and clarifies common confusions associated with strategic outsourcing.

Originality/value

The paper tries to fill the gap between the existing outsourcing literature and the practical need for choosing specific outsourcing activities at the operational level. The dynamic framework creates a foundation for continuous process improvement on a cyclic basis.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 9 November 2010

465

Abstract

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Lifang Wang, Gangxian Zhu, Tuo Shi, Jizhuo Wu, Bin Lu, Geyan Fu and Yunxia Ye

The purpose of this paper is to improve the forming efficiency and quality of unequal-width parts fabricated by laser direct metal deposition technology, some experiments were…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the forming efficiency and quality of unequal-width parts fabricated by laser direct metal deposition technology, some experiments were designed.

Design/methodology/approach

A new method by varying laser spot was adopted to fabricate unequal-width single track using one scanning rather than multi-track overlapping in the way of the inside-beam powder feeding, and the thin-walled parts were fabricated layer by layer. The theoretical model among layer thickness of z-axis, height of single track and the section curve order of single track was established.

Findings

The top surface unevenness of the thin-walled parts could be compensated automatically within the laser defocusing ranges from −2.5 to −5 mm and from 0.5 to 2.5 mm. The growth rate with the large width/height ratio was more than the small ratio, while the set height of the single track was uniform. The problem of non-uniform growth rate could be solved based on a stepped single-track method. The thin-walled parts with the smooth top surface was fabricated layer by layer which had a continuously variable width from 1 to 3 mm by splicing the laser defocusing range.

Practical implications

The shapes of the to-be-fabricated parts affect variable laser spot process in practical applications. For example, it will be difficult to apply variable laser spot process on the parts with the hole features.

Originality/value

This paper provided a guidance for forming unequal-width parts by laser direct metal deposition based on the inside-beam powder feeding.

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2020

Lifang Shu, Haiying Wei and Yaxuan Ran

The present research aims to construct the brand well-being concept and develop the brand well-being scale.

Abstract

Purpose

The present research aims to construct the brand well-being concept and develop the brand well-being scale.

Design/methodology/approach

By interviewing 21 consumers and coding interview text, the authors propose and construct the definition of brand well-being. Using two large sample surveys, the authors develop 11 items for the brand well-being scale.

Findings

By interviewing 21 consumers and coding interview text, the authors propose and construct the definition of brand well-being. Using two large sample surveys, the authors develop 11 items for the brand well-being scale.

Originality/value

This research combines the branding theory and positive psychology theory, expands the extant understanding of brand value and provides new insights into optimizing a brand strategy.

Details

Journal of Contemporary Marketing Science, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2516-7480

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 1 May 2010

Miriam F. Weismann

Small to medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, play a critical role in the global economy. They comprise 90% of the global firm population and employ more than 50% of the labor force in…

Abstract

Small to medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, play a critical role in the global economy. They comprise 90% of the global firm population and employ more than 50% of the labor force in the private sector. This case study examines issues related to sustainable supply chain management and social entrepreneurship in the SME context. Being small does matter and the efficiencies of small to medium-sized companies struggling for competitive advantage in the global marketplace warrants consideration. Philosopher's Wool Co., located in Inverhuron, Ontario, Canada, is a woolen producer and woolens product manufacturer that partners with other Ontario wool producers and American wool processors and distributors. Its sustainable vertical supply chain system increased local woolen farmers' revenues contrary to the “conventional” price wisdom in the Canadian woolen industry and turned by-product cost into profitable end use. It also effected social change in its local business community and in global customer relations through resource efficiency and socially responsible employee and consumer policies. However, the struggle to maintain a foreign distribution network and remain competitive and profitable was problematic. Students are challenged to solve the problems of an SME operating in a global economy.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2010

Yongxiu He, Weijun Tao, Aiying Dai, Lifang Yang, Rui Fang and Furong Li

The purpose of this paper is to use artificial intelligence to evaluate the risks of urban power network planning.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use artificial intelligence to evaluate the risks of urban power network planning.

Design/methodology/approach

A fuzzy Bayesian least squares support vector machine (LS_SVM) model is established in this paper, which can learn the risk information of urban power network planning through artificial intelligence and acquire expert knowledge for its risk evaluation. With the advantage of possessing learning analog simulation precision and speed, the proposed model can be effectively applied in conducting a risk evaluation of an urban network planning system. First, fuzzy theory is applied to quantify qualitative risk factors of the planning to determine the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation value of the risk factors. Then, Bayesian evidence framework is utilized in LS_SVM model parameter optimization to automatically adjust the LS_SVM regularization parameters and nuclear parameters to obtain the best parameter values. Based on this, a risk comprehensive evaluation of urban network planning based on artificial intelligence is established.

Findings

The fuzzy Bayesian LS_SVM model established in this paper is an effective artificial intelligence method for risk comprehensive evaluation in urban network planning through empirical study.

Originality/value

The paper breaks new ground in using artificial intelligence to evaluate urban power network planning risks.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 39 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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