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Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Fernando Peña, José Carlos Rico, Pablo Zapico, Gonzalo Valiño and Sabino Mateos

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new procedure for in-plane compensation of geometric errors that often appear in the layers deposited by an additive manufacturing (AM…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new procedure for in-plane compensation of geometric errors that often appear in the layers deposited by an additive manufacturing (AM) process when building a part, regardless of the complexity of the layer geometry.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure is based on comparing the real layer contours to the nominal ones extracted from the STL model of the part. Considering alignment and form deviations, the compensation algorithm generates new compensated contours that match the nominal ones as closely as possible. To assess the compensation effectiveness, two case studies were analysed. In the first case, the parts were not manufactured, but the distortions were simulated using a predictive model. In the second example, the test part was actually manufactured, and the distortions were measured on a coordinate measuring machine.

Findings

The geometric deviations detected in both case studies, as evaluated by various quality indicators, reduced significantly after applying the compensation procedure, meaning that the compensated and nominal contours were better matched both in shape and size.

Research limitations/implications

Although large contours showed deviations close to zero, dimensional overcompensation was observed when applied to small contours. The compensation procedure could be enhanced if the applied compensation factor took into account the contour size of the analysed layer and other geometric parameters that could have an influence.

Originality/value

The presented method of compensation is applicable to layers of any shape obtained in any AM process.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2023

Ruifeng Li and Wei Wu

In corridor environments, human-following robot encounter difficulties when the target turning around at the corridor intersections, as walls may cause complete occlusion. This…

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Abstract

Purpose

In corridor environments, human-following robot encounter difficulties when the target turning around at the corridor intersections, as walls may cause complete occlusion. This paper aims to propose a collision-free following system for robot to track humans in corridors without a prior map.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to following a target and avoiding collisions robustly, the proposed system calculates the positions of walls in the environment in real-time. This allows the system to maintain a stable tracking of the target even if it is obscured after turning. The proposed solution is integrated into a four-wheeled differential drive mobile robot to follow a target in a corridor environment in real-world.

Findings

The experimental results demonstrate that the robot equipped with the proposed system is capable of avoiding obstacles and following a human target robustly in the corridors. Moreover, the robot achieves a 90% success rate in maintaining a stable tracking of the target after the target turns around a corner with high speed.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a human target following system incorporating three novel features: a path planning method based on wall positions is introduced to ensure stable tracking of the target even when it is obscured due to target turns; improvements are made to the random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm, enhancing its accuracy in calculating wall positions. The system is integrated into a four-wheeled differential drive mobile robot effectively demonstrates its remarkable robustness and real-time performance.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 March 2024

Hisham Said, Aswathy Rajagopalan and Daniel M. Hall

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an innovative construction material that provides a balanced mix of structural stiffness, fabrication flexibility and sustainability. CLT…

Abstract

Purpose

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an innovative construction material that provides a balanced mix of structural stiffness, fabrication flexibility and sustainability. CLT development and innovation diffusion require close collaborations between its supply chain architectural, engineering, construction and manufacturing (AECM) stakeholders. As such, the purpose of this study is to provide a preliminary understanding of the knowledge diffusion and innovation process of CLT construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study implemented a longitudinal social network analysis of the AECM companies involved in 100 CLT projects in the UK. The project data were acquired from an industry publication and decoded in the form of a multimode project-company network, which was projected into a single-mode company collaborative network. This complete network was filtered into a four-phase network to allow the longitudinal analysis of the CLT collaborations over time. A set of network and node social network analysis metrics was used to characterize the topology patters of the network and the centrality of the companies.

Findings

The study highlighted the scale-free structure of the CLT collaborative network that depends on the influential hubs of timber manufacturers, engineers and contractors to accelerate the innovation diffusion. However, such CLT supply collaborative network structure is more vulnerable to disruptions due to its dependence on these few prominent hubs. Also, the industry collaborative network’s decreased modularity confirms the maturity of the CLT technology and the formation of cohesive clusters of innovation partners. The macro analysis approach of the study highlighted the critical role of supply chain upstream stakeholders due to their higher centralities in the collaborative network. Stronger collaborations were found between the supply chain upstream stakeholders (timber manufacturers) and downstream stakeholders (architects and main contractors).

Originality/value

The study contributes to the field of industrialized and CLT construction by characterizing the collaborative networks between CLT supply chain stakeholders that are critical to propose governmental policies and industry initiatives to advance this sustainable construction material.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2022

Zihao Zheng, Yuanqi Li and Jaume Torres

This paper aims to propose a generative design method combined with meta-heuristic algorithm for automating and optimizing the floor layout of modular buildings using typical…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a generative design method combined with meta-heuristic algorithm for automating and optimizing the floor layout of modular buildings using typical standardized module units, which are the room module, the corridor module and the stair module.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated framework involves the generative design method and optimization for modular construction. The generative rules are provided by geometric relationships and functionalities of the module units. An evaluation function of the generated floor plans is also presented by the combination of project cost and cost penalties for the geometric features. The multi-population genetic algorithm (MPGA) method is provided for the optimization of the combination of costs.

Findings

The proposed MPGA method is demonstrated fast and efficient at discovering the globally optimal solution. The results indicate that when the unit price of modules is high, the transportation distance is long, or the land cost is high, the layout cost, which related to the symmetry, the compactness and the energy is tend to be lower, making the optimal layout economical.

Originality/value

This paper presented an integrated framework of generative floor layout and optimization for modular construction by using typical module units. It fulfills the need for automated layout generation with repetitive units and corresponding assessment during the early design stage.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2023

Prashant Anerao, Atul Kulkarni and Yashwant Munde

This paper aims to investigate the current state of biocomposites used in fused deposition modelling (FDM) with a focus on their mechanical characteristics.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the current state of biocomposites used in fused deposition modelling (FDM) with a focus on their mechanical characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents a variety of biocomposite materials that have been used in filaments for 3D printing by different researchers. The process of making filaments is then described, followed by a discussion of the process parameters associated with the FDM.

Findings

To achieve better mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts, it is essential to optimize the process parameters of FDM while considering the characteristics of the biocomposite material. Polylactic acid is considered the most promising matrix material due to its biodegradability and lower cost. Moreover, the use of natural fibres like hemp, flax and sugarcane bagasse as reinforcement to the polymer in FDM filaments improves the mechanical performance of printed parts.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the influence of critical process parameters of FDM like raster angle, layer thickness, infill density, infill pattern and extruder temperature on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed biocomposite.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

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