Developing a virtual machining model to generate MTConnect machine-monitoring data from STEP-NC

The ability to predict performance of manufacturing equipment during early stages of process planning is vital for improving efficiency of manufacturing processes. In the metal cutting industry, measurement of machining performance is usually carried out by collecting machine-monitoring data that record the machine tool’s actions (e.g. coordinates of axis location and power consumption). Understanding the impacts of process planning decisions is central to the enhancement of the machining performance. However, current methodologies lack the necessary models and tools to predict impacts of process planning decisions on the machining performance. This paper presents the development of a virtual machining model (called STEP2M model) that generates machine-monitoring data from process planning data. The STEP2M model builds upon a physical model-based analysis for the sources of energy on a machine tool, and adopts STEP-NC and MTConnect standardised interfaces to represent process planning and machine-monitoring data. We have developed a prototype system for 2-axis turning operation and validated the system by conducting an experiment using a Computer Numerical Control lathe. The virtual machining model presented in this paper enables process planners to analyse machining performance through virtual measurement and to perform interoperable data communication through standardised interfaces.     

Improvement in mechanical properties of recycled GF prepreg with CNT reinforced composites using a spray coating method

Dispersion and shape of nanoparticles, as well as interfacial conditions, add significantly to difficulties in composite manufacture. In the work reported here, an innovative method of recycling composites using out-of-date prepreg was investigated in which the carbon nanotube (CNT) on the prepreg was optimally coated. Nanocomposites utilizing the out-of-date prepreg were coated with CNT and fabricated by a sheet molding method. CNT nanofillers were observed to be uniformly dispersed on epoxy prepreg by spray coating. The mechanical and interfacial properties of these CNT coated nanocomposites were improved over those of more conventionally manufactured carbon fiber/epoxy composites. The CNT nanofillers were embedded at the epoxy and fiber interface, as a result of etching of the epoxy prepreg surface by a CNT dispersion solution which enhanced interfacial reactivity.     

Mechanical and electrical properties of electrospun CNT/PVDF nanofiber for micro-actuator applications

Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) were prepared for use in fabricating actuator materials. Actuating displacement was measured in an electrochemical environment. The electrospun nanofibers were arranged using a drum-type collector, and morphology was investigated using a field emission-scanning electron microscope. The uniformity of dispersion of CNT in the PVDF nanofibers was monitored by electron probe X-ray micro-analysis. Tensile strength and electrical resistivity results were used as an indication of the state of alignment. The electrospun CNT/PVDF nanofiber sheets exhibited better mechanical and electrical properties in the arranged direction. The efficiency and electrical capacities of electrospun CNT/PVDF nanofiber sheet were compared with those of cast PVDF sheets for use in actuator applications in electrochemical environments. The electrospun CNT/PVDF nanofiber sheets exhibited much better actuator performance than PVDF sheets, which are attributed to their superior electrical properties.

Highlights

(1) The interfacial durability of CNT/PVDF nanofibers was enhanced to increase contact area by reinforcing CNT.

(2) The efficiency of CNT/PVDF actuators was improved due to interfacial properties.

(3) Thin thickness drum-type collector was made to enhance nanofiber alignment.

(4) The arranged CNT/PVDF nanofibers exhibited better mechanical and actuating displacements.     

An efficient microfluidic sorter: implementation of double meandering micro striplines for magnetic particles switching

The ability to trap, manipulate, and separate magnetic beads has become one of the key requirements in realizing an integrated magnetic lab-on-chip biosensing system. In this article, we present the design and fabrication of an integrated magneto-fluidic device for sorting magnetic particles with a sorting efficiency of up to 95%. The actuation and manipulation of magnetic beads are realized using microfabricated square meandering current-carrying micro striplines. The current is alternated between two neighboring micro striplines to switch the magnetic beads to either one of the two outlets. We performed a series of parametric study to investigate the effect of applied current, flow rate, and switching frequency on the sorting efficiency. Experimental results reveal that the sorting efficiency is proportional to the square of current applied to the stripline, and decreases with increasing buffer flow rate and switching frequency. Such phenomena agree well with our theoretical analysis and simulation result. The fastest switching rate, which is limited by the microchannel geometry and bead velocity, is 2 Hz.