Universal fixation system for pad printing of plastic parts

JOSE ALEJANDRO FERNANDEZ RAMIREZ (2023, [Artículo])

Pad printing is used in automotive, medical, electrical and other industries, employing diverse materials to transfer a 2D image onto a 3D object with different sizes and geometries. This work presents a universal fixation system for pad printing of plastic parts (UFSP4) in response to the needs of small companies that cannot afford to invest in the latest technological advances. The UFSP4 comprises two main subsystems: a mechanical support system (i.e., support structure, jig matrix and braking system) and a control system (i.e., an electronic system and an electric-hydraulic system). A relevant feature is the combination of a jig matrix and jig pins to fixate complex workpieces with different sizes. Using finite element analysis (FEA), in the mesh convergence, the total displacement converges to 0.00028781 m after 12,000 elements. The maximum equivalent stress value is 1.22 MPa for the polycarbonate plate in compliance with the safety factor. In a functionality test of the prototype performed in a production environment for one hour, the jigs fixed by the plate did not loosen, maintaining the satisfactory operation of the device. This is consistent with the displacement distribution of the creep analysis and shows the absence of the creep phenomenon. Based on FEA that underpinned the structural health computation of the braking system, the prototype was designed and built, seeking to ensure a reliable and safe device to fixate plastic parts, showing portability, low-cost maintenance and adaptability to the requirements of pad printing of automotive plastic parts.

Use of AI tools declaration: The authors declare they have not used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the creation of this article.

Acknowledgments: To the company Plásticos Decorados and Centro de Tecnología Avanzada (CIATEQ A.C.) for the facilities and support to carry out this work. To the Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCYT) for a Ph.D. scholarship support number 500839 and CONAHCYT SNI.

Conflict of interest: The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest.

Modular fixtures Jig matrix Prototype design Pad printing Fixture methods INGENIERÍA Y TECNOLOGÍA CIENCIAS TECNOLÓGICAS OTRAS ESPECIALIDADES TECNOLÓGICAS OTRAS OTRAS

Análisis cuantitativo con diagrama de precedencias de condiciones productivas actuales de 5 líneas de ensamble de amortiguadores mediante el método de balanceo peso posicional

José Humberto Vergara García (2023, [Tesis de maestría])

En este trabajo de investigación se empleó el método de Helgeson & Birnie para realizar el balanceo por peso posicional de cinco líneas de ensamble modular de amortiguadores de la empresa ZF Suspension Technology Guadalajara S.A. de C.V. La metodología empleada permitió establecer las condiciones actuales de operación de las cinco líneas. Mediante el uso del método mencionado se encontró que en la mayoría de las líneas de ensamble analizadas sus tareas se encuentran correctamente balanceadas y ordenadas, corroborando así el buen trabajo realizado al momento de su instalación y puesta en marcha. Si bien en cualquier proceso de ensamble siempre hay oportunidades de mejora, contar con líneas de ensamble bien balanceadas permite a la empresa tener una base sólida para la producción de este tipo de componentes automotrices.

The Helgeson & Birnie method was employed in this research for balancing, by positional weight, five modular strut assembly production lines at ZF Suspension Technology Guadalajara S.A. De C.V. The proposed methodology allowed to know the current operating conditions of the production lines. It was found that most of the analyzed production lines are correctly balanced suggesting a correct commissioning and start up procedure performed when the lines were initially installed. Although every assembling line always can be improved, having well-balanced assembly lines provides a solid base line for any automotive manufacturing company.

Líneas de ensamble modular Método de Helgeson & Birnie Peso posicional Final assembly lines Helgeson & Birnie method Positional weight INGENIERÍA Y TECNOLOGÍA CIENCIAS TECNOLÓGICAS OTRAS ESPECIALIDADES TECNOLÓGICAS OTRAS OTRAS