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The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors associated with press-forming of Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) products. The WPC material is a novel, feasible, and economic way to use recycled thermoplastics. Due to the complexity of the fiber-polymer interaction, numerical simulation and thus prediction of WPC behavior in forming have been challenging. Up to now, press moulds have had to be empirically validated. In this paper, we explore the possibility of predicting material behavior using Autodesk Moldflow.

Paperboard based packaging products are renewable alternatives for packages made traditionally from oil-based polymer materials and can be used for packaging of various products [1]. Embossing is used in packaging solutions to increase the functionality and appearance of the products. It can also be used to increase product safety by improving distinctiveness and identifiability of packages [2]. The aim of the study was to evaluate the patternability of various fibre-based materials. It was desired that the accuracy and details of the embossed pattern would be the same in all samples, regardless of their different material properties. The realization of this was evaluated by several analyses related to the performance of the materials in the embossing process. Eleven different sample materials were collected for the experiments so that the patternability could be studied extensively. The common denominator of the materials selected for testing was that they were all fibre-based paper and paperboard materials used in the packaging industry. Set of embossing tools were developed, and precision machined from brass, for the experiments. A laboratory scale mechanical embossing device was utilized in modification of sample surfaces to study patternability of selected fibre-based sample materials. The main variables in the forming experiments were pressing force and tool temperature. The samples were observed primarily visually - with the naked eye, with a scanning electron microscope and a 3D-profilometer which was used in the topography analysis of the achieved patterns. The results of the embossing test series confirmed that the height of the pattern increased as a function of pressing force and plate temperature and spring back occurred in all materials after the tool plates opened. It was deduced that the pattern dimensions of the embossing plate somewhat determined the achievable pattern height in the fibre-based sample materials, but the amount of springback did not change as a function of material thickness. Despite this finding, it was consistent that the amount of spring back was regularly reduced with higher tool temperatures. The optimization study of the magnitude of the forming force showed that excessive use of force is not required, which is beneficial in reducing the risk of material damage during processing and adjustment of embossing devices. All samples differing significantly from each other were found to be suitable for embossing, indicating that patterns such as those tested could be added to a variety of packaging applications.

The flange of press-formed paperboard trays was reshaped in this work with a developed folding method to increase the rigidity of the trays. The tray rigidity was evaluated with compression, torsion, and storing tests. The rigidity of the folded trays and the reference trays was compared, and the quality of the trays was investigated with an optical analysis. The folding temperature was altered to 23, 60, and 90 °C to compare the effects of heat input on the tray rigidity. The compression and torsion test results linked the increased tray rigidity to the additional heat input and surface pressure induced to the material in the folding phase. The trays that were folded at 90 °C showed a 43% higher compression force and a 12% smaller torsion angle compared to the reference trays. The storing tests showed an unclear effect on the tray rigidity to the dimensional stability, and the optical analysis depicted similar quality between the folded and the reference trays. The folding method was found to enhance the stacking and end use capabilities of paperboard tray packages, and the use of higher folding temperatures was suggested to increase the strength and stiffness of the trays.

Vertical form fill seal machines are commonly used to form pouches. This paper aimed to optimize the sealing parameters and evaluate the runnability of flexible paper-based packaging materials with a polyethylene coating, differentiated by their grammages and thicknesses. This was done in comparison with a commercial plastic film, an oriented polypropylene and polyethylene laminate, using two different sealing jaw patterns in an industrial-scale vertical form fill seal machine. Based on the results obtained, the first observable seal was found at a sealing temperature of 90 °C for the paper-based material and a sealing temperature of 100 °C for thermoplastic film, both at a dwell time of 2 s. It was shown that the paper-based material had a larger sealing window, up to a sealing temperature of 220 °C, before the material started to turn brown, while the thermoplastic film shrank at a sealing temperature of 140 °C. Several peel and compression strength tests were performed to evaluate the flexible paper-based material. Furthermore, several hindering issues were observed in the paper-based material during the production runs. These included wrinkling, web buckling, friction in the forming tubes, pouches airtightness, etc. As such, recommendations for further investigations and future studies are given.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of fiber content and then silane treatment on the mechanical performance of the natural fiber composites of recycled acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) provided by the automotive sector. Wood and palmyra fibers were used as fillers in 10% and 20% fiber content composites. The fibers were treated with N-(2-Aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane to improve the interfacial adhesion between fibers and polymer matrices. The mechanical properties of the composites were determined by tensile and impact tests. Morphological analysis was later performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). According to the experiment results, the tensile and impact strength of both wood and palmyra fibers increase after silane treatment. However, for the low-wood-fiber-content composite, the tensile and impact strength decrease after silane treatment due to the presence of an excess amount of silane relative to fiber content. The addition of wood and palmyra fibers significantly improved the tensile modulus of composite material and further increases slightly after silane treatment. Finally, SEM analysis shows a homogenous mix of fibers and polymer matrices with fewer voids after silane treatment, thereby improving interfacial adhesion.

The dimensional stability of press-formed paperboard trays was investigated during heating and cooling of trays packed with oatmeal. Female mold tool temperature, dwell time, pressing force, and blank holding force were altered in the press-forming of the trays to observe their impacts on the dimensional stability. Dimensional measurements of the trays showed reduced tray width, and the trays exhibited distortions on the tray flange and outer wall. The results showed smaller effects on the tray length, parallel to the machine direction of the material. Improved dimensional stability of the trays was found with a 180 °C female mold tool temperature, a 600-ms dwell time, a 150-kN pressing force, and a 1.44-kN blank holding force. The optimal press-forming parameters were concluded to enhance bonding of the paperboard fibers during the press-forming. The optimization of the press-forming parameters was found necessary to reduce the observed negative response of the material to the challenging environmental conditions in the production of prepared food.

In the preparation of the die cutting process, basic adjustments can be made based on the appearance of the creases and emerging material damage. To achieve an accurate optimization, more elaborate analysis methods are needed. The object of the study was to develop a practical and accurate accessory device for a material tester that combines the advantages of laboratory measuring equipment as well as die cutting tools used in industrial applications. The operation of the developed device and the evaluation method were verified with a series of creasing tests with commercial sample materials. Special attention was paid to crease dimensions, level of spring back, folding resistance and forming force optimization. The changes in the crease material thickness increased as a function of forming depth as expected. The same consistency was not found in the comparison of the depth of the creases formed in different directions. Spring back of the material was deduced to be a significant factor for the final dimensions of creases. In addition, it was discovered the creases do not have to be die cut too fiercely, as the desired functionality can be achieved with less force. Obtained results were considered beneficial in the analysis of materials and in the control of the die cutting process.

Dimensional measurements were recorded to observe the durability of press-formed paperboard trays used for food processing via heating and cooling of the paperboard trays containing oatmeal. A set of the studied press-formed paperboard trays were dried before being heated, and a set of the paperboard trays were heat-sealed before being cooled to compare the effects of drying and sealing on the durability of the tray. In addition, empty trays were heated to observe the impact of food processing conditions on its durability via leak tests with a colouring solution as well as optical analysis of the material coating on the surface of the trays. The drying process of the trays was observed to improve the dimensional stability of the trays while being heated, and heat-sealing the trays yielded a major positive impact on the dimensional stability of the trays while being cooled. The leak tests and optical analysis results on the heated empty trays showed a negative durability impact from the food processing conditions. It was concluded that adjusting the heat-sealing parameters and food processing conditions is necessary in order to achieve improved durability of the press-formed paperboard trays for food processing purposes.

Sustainable materials like paperboard can substitute for crude oil‐based polymers in packaging applications and, by doing that, reduce the negative environmental impacts caused by plastic waste. For a broader application in the packaging industry, the forming of paperboard needs to overcome its limited forming behaviour and barrier properties. The presented work aims to influence the forming behaviour of uncoated and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)‐coated paperboard with additives like water, gelatin and soap. Furthermore, the differences in the mechanical behaviour of coated and uncoated materials are investigated. For the studies, tensile, bulge and forming tests were combined with different optical measurement methods. The investigations showed that the overall forming behaviour is affected by the mentioned additives and can be improved. Additionally, the interaction of the coating and substrate paper is investigated under different load conditions. Post-print / Final draft

Press forming is a three-dimensional forming process used for industrial converting of large quantities of fibre-based composite materials such as barrier coated paperboard. The technology enables the production of plate and tray packages of such high quality that it is possible to lid seal them to create a gas-tight package. The method is primarily based on the controlled folding and compression of materials using high forming forces and elevated tool temperatures. The corner of the container is folded utilizing creases and a certain amount of force is needed to achieve the desired result. Sliding of the package blank is restrained with blank holding force which defines the overall forming force. The magnitude of blank holding force is determined by the shape and dimensions of the package and the properties of the material to be moulded. In some cases, the force optimized to produce high-quality packages will cause fractures, which are only on the surface layer of the paperboard, at corners of the tray. The packaging is still fully functional, but the visual disadvantage makes it look defective. The phenomenon is accentuated in converting of printed paperboard, where the potentially brittle surface layer breaks more easily and the colour difference makes the fractures eye-catching. This study investigated how by adjusting the blank holding force, paperboard surface layer breakage can be prevented during processing. Various ramps were programmed to control the forming cycle, which changed the magnitude of the force during the pressing stroke. The results show that there is no need to compromise the quality of the package as long as the average magnitude of the blank holding force is maintained. If the strength properties of the material to be formed are not sufficient to apply a constant blank holding force, by reducing the force slightly at certain points in the process cycle, material damage can be reduced or prevented completely.

Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) have developed rapidly in recent years and are experiencing fast market growth. Such products can include recycled polymers and fibers as material ingredients. The majority of the product shapes are currently limited to simple deck profiles. Expensive injection molding is the most commonly used method of manufacturing for more complex geometries. The forming pressure and the press cycle length can be reduced in the press forming method with a simpler and less expensive toolset. This article investigates the effect of key forming parameters and related challenges in press forming of WPC sheets pressed into circular shaped specimens. From the results, it can be determined that the forming temperature and dwell time play a major role in forming process.

Saving resources is one of the most significant factors in the manufacturing industry. There are in the factory, several different products under processing at the same time, therefore the handling of production conditions could be hard every now and then. Changing tools during operation might causes interruption and prolong production time. Estimation of a tool life during turning process is one of the key factors to avoid unnecessary unfinished parts and waste of resources. Overall research aiming to develop a machine learning method to predict tool life for any work-piece or tool material in the general turning process. The addressed method is important in modern small lot production when parts and materials changed constantly. The Purpose of this particular paper is to find out suitable machine learning method or several methods to evaluate tool-life in different turning conditions and circumstances. As a hypothesis of this research, we assume machine learning combine mathematical modelling is a proper method to estimate tool life in small-lot production with reasonable cost and operation time. Publishers version

Wood Plastic Composites are gaining momentum due to their ability to contain recycled materials. The material usage is mostly limited to extruded deck profiles. This paper investigated if punching tools typically used in sheet metal stamping could be directly utilized in feasible post-processing of WPC sheets to enable a wider array of WPC products. A set of punches and dies with variable clearances and various punching speeds were tested and the results were investigated using 3D measurement macroscope. The results indicated that typical sheet metal punch clearances and speeds are suitable for WPC materials with some material specific considerations.

Feature-based modeling approach has been widely utilized in various applications of product and process engineering. Initially, it was introduced for geometry representation in computer-aided design (CAD) utilities. With further developments in computer-aided engineering, process planning, and manufacturing, feature-based modeling gained higher importance and role for the integration of these systems. Despite considerable efforts to gain domain-neutral definition for features, they have been mostly defined for specific applications that restrict their reusability for different systems. Recent progress in the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, in addition to additive and hybrid manufacturing techniques, has realized a new manufacturing paradigm called Social Manufacturing which needs significant cross-domain interactions and intensifies the demand for feature interoperability. In this paper, after presenting a brief history of the feature-based modeling approach and its development challenges, we focus on finding the approaches to tackle feature interoperability issues and investigate the role of features in Model-Based Definition (MBD) and the Social Manufacturing paradigm. Also, future research pathways to develop the feature-based modeling approach is presented.

This paper presents the application of Taguchi design of experiment and Autodesk Moldflow® simulation in finding the optimal processing parameters for the manufacturing of natural fiber–polymer composite products. The material used in the study is a composite of recycled thermoplastic reinforced with 10% wood fibers. For the study, four critical processing parameters, namely compression time, mold temperature, melt temperate, and pressure, were selected for optimization. Process analysis was carried out in Moldflow® utilizing a combination of process parameters based on an L9 orthogonal array. Later, the warpage output from Moldflow® simulation was converted into a signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio response, and the optimum values of each processing parameter were obtained using the smaller-the-better quality characteristic. The results show that the optimum values were 60 °C, 40 s, 210 °C, and 600 kN for the mold temperature, compression time, melt temperature, and pressure, respectively. Afterward, a confirmation test was performed to test the optimum parameters. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA), melt temperature was found to be the most significant processing parameter, followed by mold temperature, compression time, and pressure.

Interest in natural fiber-reinforced polymer (NFRP) composites is growing rapidly in the transportation sector, especially as a replacement material for metals and synthetic fiber composites. The heightened interest is directly related to a need to produce lightweight and fuel efficient vehicles. Further, stringent legislation and greater environmental awareness is forcing transportation industries to select materials with a smaller carbon footprint. In such a context, NFRP composite materials are a good choice due to their low cost, low environmental impact, and relatively equivalent properties to metals and other composites. Most prior studies have examined commodity plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and epoxy as the primary polymer matrix in NFRP composites and little work has addressed engineering plastics. Engineering plastics, which includes polycarbonate, polyamides, and polystyrene, are high performance thermoplastics with superior properties but relatively higher cost than commodity plastics. It has been claimed that even after recycling, engineering plastics properties are superior to those of commodity plastics, and thus, utilization of recycled engineering plastic in NFRP composites can help reduce waste and lower composite material costs. The aim of this review article is to explore the current status of engineering plastics reinforced with natural fibers such as flax, hemp, jute, and sisal and to examine their use in automotive, aerospace, and maritime applications. Properties and processing techniques of engineering plastics reinforced with natural fibers are also studied.

Press-forming is a process which is used to manufacture three-dimensional containers, such as trays and plates from paperboard. The forming is done from a pre-creased blank which is drawn into shape with a mould set consisting of a punch, die and a blank holder. Due to subsequent processes the air permeability of the formed material sometimes needs to be manipulated. However, such manipulation can in addition influence the mechanical performance of the materials, which has not been previously investigated. Mechanical perforation of multi-layer paperboard tray blanks with different perforation patterns was done to change the air permeability of the material. The air permeability and the tensile strength of the perforated materials were measured to analyse the effect of different patterns. The samples were analysed using a wide area 3D measurement system. After this, the perforated blanks were press formed to investigate the three-dimensional formability and the functionality of the materials in the manufacturing process. The results show a clear impact on the air permeability and the strength of the paperboard in tensile test and forming processes. Based on the results, suggestions for perforation patterns to maximize the functionality of the materials in the manufacturing processes are presented.

The paper will focus for technical plastics, which are comprised of high performing segment of synthetic plastics with excellent thermal and mechanical properties in comparison to commodity plastics. Although commodity plastics contribute to 80% of the total plastic consumed worldwide, technical plastics had seen immense development in past decades mainly due to their superior performance and their market value is predicted to reach above $90 billion by 2020. While technical plastics are generally expensive than commodity plastics, they exhibit superior mechanical strength, high heat resistance, toughness, rigidity and ease to process. Due to these exceptional characteristics, they are extensively used in electrical and electronics, consumer goods and transportation applications. This high growth and extensive usage of technical plastics had led to huge amount of waste generation especially from end-of-life waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) which mainly composed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) plastics. Generally, these materials from the plastic waste show good properties and can be recycled. The recycling of WEEE possess certain challenges such as fraction of WEEE are composed of over 10 different types of polymers, presence of different types of fillers, colorants, fire retardants and finally oxidative degradation of butadiene rubber phase in electronics products during service time which deteriorate mechanical performance. However, using methods such as melt blending had shown to improve the mechanical properties of recycled material and enabling the possibility of recycled technical plastic to make their way back into more consumer and industrial products.

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) as one of the promising materials in manufacturing industries are facing rapid market growth. WPCs are a mixture of thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics and wood fibers. The extruded profiles of WPCs are widely used in different market sectors. A promising novel post-production process to utilize WPC materials may lead to even greater market potential in the future by creating products with more complex geometries. In this production process, cutting and forming as the key elements need to be not only stable but also repeatable. This article evaluates the cutting repeatability of extrusion-based WPC material, including 45% wood fiber, 50% thermoplastic, and 5% other additives press-formed in a post-production process. In the studied process, extrusion was selected as the fabrication method in the production of WPC sheets and the press-forming method was selected for the post-production process. In the first stage of experiments, the preliminary cutting process was conducted using a hydraulic press to find the suitable temperature range and other production parameters needed in successful production. The statistical process control chart method was used in the second stage of the evaluation process. The test results clearly demonstrate that the selected process has an acceptable cutting repeatability with respect to the effect of temperature in the cutting process.

Process planning is a decision-making procedure to determine the required manufacturing processes and machine tools, and the sequence of the activities that the processes should follow, to produce a designed part or a product component. The quality of the process plan has a major impact on the efficiency and productivity of the whole production process in addition to the quality of the final product. Computer-aided process planning (CAPP) systems have been constantly developing and attracted considerable research efforts during the last four decades. Several approaches such as search logic structure, variant or case-based, generative approach, hybrid, and knowledge-based or expert systems have been employed to develop the CAPP systems with the aim of reducing and finally removing the role of experienced process planners in providing a reliable and optimized process plan to achieve the automated and intelligent CAPP system. However, despite these huge efforts, the process planning task is not completely automated yet and still depends on human experiences and knowledge. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics seem to be promising tools to achieve the total independence of CAPP systems on the experience of the process planners in the era of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing systems. The ideal intelligent CAPP systems will be able to collect the experience and knowledge of the technology experts in addition to being adaptive and self-learning according to the machining process real-time data and work history. In this article, a literature review is carried out with the aim of gaining a comprehensive insight into the state-of-the-art intelligent process planning approaches. Several articles and books based on the types and the applications of the systems are reviewed with a focus on the publishing date within the last decade. The advantages and disadvantages of different approaches are presented and finally, the future research and investigation pathways are demonstrated.

Environmentally friendly paperboard packaging is rapidly increasing its market share. The growth has been driven by consumers’ knowledge of ecological materials and consequent change in their consumption behaviour. Substitution of oil-based materials in the packages with sustainable alternatives, such as paperboard, has major effects on package manufacturing processes. With the advancements in digitalization and automation, the importance of identification and product safety markings has been emphasized and the integration of markings directly into packaging materials is desirable. The object of the study was to investigate manufacturing of small and detailed shapes on surface of the forming tools using these methods and how deviations on the mould surface are transferred (i.e. embossed) to the created pattern. Simultaneously, the impact of manufacturing technology on the process and parameter selection was investigated. A set of small patterned forming tools were manufactured from pre-hardened engineering and tool steel with three different manufacturing methods: precision machining, electro-erosion and laser engraving. Patterns were formed on the surfaces of the uncoated and plastic coated SBS-paperboard samples using a pressing jig designed for the purpose. Trials showed that shape of the pattern edge is essential for the preservation of the surface layer of the material. Similarly, the usable pressing force depends on the pattern edge properties. The results of the study indicate that tested simple geometry marking patterns can be created on the forming tool surfaces with commonly used manufacturing techniques.

Increasing automation in the manufacturing workpieces demands increased flexibility of the manufacturing system when it comes to part handling and selecting suitable manufacturing parameters. In some cases, this can be fulfilled by intelligent manufacturing systems working autonomously, but with increasingly challenging workpieces human-robot collaboration may be required to bring the experience of a human expert into the loop. While human-robot collaboration may be achieved by improving robot safety systems to allow humans to work in close proximity with robots, an alternative approach is to implement Virtual Reality (VR) environment. In this paper, we demonstrate measuring a 3D workpiece, importing the workpiece model into a VR environment and manipulating the workpiece. The technology allows adding sensory information usually not available by adding thermal imaging or simulating audio cues. The research problem of the study is the positioning accuracy issue of sheet metal production while using industrial robots. The research question is how the workpieces and jigs can be scanned the way that the positioning and the angular misalignment can be measured and corrected on robot controller. The study indicates that a laser sensor can be used to measure object dimensions with sufficient accuracy for robot assembly.

Press forming of the Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) allows the use of recycled materials in the production of the sustainable consumer products. This paper evaluates key factors in the forming quality of a complex draft angled consumer product. The forming quality dependents to the pressing parameters, specifically the speed and dwell time of the press, which are investigated as variables in this paper. The investigated WPC material in this article includes 45% wood fiber, 50% high-density polyethylene (HDPE) thermoplastic and 5% of other additives. The pressed plates were assessed using a 3D profilometer to determine the shape accuracy and surface roughness of the final product. It was found that the forming quality is heavily dependent on the dwell time and partially affected by pressing speed of the forming unit. Based on the research findings, selecting an improper range of these parameters may lead to significant deformation in the final product. Determined ranges of pressing force and dwell time found in this article can help manufacturers to start the press forming of WPCs and let them have faster production rampage.

In this study, quality assurance and automatic process control are combined with a Virtual Reality enabled man-in-the-loop system. Increasingly flexible manufacturing demands increasingly flexible process control. Autonomous smart manufacturing systems increase the amount of tolerable variation in manufacturing processes by reacting to minor changes in part positioning, preparation, and other issues by adaptive process parameters. Due to unforeseen circumstances or high variation, there may be workpieces requiring human interaction to continue manufacturing, repair, or be sent to recycling or even waste. Human-robot collaboration may be achieved by safety systems allowing the human operator within the working area of a robot, or then augmented or virtual reality may allow a human operator to assess the situation remotely. The AR and VR technologies may include information usually invisible to the operator. In this study, a 3D workpiece is measured, and defects are visualized in a VR environment, focusing on the geometrical distortion of the workpiece. Measurement had a standard deviation of +/- 0.067 mm for the root gap. Visualization facilitates rapid human feedback in case distortion is getting out of bounds. A man-in-the-loop system is used to provide adjustments to the robot parameters.

The Digital Twin is a recently developed innovative technology in Industry 4.0. The cyber-physical system (CPS) is a concept closely connected with Industry 4.0 that can form a basis for creating a Digital Twin. In this paper, a comprehensive model of a Digital Twin approach for a manufacturing environment and related production processes is proposed. The presented model is based on combining a 5-Dimensional definition for the Digital Twin and cloud-based CPS (C2PS) architecture. The model consists of five layers to replicate the physical object as a virtual object and to collect and convert data. Analysis of the virtual model for prediction of future development, decision-making, re-configuration, what-if analysis, and understanding of the effect of changes in the real time process is performed in the fourth layer. The user interface layer is the connection between the virtual and physical model. Use of a Digital Twin in manufacturing enables improvement in the effectiveness of Lean Manufacturing, leading to savings in resources such as cost and time. Uncertainties inherent in manufacturing processes mean that the Digital Twin approach is a more suitable method for optimization of the overall process and the sub-processes than pure simulation. An accurate Digital Twin model can improve safety, save costs, speed up manufacturing of new products and implementation of new processes, and provide global optimization results. In practice, however, provision of data is a challenge to use of the Digital Twin approach because modern manufacturing uses a variety of data in different formats with different owners. Access to all required data and information and obtaining permission for its use in creation of a Digital Twin is a topic for future research. Publishers version

The aim of this study was to design a tooling system for manufacturing automotive components using a natural fiber polymer composite (NFPC) material. As a case study, an automotive battery cover was selected and a compression molding tool was designed, keeping in mind the need for the simplicity of the tool and ensuring the low cost of this process. However, since the original part was injection-molded with virgin polypropene, some vital changes made in the part and tool design process were documented as a guideline to show new designers how to approach the design of parts and tools using a natural fiber polymer composite material. Additionally, the challenges faced during the manufacturing of composite parts with the new tool were also documented and solutions to these challenges were suggested for large-scale production. Finally, compressive testing was performed to evaluate the performance of the structure of the designed part and to compare the recycled polymer with NFPC material. Both wood and palm fiber composite material perform better in compression testing compared to the recycled polymer material.

Data and information are the basis of the integrated manufacturing environment. The latest, synonym of the integrated manufacturing environment is a digital twin. The concept of a digital twin has grown profoundly in recent years. Several models and frameworks are suggested to create a digital twin in manufacturing. Various information and data flows are involved in any manufacturing case. Diagnosis and gather required data and information is the first and basis of creating digital twin. Data ownership is a significant issue because of the large amount of isolated data islands and due to different data ownership relationships of the whole production chain. This study focuses on the ownership paradigm in manufacturing and digital twin. The reliable data resources in manufacturing the metal-based products are recognized. Available and unavailable data in the turning process are studied and classified in general form to cover every condition as a case study. Publishers version

Industry 4.0 is developing constantly enabling the use of new technologies in various manufacturing applications, including factory floor and production system connectivity and digitally enhanced production processes. The correct use of Industry 4.0 tools improves especially the productivity and transparency of production. However, the use of Industry 4.0 demands knowledge and knowhow. It has been noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack the knowledge to enable and implement different areas of Industry 4.0. The digitalization level of Finnish SMEs is surveyed in this study, along with a review of the potential support structure for improving the level of implementation of digital processes. A support structure matrix is created to assist the next steps of the SMEs towards Industry 4.0. The support structure matrix created helps SMEs to increase their profitability and competitiveness by introducing Industry 4.0 methods in their operations. Publishers version

The Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) is usually associated with mass production. Iterative prototype construction and assembly have not been taken into account commonly in the planning ...

Press forming process is an important manufacturing process to produce paperboard tray packages. During the press forming, sever deformation occurs at the intricate shapes that can cause localized strains and the fracture. The formability can be improved by the crease lines and controlling parameters. Creases reduce the confine stiffness and assist the folding of the paperboard into the complex shapes. In this paper, the press forming process is modelled and simulated with the aid of finite element method. We focus especially on control parameters such as blank-holding force, friction and the behavior of creases at different forming levels. A stress-based failure criterion is also designed and modelled to analyze the rupture. The FE-model consisted of the male die, female die, blank holder and paperboard blank. A commercial material with the grammage of 290 g/m 2 and thickness of 0.353mm is used in this study. The paperboard is modelled as an elastoplastic material and Hill’s yield criterion with isotropic hardening is used to interpret the hardening behavior. The creases are modelled as hinge connectors (one rotational degree of freedom). The failure criterion is implemented by the user-defined subroutine in Abaqus. In conclusion, the developed model can be used to analyze the crease behavior, strain mapping and the prediction of failure, which enables the better understanding of the paperboard converting in the press forming process.