Modular and reconfigurable desktop microfactory for high precision manufacturing

Zhakypov, Zhenishbek; Uzunović, Tarik; Nergiz, Ahmet Özcan; Baran, Eray A.; Golubovic, Edin; Şabanoviç, Asif

doi:10.1007/s00170-016-9689-7

Cited by 22 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Other authors (Mishima, 2006; Zhakypov et al , 2017; Gaugel and Dobler, 2001; Yamanaka, 2006) have also studied optimization issues and applications of MFs, but their notion of a MF is very different from ours. For these authors, a MF allows the manufacture of sub-millimeter or nano-scale objects using small modular machines, or the miniaturization of the production system to match the size of the object produced.…”

Section: Microfactoriesmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…Some authors use the term “micro-fabrication” to refer to the manufacture of sub-millimeter or even nano-scale objects using small, modular and efficient machines (Mishima, 2006; Zhakypov et al , 2017; Gaugel and Dobler, 2001) or the miniaturization of the production system to match the size of the object produced (Yamanaka, 2006). In this paper, alternatively, a “microfactory” refers to any fabrication unit optimized for the small-to-medium-scale manufacture of a variety of products.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Microfactories and the new economies of scale and scope

Barrera

2019

JMTM

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the microfactory model, the elements that enable it and its implications. The authors argue that microfactories reduce the risks and costs of innovation and that they can move various industries toward more local, adaptive and sustainable business ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper explores several processes and practices that are relatively new; hence, it uses online secondary sources (e.g. interviews with CEOs, videos, blogs and trade magazine articles) extensively. Findings Given its versatility and high automation levels, the microfactory model can fill the gap between artisanal and mass production processes, boost the rate of innovation, and enable the local on-demand fabrication of customized products. Practical implications Currently, manufacturers generally need to make large investments when launching a new product, despite high uncertainty about customer acceptance, thus risking considerable losses. The microfactory model offers a safer alternative by allowing a firm to develop and fabricate new products and test their acceptance in a local market before mass producing them. Microfactories also enable the local on-demand fabrication of highly customized products. Originality/value This paper contributes to the discussion on the economic advantages and disadvantages of scale and scope, which have been insufficiently explored in the digital domain.

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Section: Microfactoriesmentioning

confidence: 92%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microfactories and the new economies of scale and scope

Barrera

2019

JMTM

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“…While the former are desktop factories that can be distributed in various places, the latter based on a group of several micro-robots that cooperate to carry out certain tasks (Kawahara et al , 1997). Miniaturized factories exhibit great mobility and flexibility (Zhakypov et al , 2017), can be adapted to the size of the component being manufactured, saving energy and manufacturing space (Kawahara et al , 1997) and can be optimal for small to medium production runs (Breguet et al , 2000). The concept of “square-foot manufacturing” shares several elements with the desktop manufacturing configuration; however, the former tends to be smaller and more flexible (Wulfsberg et al , 2010).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Local on-demand fabrication: microfactories and online manufacturing platforms

Barrera

Olleros

2020

JMTM

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PurposeThis article explores a particular on-demand fabrication unit, the microfactory (MF). It identifies and contrasts several MFs and proposes a taxonomy. This research also explores online manufacturing platforms (OMP) that complement certain MFs.Design/methodology/approachThis research implements a multiple case study (71 cases in 21 countries), triangulating data available on the web with interviews, virtual/physical tours and experiential research.FindingsThe results suggest that automation and openness are the main dimensions that differentiate the MFs. Using these dimensions, a taxonomy of MFs is created. MFs with relatively low automation and high openness tend to be innovation-driven microfactories (IDMFs). MFs with high automation and low openness levels tend to be customization-driven microfactories (CDMFs). And MFs with relatively low automation and low openness tend to be classic machine shops (MSs). There are two types of OMP: closed (COMPs) and multisided (MOMPs). MOMPs can be low-end or high-end.Practical implicationsIn a world where online platforms are becoming central to the reinvention of manufacturing, multisided online platforms and small fabricators will become strongly symbiotic.Originality/valueThis paper offers a clearer conceptualization of MFs and OMPs, which may help to better understand the reality of local on-demand fabrication. Moreover, it explores a new type of experiential research, which tries to describe and interpret firms through transactional activities. Many details of a firm that are difficult to capture via interviews and netnography can be revealed this way.

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“…Many scholars have conducted in-depth research on modularity [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], which has many advantages in both design and manufacturing. Flexibility is an inevitable requirement to respond to product changes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Machine Vision Measurement Module of the Modularized Flexible Precision Assembly Station for Assembly of Micro- and Meso-Sized Parts

et al. 2020

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The machine vision measurement module is indispensable for the Modularized Flexible Precision Assembly Station (MFPAS), which is a fully automatic assembly system being developed at Dalian University of Technology (DUT). MFPAS consists of basic and additional modules, and are expected to be flexible, expandable, and re-configurable to adapt to a variety of parts with a large size range, requiring the machine vision measurement module to be able to achieve accurate measurement of position, as well as orientation of the parts with different size scale. An automatic zooming vision system was set up for evaluation and final integration in MFPAS. Pixel equivalent, principal point and orientation deviation of images were analyzed and experimentally studied using different magnifications of the lens. A new template with circular patterns of different diameters was designed for zoom-lens calibration. The experiments show that the measurement error caused by the variation of the pixel equivalent, principal point and orientation is estimated under 10 μm without online calibration. When high accuracy is required, online calibration can be employed during assembly. The evaluation results of the vision system with or without on-line calibration were given for a better trade-off between accuracy and efficiency during assembly.

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Modular and reconfigurable desktop microfactory for high precision manufacturing

Cited by 22 publications

References 33 publications

Microfactories and the new economies of scale and scope

Microfactories and the new economies of scale and scope

Local on-demand fabrication: microfactories and online manufacturing platforms

The Machine Vision Measurement Module of the Modularized Flexible Precision Assembly Station for Assembly of Micro- and Meso-Sized Parts

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