1. The effect of product complexity on servitization and deservitization: A multi-country quantitative analysisJasna Prester, Andrea Bikfalvi, Iztok Palčič, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Servitization is often based on technology, with the producer not selling products but
rather offering product-related services. While servitization had been steadily gaining interest until
relatively recently, a new trend called deservitization, the outsourcing of service provision, has seen a
slow uptake in the scientific literature. This work analyses why servitization is not always beneficial.
We analyze the effect of product complexity on servitization and deservitization in three Southern
European countries. Due to high competition and knowledge leaking, manufacturers of complex
products tend to servitize with their own resources, thus avoiding deservitization or outsourcing
of service provision. The analysis is performed using two-step OLS regression. The results confirm
that the hypotheses and the model are significant and that manufacturers of simple products tend to
deservitize, while manufacturers of complex products tend to servitize. Managerial implications refer
to alternatives as to when to enter the servitization arena and when it is more beneficial to deservitize. Ključne besede: servitization, deservitization, manufacturing technology, EMS Objavljeno v DKUM: 26.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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2. A cloud-based system for the optical monitoring of tool conditions during milling through the detection of chip surface size and identification of cutting force trendsUroš Župerl, Krzysztof Stępień, Goran Munđar, Miha Kovačič, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This article presents a cloud-based system for the on-line monitoring of tool conditions in
end milling. The novelty of this research is the developed system that connects the IoT (Internet of
Things) platform for the monitoring of tool conditions in the cloud to the machine tool and optical
system for the detection of cutting chip size. The optical system takes care of the acquisition and
transfer of signals regarding chip size to the IoT application, where they are used as an indicator
for the determination of tool conditions. In addition, the novelty of the presented approach is in
the artificial intelligence integrated into the platform, which monitors a tool’s condition through
identification of the current cutting force trend and protects the tool against excessive loading by
correcting process parameters. The practical significance of the research is that it is a new system for
fast tool condition monitoring, which ensures savings, reduces investment costs due to the use of
a more cost-effective sensor, improves machining efficiency and allows remote process monitoring
on mobile devices. A machining test was performed to verify the feasibility of the monitoring
system. The results show that the developed system with an ANN (artificial neural network) for the
recognition of cutting force patterns successfully detects tool damage and stops the process within
35 ms. This article reports a classification accuracy of 85.3% using an ANN with no error in the
identification of tool breakage, which verifies the effectiveness and practicality of the approach. Ključne besede: machining, end milling, tool condition monitoring, chip size detection, cutting force trend identification, visual sensor monitoring, cloud manufacturing technologies Objavljeno v DKUM: 26.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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3. Predictive modelling of weld bead geometry in wire arc additive manufacturingKristijan Šket, Miran Brezočnik, Timi Karner, Rok Belšak, Mirko Ficko, Tomaž Vuherer, Janez Gotlih, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study investigates the predictive modelling of weld bead geometry in wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) through advanced machine learning methods. While WAAM is valued for its ability to produce large, complex metal parts with high deposition rates, precise control of the weld bead remains a critical challenge due to its influence on mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy. To address this problem, this study utilized machine learning approaches—Ridge regression, Lasso regression and Bayesian ridge regression, Random Forest and XGBoost—to predict the key weld bead characteristics, namely height, width and cross-sectional area. A Design of experiments (DOE) was used to systematically vary the welding current and travelling speed, with 3D weld bead geometries captured by laser scanning. Robust data pre-processing, including outlier detection and feature engineering, improved modelling accuracy. Among the models tested, XGBoost provided the highest prediction accuracy, emphasizing its potential for real-time control of WAAM processes. Overall, this study presents a comprehensive framework for predictive modelling and provides valuable insights for process optimization and the further development of intelligent manufacturing systems. Ključne besede: wire arc additive manufacturing, WA AM, predictive modelling, machine learning, weld bead geometry, XGBoost Objavljeno v DKUM: 13.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 6
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4. Simulation-based algorithm for continuous improvement of enterprises performanceJ. Pervaz, Nemanja Sremčev, Branislav Stevanov, Leo Gusel, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The printing company’s process performance depends on the possibility of providing requested products and managing the existing constraints of fixed machine layouts and high setup times between different products. Process inefficiencies caused by these factors reflect on throughput, production times, and resource utilization. The changes that improve one part of the production system usually affect other parts, needing additional optimization, and it is very useful to test the feasibility of proposed solutions with simulation before implementation. This paper presents a new algorithm for continuous improvement of enterprises performance, combining the lean approach with cellular manufacturing, and simulation. The performance is observed in a way that a certain setup influences the system in its entirety, rather than on a specific part of that system. The results are presented through models developed within the production optimization phase, representing various ways in which the continuous improvement algorithm can unfold. Each of them comes with its advantages and disadvantages, all intending to create more efficient production processes that generate less production waste. Ključne besede: printing process, lean management, product groups, manufacturing cells, simulation, continuous improvement Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 4
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5. Enhancing manufacturing precision: Leveraging motor currents data of computer numerical control machines for geometrical accuracy prediction through machine learningLucijano Berus, Jernej Hernavs, David Potočnik, Kristijan Šket, Mirko Ficko, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Direct verification of the geometric accuracy of machined parts cannot be performed simultaneously with active machining operations, as it usually requires subsequent inspection with measuring devices such as coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) or optical 3D scanners. This sequential approach increases production time and costs. In this study, we propose a novel indirect measurement method that utilizes motor current data from the controller of a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine in combination with machine learning algorithms to predict the geometric accuracy of machined parts in real-time. Different machine learning algorithms, such as Random Forest (RF), k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), and Decision Trees (DT), were used for predictive modeling. Feature extraction was performed using Tsfresh and ROCKET, which allowed us to capture the patterns in the motor current data corresponding to the geometric features of the machined parts. Our predictive models were trained and validated on a dataset that included motor current readings and corresponding geometric measurements of a mounting rail later used in an engine block. The results showed that the proposed approach enabled the prediction of three geometric features of the mounting rail with an accuracy (MAPE) below 0.61% during the learning phase and 0.64% during the testing phase. These results suggest that our method could reduce the need for post-machining inspections and measurements, thereby reducing production time and costs while maintaining required quality standards Ključne besede: smart production machines, data-driven manufacturing, machine learning algorithms, CNC controller data, geometrical accuracy Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 6
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6. Deep learning predictive models for terminal call rate prediction during the warranty periodAljaž Ferencek, Davorin Kofjač, Andrej Škraba, Blaž Sašek, Mirjana Kljajić Borštnar, 2020, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: This paper addresses the problem of products’ terminal call rate (TCR) prediction during the warranty period. TCR refers to the information on the amount of funds to be reserved for product repairs during the warranty period. So far, various methods have been used to address this problem, from discrete event simulation and time series, to machine learning predictive models.
Objectives: In this paper, we address the above named problem by applying deep learning models to predict terminal call rate.
Methods/Approach: We have developed a series of deep learning models on a data set obtained from a manufacturer of home appliances, and we have analysed their quality and performance.
Results: Results showed that a deep neural network with 6 layers and a convolutional neural network gave the best results.
Conclusions: This paper suggests that deep learning is an approach worth exploring further, however, with the disadvantage being that it requires large volumes of quality data. Ključne besede: manufacturing, product lifecycle, management product failure, machine learning, prediction Objavljeno v DKUM: 21.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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7. Speeding up the implementation of industry 4.0 with management tools : empirical investigations in manufacturing organizationsRok Črešnar, Vojko Potočan, Zlatko Nedelko, 2020, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The main purpose of this study is to examine how the use of management tools supports the readiness of manufacturing organizations for the implementation of Industry 4.0. The originality of the research is reflected in the exploration of the relationship between the use of the selected well-known management tools and their readiness for the implementation of Industry 4.0, which was assessed using a combination of two models—one developed by the National Academy of Science and Engineering (Acatech) and the other by the University of Warwick. The relationship was assessed by applying structural equation modeling techniques to a data set of 323 responses from employees in manufacturing organizations. The results show that the use of six sigma, total quality management, radio frequency identification, a balanced scorecard, rapid prototyping, customer segmentation, mission and vision statements, and digital transformation is positively associated with Industry 4.0 readiness. Inversely, outsourcing and strategic planning are negatively associated with Industry 4.0 readiness, while lean manufacturing, which is often emphasized as the cornerstone of Industry 4.0 implementation, is not associated with Industry 4.0 readiness in our study. These findings can help organizations to understand how to consider and measure readiness for the implementation of Industry 4.0 more comprehensively and present guidelines on how the use of management tools in manufacturing organizations can foster their implementation of Industry 4.0 principles. Ključne besede: industry 4.0, readiness, implementation, management tools, manufacturing organizations Objavljeno v DKUM: 16.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 6
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8. Comparative analysis of a 3D printed polymer bonded magnet composed of a TPU-PA12 matrix and Nd-Fe-B atomised powder and melt spun flakes respectivelyGranit Hajra, Mihael Brunčko, Leo Gusel, Ivan Anžel, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The present study reports the development of new polymer bonded magnet containing a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) – Nylon (PA12) blend as the matrix material and Nd-Fe-B magnetic particles. Two composite materials were explored: one using Nd-Fe-B atomised spherical powder (ASP) and another incorporating Nd-Fe-B melt-spun flakes (MSF). The filaments were formulated by blending TPU, PA12, and one of selected type of Nd-Fe-B particles using a mixing device. The ASP and the MSF were integrated into the matrix via a precise compounding process and 3D printing was used to produce the testing specimens. The preliminary findings indicate that both formulations exhibited promising magnetic properties while maintaining the mechanical characteristics of TPU and PA12. The atomised spherical powder formulation demonstrated worse magnetic behaviour compared to the melt-spun flake formulation. ASP particles enable better fluidity of the composite material during 3D printing. However, the close-packed arrangement of these particles is the cause of much higher porosity and consequently the poorer mechanical and magnetic properties. Optimization of the processing parameters showed significant influence on the final magnetic performance and structural integrity of the printed specimens. Ključne besede: bonded magnets, Nd-Fe-B melt spun flakes, Nd-Fe-B atomised powders, material extrusion, additive manufacturing, fused specimen fabrication Objavljeno v DKUM: 08.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 9
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9. Effect of usage of industrial robots on quality, labor productivity, exports and environmentJasna Prester, Iztok Palčič, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Industrial robots are slowly finding their way into manufacturing companies. This paper
examines the impact of robots on productivity, exports, quality, sustainability and labor in European manufacturing companies. There is little research on the use of industrial robots and their
impact in developed countries. Most research relates to Chinese companies, and often, the data are
outdated. The data in this paper come from the European Manufacturing Survey project, which
was conducted in 2022 and includes 476 manufacturing companies. The results of the impact of
industrial robots on quality, labor productivity, exports and green technologies are determined using
a T-test between companies that use industrial robots and those that do not. However, the impact
of higher investment in environmental technologies by industrial robot users was examined by a
two-stage OLS regression analysis with control variables representing the contextual characteristics
of the companies. The results show positive effects on all of the variables. The results show that
the greater use of robots occurs in industries with low-to-medium technology intensity, that robots
contribute to labor productivity and exports and that companies that use robots also tend to use
environmentally friendly technologies. Ključne besede: industrial robots, productivity, quality, exports, environmental, sustainability, European manufacturing survey Objavljeno v DKUM: 09.12.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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10. A holistic approach to cooling system selection and injection molding process optimization based on non-dominated sortingJanez Gotlih, Miran Brezočnik, Snehashis Pal, Igor Drstvenšek, Timi Karner, Tomaž Brajlih, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study applied a holistic approach to the problem of controlling the temperature of critical areas of tools using conformal cooling. The entire injection molding process is evaluated at the tool design stage using four criteria, one from each stage of the process cycle, to produce a tool with effective cooling that enables short cycle times and ensures good product quality. Tool manufacturing time and cost, as well as tool life, are considered in the optimization by introducing a novel tool-efficiency index. The multi-objective optimization is based on numerical simulations. The simulation results show that conformal cooling effectively cools the critical area of the tool and provides the shortest cycle times and the lowest warpage, but this comes with a trade-off in the tool-efficiency index. By using the tool-efficiency index with non-dominated sorting, the number of relevant simulation cases could be reduced to six, which greatly simplifies the decision regarding the choice of cooling system and process parameters. Based on the study, a tool with conformal cooling channels was made, and a coolant inlet temperature of 20 °C and a flow rate of 5 L/min for conformal and 7.5–9.5 L/min for conventional cooling channels were selected for production. The simulation results were validated by experimental measurements. Ključne besede: conformal cooling, injection molding, tooling, additive manufacturing, numerical simulation, non-dominated sorting Objavljeno v DKUM: 05.12.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 5
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