Showcase
Building on the success of last year’s participation, we are thrilled to share that our team was once again part of the annual Productica conference, this time for its 2024 edition held on May 24-25, 2024. As always, this significant event took place under the auspices of the Polytechnic University of Bucharest and the Municipality of Mioveni.
Celebrating its sixteenth year, Productica 2024 continues to be a focal point for scientific innovation, organized by the Center for Creativity Development. The conference remains a vibrant platform for demonstrating the latest scientific advancements from leading universities, research institutions, and companies.
The conference started with a visit at the Delta Invest factory in Mioveni. They presented the lasted technologies for plastic injection moulding, automation and CNC milling. This factory produces plastic car parts for Renault Dacia factory with the highest precision. After the factory tour, the conference started at the Central of Education Pitesti.
This year our team presented four difference research papers:
1. Methods of reducing mechanical vibrations in FDM
In the rapidly evolving field of 3D printing, achieving high-quality prints at accelerated speeds presents a unique set of challenges, primarily due to the issue of vibrations. These vibrations can significantly degrade the quality of the final product, manifesting as inaccuracies and flaws that compromise the structural integrity and aesthetic of the prints. Recognizing the critical nature of this issue, our recent presentation focused on testing various solutions designed to mitigate these disruptive vibrations.
During our comprehensive study, we explored the effectiveness of implementing linear guide rails and silicone dampers in 3D printing setups. Linear guide rails offer enhanced stability and smooth motion for the printing head, which is crucial when operating at high speeds. They provide a more rigid and controlled movement compared to traditional rod-based systems, which tend to wobble and produce errors in the print due to their less stable design.
Silicone dampers, on the other hand, serve as a buffer between the moving parts of the printer and its frame. These dampers absorb and dissipate the energy generated by the motion, reducing the transfer of vibrations to the crucial components of the printer. This absorption is vital for maintaining the alignment and precision of the print head during the printing process.
In addition to linear guide rails and silicone dampers, our tests also included various other enhancements such as advanced motor drivers that offer better control over the stepping of motors, and modified firmware settings tailored to optimize speed and movement precision. Each of these components was evaluated for its contribution to reducing vibrations and improving print quality.
The results of our experiments showed a marked improvement in print quality with the integration of these modifications. The linear guide rails significantly reduced lateral movements that often lead to errors in layers, while the silicone dampers effectively minimized the vibrations throughout the printing process. These findings underscore the potential of these technologies to revolutionize high-speed 3D printing by allowing for faster production times without sacrificing the quality of the prints.
Our ongoing research and development in this area are aimed at refining these solutions further, exploring new materials and technologies that can contribute to even more significant advancements in the field of 3D printing. By continuing to innovate and test new approaches, we hope to overcome the current limitations of speed and quality, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in 3D printing technology.
2. Pneumatic software simulations compared to real life experiments
In our latest research endeavor, we embarked on an in-depth exploration to ascertain the accuracy and reliability of simScale, a leading pneumatic simulation tool. Our primary objective was to evaluate how closely simScale’s simulations mirror real-world phenomena, particularly focusing on the simulation of pressure drops of compressed air within a tubing run.
To conduct this analysis, we utilized simScale’s sophisticated modeling capabilities to recreate detailed pneumatic conditions and monitored the resulting pressure changes as air traveled through various tubing configurations. This approach allowed us to gather critical data on the dynamics of airflow and pressure alterations within the system, providing insights into the potential performance of pneumatic systems in practical applications.
Furthermore, our research extended into the realm of system efficiency within automated setups. Utilizing Automation Studio, a premier tool for simulating and designing automated systems, we investigated the operational efficiency of key pneumatic components, including cylinders and distributors. The simulations in Automation Studio were meticulously set up to replicate real-life conditions as closely as possible, allowing us to analyze how these components perform under different scenarios and workloads.
The combination of simScale and Automation Studio enabled a comprehensive assessment of both the individual component behavior and the overall system efficiency. This dual-simulation approach not only reinforced our understanding of each tool’s capabilities but also provided a robust framework for predicting the performance of pneumatic systems before physical prototypes are constructed.
This research is instrumental for industries relying heavily on pneumatic systems, as it offers a reliable method of predicting system behavior, optimizing design, and enhancing operational efficiencies, thereby reducing both time and cost in system development. The findings of this study are expected to contribute significantly to the field of pneumatic systems engineering, offering new perspectives and methodologies that can be applied in various industrial applications.
3. Analysis of the results obtained by two different methods of measuring the performance of pneumatic cylinders
In this research paper, we investigated the vibrations of pneumatic cylinder in mechanical systems using the second derivative to find the acceleration of the cylinder and an accelerometer placed at the tip of the cylinder.
By using two different methods of measuring the acceleration we can better see unwanted variations in acceleration in different scenarios.
We first tested the role of adjustable cushioning in pneumatic cylinders. Having more cushioning results in less vibrations because the rod stops with a constant acceleration. Lack of cushioning does make the cylinder do more cycles in the same period of the time, but at the end of each cycle, the violent and sudden stop of …
Between 18-20 April 2024, the Polytechnic University of Bucharest proudly hosts the annual Polifest educational fair. Now in its 23rd edition, Polifest continues to champion education, innovation, and technology, promoting a symbiotic relationship between academia and industry and providing a vision of the evolving engineering profession amidst technological advancements.
This year, our university will present two exciting demonstrations on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), showcasing the cutting-edge applications of these technologies in engineering. In addition to these demonstrations, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about our latest scientific research, further bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical technological application.
The three-day event will offer access to scientific conferences, workshops, and exhibitions of state-of-the-art equipment and new technologies. Educational offerings and job opportunities will be presented, along with unexpected surprises, prizes, and interactive games arranged by the organizers.
More than 70 companies, alongside representatives from faculties and student associations, will participate in Polifest. This interaction promises a comprehensive exposure for future engineers to the industry and potential career paths.
We invite all interested to join us at the Politehnica University Rectory from 18-20 April, from 10 AM to 4 PM, to experience the innovative spirit of Polifest and explore the contributions of our university to the fields of AR, VR, and beyond.
In the vibrant landscape of industrial innovation, Smart Pneumatics Lab stands as a beacon of progress, pioneering advancements at the intersection of technology and manufacturing. Like a coiled spring ready to unleash its potential, our laboratory is committed to unraveling the complexities of Industry 4.0.
1. Predictive maintenance on conveyor
In a recent meeting, we delved into the intricacies of four groundbreaking research projects poised to redefine the industrial landscape. One project focuses on a mechanical conveyor system interwoven with an array of sensors, paving the way for predictive maintenance strategies that optimize operational efficiency and minimize downtime.
We have designed a conveyor system to be powered by our Aventics Cylinders by a pinion-rack system going back and forth. This way we can have a heavy load going along the whole conveyor. This load with put wear on the bearings, on the rollers, on the pinions, on the belts etc.
We will use A LOT of sensors along side the IOTIA predictive maintenance app to see HOW each part will degrade over time.
Also, the actuating equipment will also be kitted out with sensors. From pressure sensors to vibration sensors to see if tubes are cut or to see if bearings need to be changed.
2. Simulation vs Real Life
Another endeavor explores the dynamic realm of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation versus real-world simulation, illuminating the nuances and benefits of each approach in industrial contexts.
Our team, Ivan Codrin and Robert Ifrim, has taken on the important task of exploring the subject of energetic efficiency in pneumatic systems.
We started by doing some research that would give us a brief idea of what we were getting ourselves into. The approach we decided on was crucial for the outcome of our research and after further discussions with our teammates, we agreed that the most suitable way to find the energetic efficiency of a whole system would be to take the main components it was made out of and put them to test by using pneumatic sensors and the equipment of our laboratory.
Using the results of the real-life experiment, we will correlate them and put them in comparison to simulations in specialized CFD (computational fluid dynamics) software, so that the combination of the two could help us trace common energy loss causes and methods we can use in order to minimise them.
3. MPU6050 Accelerometer vs Magnetic Linear sensor for vibration analysis on Pneumatic Cylinders
Meanwhile, our investigation into the disparity between linear sensors and accelerometers for vibration analysis promises to unearth invaluable insights into machinery health monitoring, offering clarity amidst the noise of industrial operations.
Sensors play a crucial role in monitoring the behavior of various applications. Two commonly used sensors are the linear position sensor and the accelerometer. While both of these offer a valuable insights, they differ in key aspects, making them more suitable for different uses.
A linear position sensor directly measures the distance of an object relative to the initial position along a single axis, without any additional noise. The acceleration can be calculated from these precise movement differences, offering a high accuracy. By knowing this, the linear sensor is well suited for predicable and controlled environments.
An accelerometer measures the acceleration of an object in each one of the 3 axis. This makes it excellent at detecting rapid movements, and vibrations, making them ideal for dynamic situations. The accelerometers have a higher polling rate than the linear position sensor, that cause them to have a higher noise in readings. Furthermore, they need to be calibrated before using them, while the linear position sensors don’t need to.
4. AllDay: Productivity measurement and sensor availability tool
Lastly, we delve into the realm of human-machine interaction with an innovative application designed to monitor personnel productivity, streamline meeting scheduling, and ensure the seamless operation of MQTT sensors throughout our laboratory environment.
Starting as a small, over the winter break project, the local WI-FI tracker is now the subject of a case study, regarding the power of locally transmitted information packages. The base concept is centred around how one can determine who is connected to the local network and what can be done with that information.
The project was divided into two smaller appliances, first of which is now ready and working, a presence tracker website with smart data analysis called AllDay. Users create an account which will allow them to see who is present in the router’s proximity at any time and then can analyze metrics such as: productivity, best hours for meetings, presence in the past and much more.
The next, more ambitious, project will build on the base AllDay created, making it a software offering centralized data gathering and instantaneous maintenance for any IIoT device available in the workspace.
As we embark on this journey of discovery, Smart Pneumatics Lab remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technological possibility, driving progress, and catalyzing transformation in the realm of Industry 4.0.…
On December 7, 2023 at the headquarters of the SPL laboratory there was a working meeting between the SPL team, represented by the laboratory manager, Mihai Ghinea and the coordinator of the UPBAIR student team, Bogdan Rosca, the technical director of Robomatic Bucharest Process Control Bucharest, Mr. Anghel Enache and the management of Emerson Romania, represented by General Director Sebastian Ferecus and engineer Alexandrul Atanasescu. It was discussed how the triangular collaboration in the field of intelligent pneumatics materialized in the last two years, and above all, some collaboration ideas were established to be put into practice in the year 2024.…
During 30 Oct – 1 Nov, from the UNSTPB, a delegation consisting of Bogdan Rosca, Niculescu Alex Cosmin, Stoica Vadim and Stefan Mihnea at the ITU headquarters in view of the discussions within WP5. Since in the period 2023-2027 UNSTPB will lead WP4 – European Campus together with PSL Paris, the interest of the meeting focused more on the presentation of the BeeNOME platform made by ITU. The platform will have to be integrated by the IT team of UNSTPB in the general platform of the EELISA alliance, which is why all the components of the platform created by the Turkish colleagues have been detailed.
Going into this meeting we were expecting to recieve a presentation about the BeeNOME platform. The website created by the stuff at Istanbul Technical Univesity to connect students, professors and corporations into one. The students played the part of fresh new blood wanting to learn and do new things. The professors had access to different tools to help spread their work with everyone on the internet. And the corporations provided the capitalist efficiency to the entire ecosystem, meaning they could either look for students to hire and post bounties with different projects they were willing to finance.
We were greeted by the professors from ITU and brought into their operations room. It was filled with people excited to talk about their work on the BeeNOME project and their future plans with it. We got a sneek peak at their project and got to see the backend and frontend of it.
Even thought the project is this under construction, we are optimisitic it will be a great value to out society as a whole.…
Emerson has met the demands of today’s challenging environment by offering you the opportunity to connect with our innovative products and industry experts at our unique roadshow. This mobile resource of innovation provides dynamic demonstrations of the latest product advancements in digital transformation, machine automation systems, and fluid control solutions. At the beginning of July 2023, this exhibition on wheels will be hosted by Smart Pneumatics Lab, a research laboratory belonging to the Department of Robots and Manufacturing Systems (The Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
After a long covid break, the organizing company Emerson could once again invite student teams to Hungary to compare their strengths and compressed air-powered vehicles. Thirteen teams took to the start line to compete in three disciplines: the Long distance race, where the vehicle that travels the longest distance on a single cylinder wins, the Arcade race, where the aim is to complete three laps of the circuit as quickly as possible, and the Drag race, which is won by the fastest vehicle over a 220-metre timed course.
The team “UPBAIR” passed the organisers’ entry check and qualifying without a single problem.
Next year the team has two races coming up. In addition to the classic race in Hungary, the organizers want to organize a competition in Germany.
How did the team and their car do?
Long distance: 8th place
Arcade race: not finished
Drag race: 10th place
Teacher's race: 12th placeThe team of talented young students reached the goal they had set for themselves: they are the first team of the Politehnica University of Bucharest to qualify for the races Long distance and Drag race.…