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Composite and sandwich structures are nowadays indispensable in engineering applications where lightweight, durability, and multifunctionality are critical [...].Composite and sandwich structures are nowadays indispensable in engineering applications where lightweight, durability, and multifunctionality are critical [...].

Diabetic foot is a serious complication that poses significant risks for diabetic patients. The resulting reduction in protective sensitivity in the plantar region requires early detection to prevent ulceration and ultimately amputation. The primary method employed for evaluating this sensitivity loss is the 10 gf Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test, commonly used as a first-line procedure. However, the lack of calibration in existing devices often introduces decision errors due to unreliable feedback. In this article, the mechanical behavior of a monofilament was analytically modeled, seeking to promote awareness of the impact of different factors on clinical decisions. Furthermore, a new device for the automation of the metrological evaluation of the monofilament is described. Specific testing methodologies, used for the proposed equipment, are also described, creating a solid base for the establishment of future calibration guidelines. The obtained results showed that the tested monofilaments had a very high error compared to the 10 gf declared by the manufacturers. To improve the precision and reliability of assessing the sensitivity loss, the frequent metrological calibration of the monofilament is crucial. The integration of automated verification, simulation capabilities, and precise measurements shows great promise for diabetic patients, reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes.

Material joining processes are fundamental in modern structural engineering, by combining components into functional assemblies that meet the performance, safety, and economic requirements of the industry [...]

Material joining processes are a critical factor in engineering structures since they influence such structures' structural integrity, performance, and longevity [...].Material joining processes are a critical factor in engineering structures since they influence such structures' structural integrity, performance, and longevity [...].

This article provides a concise overview of the modification mechanism of silver nanoparticles-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (Ag-PM-WCNT), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and carbon quantum dots (CQD) on the mechanical and reliability properties of structural geopolymer reinforced-composite beams (GR-CBs). The structural GR-CBs were prepared with a geopolymer binder which included sodium carbonate and hydrated lime, GGBFS, Ag-PM-WCNT, and CQD, as well as the SP. A number of features were tested at 7, 28, 90, 180, 365, 2185, and 4370 days, including, compactness, porosity, shear, bending, and compressive strengths, Young’s modulus, and SEM analysis, as well as fluidity of fresh state of GR-CBs. The outcomes indicate that the incorporation of 0.5–0.7 wt% Ag‒PM‒WCNT and 2.5 wt% CQD leads to a decrease in fluidity and porosity while concurrently increasing the shear, bending, and compressive strengths by more than 104%, 160%, and 180%, respectively. The most remarkable shear, bending, and compressive strengths were observed in GR-CB11, measuring 9.5 MPa, 10.6 MPa, and 75 MPa respectively, after 4370 days. The Young’s modulus of the GR-CB, which includes Ag‒PM‒WCNT, GGBFS, and CQD, demonstrated a significant enhancement, alongside a remarkable level of densification within the microstructure and a variety of constitutive mathematical models. Therefore, developed GR-CB has the potential to facilitate practical implementation in real-world structure projects and infrastructure renewal.

This editorial introduces a Special Issue of Machines entitled “Recent Developments in Machine Design, Automation and Robotics” [...]

Build-up-edge (BUE), high-temperature machining and tool wear (TW) are some of the problems associated with difficult-to-machine materials for high-temperature applications, contributing significantly to high-cost manufacturing and poor tool life (TL) management. A detailed review of non-traditional machining processes that ease the machinability of INCONEL®, decrease manufacturing costs and suppress assembly complications is thus of paramount significance. Progress taken within the field of INCONEL® non-conventional processes from 2016 to 2023, the most recent solutions found in the industry, and the prospects from researchers have been analysed and presented. In ensuing research, it was quickly noticeable that some techniques are yet to be intensely exploited. Non-conventional INCONEL® machining processes have characteristics that can effectively increase the mechanical properties of the produced components without tool-workpiece contact, posing significant advantages over traditional manufacturing.

Automation and robotics have revolutionized industrial processes, making them more efficient, precise, and flexible [...]

The automotive industry is one of the most demanding sectors of all manufacturing industries due to its competitiveness. It is necessary to innovate through the implementation of automated and robotic equipment, leading to cycle time and labor cost reduction. This work aims to design semi-automatic equipment to assemble cabling connectors used in the automotive sector, replacing a manual process currently taking place in an automotive components company. In the proposed equipment, the operator places a connector in the equipment, and the components (pins and seals) are automatically inserted. A vision sensor with artificial intelligence then confirms the correct application. The equipment operation defined as Finite Element Method (FEM) was applied for structural verification; the materials and fabrication processes were detailed; the associated costs were calculated, and the equipment subsets were validated. The design was successfully accomplished, and the imposed requirements were fulfilled, with significant advantages over the current process, providing new knowledge on how semi-automatic systems can be deployed to enhance the productivity and quality of manufacturing processes. The design principles and insights gained from this work can be applied to other automation challenges, particularly where manual processes need to be replaced by more efficient semi-automatic or automatic systems. The modularity of the overall solution and the design concepts of the component inserter, component feeder, and assembly process allow for its use in different assembly scenarios beyond the automotive sector, such as electronics or aerospace, providing a contribution to increased competitiveness and survival in the global market.

Injection moulds are crucial to produce plastic and lightweight metal components. One primary associated challenge is that these may suffer from different types of failures, such as wear and/or cracking, due to the extreme temperatures (T), thermal cycles, and pressures involved in the production process. According to the intended geometry and respective needs, mould manufacturing can be performed with conventional or non-conventional processes. This work focuses on three foremost alloys: AMPCO® (CuBe alloy), INVAR-36® (Fe-Ni alloys, Fe-Ni36), and heat-treated (HT) steels. An insight into the manufacturing processes’ limitations of these kinds of materials will be made, and solutions for more effective machining will be presented by reviewing other published works from the last decade. The main objective is to provide a concise and comprehensive review of the most recent investigations of these alloys’ manufacturing processes and present the machinability challenges from other authors, discovering the prospects for future work and contributing to the endeavours of the injection mould industry. This review highlighted the imperative for more extensive research and development in targeted domains.