The paper deals with experimental research on single pulse laser of some useful material used in different industries as Al 1050, aluminum alloy anodized, stainless steel AISI 304, and Ti technical pure, grade 2. Some data concerning the state of art laser ablation, applicability, and working parameters are presented. The surfaces obtained by single pulse laser machining were studied by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and correlations between experimental data and working parameters. Numerical simulations of the single pulse laser were approached for deeper understanding of the specific removal mechanism at different working parameters.
The accelerated development of artificial intelligence has introduced a growing disconnect between technological capabilities and the governance mechanisms required to manage them responsibly. While AI systems are increasingly deployed in critical domains, the lack of structured and unified governance approaches raises concerns related to accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance.This paper proposes a conceptual and operational framework that integrates ISO/IEC 42001, as a management system standard for artificial intelligence, with the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, which introduces a risk-based regulatory model. The objective is to move beyond theoretical principles and provide a structured approach for embedding ethical and regulatory requirements into the lifecycle of AI systems. The proposed solution is based on a layered governance model, designed to separate strategic decision-making from operational execution and real-time monitoring. In addition, a risk-based audit methodology is introduced to support continuous validation and early detection of deviations. The paper argues that the integration of management standards with regulatory frameworks creates a more coherent and actionable governance structure, particularly in the case of complex and adaptive AI systems. The approach contributes to the development of trustworthy AI by offering a practical pathway for aligning innovation with accountability.
This article examines the features of the vacuum cooling process of bakery products in continuous production conditions. It has been established that the critical parameters limiting the rate of pressure reduction in the vacuum chamber are the crust gas permeability (0.32–0.42 m³/(m²·s)) and the structural-mechanical properties of the crumb. Experimental studies showed that the crust acts as the main barrier for vapor release, while the crumb has practically no effect on the process. A dependence of crumb strength on temperature was revealed: as temperature increases, the strength limit decreases, which should be taken into account when determining cooling regimes. For a 0.5 kg wheat bread, the optimal process parameters were determined: the pressure reduction rate in the vacuum chamber does not exceed 4.5 kPa/s, and the cooling time is 66 s, allowing the traditional cooling time of 1–2 hours to be reduced to 66 s. The obtained results allow assessing the impact of vacuum cooling on the physico-mechanical properties of products and provide a basis for improving existing equipment and developing new ones, increasing the efficiency and energy saving of bakery production. The practical application of these results contributes to improving product quality and reducing technological time at enterprises.
This paper presents an experimental approach to analyze and optimize the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). The study's core methodology involves developing a model of the process to determine the functional relationship between the input parameters and the resulting Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Tool Wear Rate (TWR).The research demonstrated that impulse energy (Wi) is the most influential factor on MRR, while electrode diameter (De) is the most significant for TWR. It was also observed that brass electrodes have a higher wear rate than copper ones, due to their inferior electrical and thermal conductivity. The surface analysis confirmed that brass electrodes produce greater roughness, while copper electrodes provide superior surface quality. The study established two optimal parameter configurations for maximizing performance. For the brass electrode, the optimal combination was at a Wi of 0.45 J and a De of 10 mm, resulting in an MRR of 114.58 mm3/min and an TWR of 5.92%. For the copper electrode, the optimal settings were a Wi of 0.60 J and a De of 8.59 mm, which led to an MRR of 102.24 mm3/min and an TWR of 4.98%. The results highlight the importance of parameter optimization to ensure process productivity and efficiency.
The SMD (Surface-Mount Devices) production lines are essential infrastructures in modern electronics manufacturing, due to their flexibility and high level of automation. The typical process includes steps such as stencilling, pick-and-place, reflow soldering and post-process inspections. Optimizing the technological flow aims to increase yield, reduce defects and lower production costs. The thermal control is a critical element, as the reflow profiling must be adapted to the board topology and component characteristics, ensuring a controlled temperature ramp, adequate time above the melting point and uniform cooling. Parameters such as “time above liquids”, ramp speed and peak temperature directly influence the formation of solder joints and the reliability of the final product. The automated solder paste inspection (SPI), automated optical 2D/3D inspection (AOI 2D/3D) and the automated X-ray Inspection (AXI) plays a central role in early detection of defects, allowing for rapid corrections and reducing the rework rate. The integration of these systems into a statistical process control (SPC) framework and digital traceability contributes to optimizing quality and increasing the performance indicators like the overall equipment effectiveness indicators (OEE), first pass yield (FPY) indicators, and defects per million opportunities (DPMO) indicators. Thus, an optimized SMD line combines well-defined processes, rigorous thermal control and advanced automated inspection, resulting in electronic products with high reliability and competitive manufacturing costs.
The paper deals with the presentation of an analysis for material removal process in the hybrid electrochemical-ultrasonic machining of a 12% Cr stainless steel. The Comsol Multiphysics software was used for the numerical simulation of the material removal process of the 12% Cr stainless steel. It was necessary to parameterize the models in order to study the behavior of the steel with Cr carbide constituents. A scanning electron microscope from POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, named SEM QUANTA INSPECT F50, was employed to highlight the morphological structure of the machined surfaces. The influence of the material removal process on surface roughness was studied by varying the parameters of consumed ultrasonic power and current intensity.
Currently, the creation of complex structures that cannot be produced by conventional production methods can be easily achieved through 3D Printing. Highly complex models have the advantage of being 3D printed as a single piece, thus eliminating the costly use of several work stages in classical production. In this paper, we present the system purchased by Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad. This system offered by the Markforged company is intended to be used by students of the Faculty of Engineering in the learning process. At the same time, in this paper, we also make a comparison between filament printing systems, a comparison that aims to present the efficiency of the system we opted for.
The shrinkage and density of food during drying affect the quality of the dehydrated material. The deformation of pears during hot-air drying was greater than that during mid-infrared, vacuum and freeze-drying. The high material deformation during hot-air drying was due to the high temperature of the drying air and uneven heat distribution. Rapid drying rate conditions are used in infrared drying, which contributes to a relatively high shrinkage. There was a minimal difference between the infrared- and vacuum-dried samples, although the vacuum-dried samples were favored by low pressure. Less material deformation was observed during freeze-drying. The effect of vacuum and low drying temperature during freeze-drying generally leads to much less deformation. The product density changed similarly to the shrinkage. The following ranking was established based on the increase in density: freeze, vacuum, infrared, and hot air drying. In the case of the freeze-dried samples, we observed that the density changed by +4% compared to that of the raw sample.
With the advent of increasingly complex and demanding technical systems is becoming crucial need for the development and application of appropriate diagnostic system to provide high availability and reliability of these systems. Direct supervision and diagnostic analysis of the situation, with the specified diagnostic methods, we get good insight on the current state of technical systems and the maintenance actions carried out when needed. The paper considered importance of data selection and implementation of appropriate diagnostic techniques with particular emphasis on the analysis of the dynamic behavior of rotating machinery. Shown are some of the results of diagnostic analysis that have been conducted on the machines in a real operation, applying advanced methods of technical diagnostics.
This paper analyzes the need to infuse human-centric values characteristic of the management style of production entrepreneurs into the AI instruments to be used in industrial companies. A careful detailing of the human related elements, the sustainability related functions and the technological features is performed in relation to the need to customize the training of AI systems that are employed in production processes, along the value creation chain. This is then compared with the results of a focus group of specialists in the field of production in order to generate an action plan and regimen to support AI alignment with minimal disruption to the companies’ results and performance.
Polymer laser sintering (PLS) has received considerable attention for the last four decades. However, some of its aspects are not well understood to date. This study aims to shed light on the complex interaction between a laser beam and polymeric powder particles during sintering, which is a critical stage in PLS. In this work, an analytical model linking the degree of fusion of particles of powder with their material properties together with process-parameters was developed using dimensional analysis and the Buckingham Π theorem. It was proved using experimental data that the developed analytical model can be used to optimise different process-parameters by establishing a set of parameters providing the highest value of a proposed parameter to represent the degree of fusion of particles (Ω). This value for polypropylene powder (Ultrasint PP nat 01 from BASF) was approximated as 0.25, based on suitable process-parameters. Numerical modelling was conducted using Flow 3D software to investigate the characteristics of depth and width of a melt pool because these aspects are essential indicators of the stability of PLS and the quality of the final parts printed using polymer laser sintering. The obtained simulation results showed that melt pool width and depth increased with increasing laser power and decreased with increasing scanning speed.
The manuscript examines unconventional radiological practices, focusing on intraoperative ultrasound in neurosurgery and its clinical applicability for certain pathological entities. It argues that ultrasonographic methods offer practical benefits for patients and healthcare systems, including shorter operating times, improved tumour delineation, and real-time monitoring of procedures. Their relative availability, low costs, and ease of implementation make these procedures appealing alternatives for units with limited resources. Defining clear indications and optimising protocols remain key challenges, requiring standardised methodologies and specialised training programmes. We assess clinical efficacy and safety by implementing protocols, standards, and guidelines at national and international levels, protecting patients and maintaining system integrity. We suggest conducting multicentre studies, quality audits, and developing standardised protocols adaptable to diverse institutional capabilities. Ultimately, integrating intraoperative ultrasound into neurosurgery requires a multifaceted, evidence-based approach, ongoing education, and health policies that promote the responsible adoption of the technology for patient benefit. Economic, ethical, and legal considerations should also be incorporated into planning, including cost-effectiveness analyses, informed consent, and intellectual property protections. International collaboration is essential for uniform and sustainable implementation.
The digital transformation is one of the driving forces of economic and societal change for the past 25 years, being accelerated in the past years by the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunities brought forth by the tools of generative artificial intelligence. Production management is one of the fields that has a more classical appeal to it and as such there are many benefits and opportunities related to digital transformation that are not being used to their full potential. The current paper aims to perform a mapping of the situation related to digital transformation of production companies in the sub-field of facility planning and management, which has the potential to set the direction for a considerable number of years in the administration of a factory or related production unit
In the rapidly evolving landscape of nonconventional technologies, effective project management depends on risk assessment strategies that can address high uncertainty, complex interdependencies, and limited historical data. Traditional approaches often underperform in innovative environments such as renewable energy systems, where technical novelty and operational variability increase the likelihood of schedule, cost, and performance deviations. This paper presents an applied perspective on advanced risk assessment in project management through a case study involving the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors in a wind turbine and the deployment of software that combines IoT data streams with artificial intelligence (AI) to enable preventative maintenance. The approach integrates structured qualitative techniques (expert elicitation, risk workshops, and risk registers) with quantitative and data-driven methods, including scenario analysis, probabilistic reasoning, and continuous monitoring using machine learning-based anomaly detection. The case study illustrates how real-time risk intelligence supports earlier identification of degradation patterns, improved prioritization of maintenance actions, and more adaptive response planning across the project lifecycle. As a result, the analyzed implementation demonstrates improved operational quality through higher asset availability and more predictable service delivery, while also contributing to increased customer satisfaction through enhanced transparency and reliability. The findings support the conclusion that embedding advanced, data-driven risk assessment methodologies into project governance strengthens resilience and improves outcomes in nonconventional technology projects.
Direct Energy Deposition (DED) for metal additive manufacturing has recently become an important solution for industries like aerospace, energy, automotive, and medical. Laser DED melts the material, which can be in powder or wire form, locally and deposits it layer by layer onto a substrate. This makes it possible to fix and upgrade important parts as well as make new, complex, or large parts. Powder-based technologies give you precise control over the microstructure, making them perfect for uses where detail and material properties are very important, like in aerospace or biomedical parts. Wire-based processes are known for their high deposition rate and material efficiency. They are good for quickly making large parts or fixing things in factories. You can use a lot of different materials, such as high-entropy alloys (HEAs), ODS, and functionally graded composites, as well as titanium alloys, nickel superalloys, and stainless steels. To get the desired properties, it's important to choose the right DED configuration and process parameters. Combining DED with traditional machining makes it possible to create custom, high-performance solutions for any modern industry.
The International Conference of Nonconventional Technologies 2026 will be organized by the: · Romanian Association for Nonconventional Technologies · Romanian Association for Alternative Technologies Sibiu · Technical University of Cluj-Napoca · Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu · The Romanian Academy of Scientists in the capital of Transylvania - Cluj-Napoca, at Grand Hotel Italia. The event, now in its 25th edition, brings together the nonconventional technologies community in Romania and its partners.
This work constitutes a contribution of authors to making microwave-assisted closed-cell aluminum froth. The required aluminum powder was obtained as a result of the own method applying by nitrogen jet atomization of the molten metal through rapid microwave heating, the solidified aluminum grains being very fine (under 10 µm). Reducing the aluminum powder granulation influenced the foam denseness decrease in the range of 0.45-0.82 g·cm-3 and the increase of its porousness up to 80.8 %. Depending on the size of the cell structure, the compression strength varied between 3.8-7.3 MPa. The main application areas of these froths are energy and respectively, sound absorption, electromagnetic shielding, and vibration damping.
At the beginning of this century, the attitude towards conventional and nonconventional public relations changed fundamentally. James K. Galbraith (from Harvard University), Nobel Prize laureate in Economics, characterized the phenomenon of complementing direct communication with feedback through the expression: "A person wants to be heard." In the current context, shaped by the development of Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence, the human factor is being redefined, considering its importance in domains like economic, political, and spiritual development of society. The "partnership" model, adopted in numerous public relations and management events and organizations, has made a significant contribution to the process of identifying nonconventional resources and implementing/developing nonconventional technologies. The interactions between organizations and specialists, between education and industry, have enabled the creation of new connections that have led to the identification and implementation of the interests and needs of various groups, including those involved in the use of nonconventional resources and technologies.
The manufacture of concrete pavers may require the use of molds whose active elements are subject to abrasion wear. For this reason, the active elements are made of steels characterized by high wear resistance. The need to test the wear resistance of these steels required the design of equipment that would simulate, at least partially, the working conditions of the punches and active plates used in the manufacture of pavers. To identify an equipment solution that would meet the initial requirements, the ideas diagram method was used. The application of this method led to the obtaining of information on possible solutions for the desired equipment. By using certain evaluation criteria and an overall assessment, it was possible to gradually outline a solution for the equipment intended to allow tests to be carried out to determine the wear resistance of cylindrical steel specimens
The precise dosing of powders represents a critical stage in the realization of advanced technological processes, based on the use of metallic and non-metallic powders. Technologies such as Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) or Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) require rigorous control of the quantity and flow rate of powders in order to ensure the quality and repeatability of the process. Through the targeted use of high-quality metallic powders, companies can make their production processes significantly more efficient while also reducing costs. The present study highlights the current types of powder feeders, the main problems encountered in their use, and argues for the necessity of developing a new system adapted to the specific requirements of these advanced technologies.
