Laboratories of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management

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CIM and Robotics

Background

The CIM and Robotics Laboratory at Braude College of Engineering in Karmiel was established in 1997. It is located on the ground floor of Building D, room D106. The lab was founded to provide students with knowledge and hands-on experience in robotics and computer-integrated manufacturing. Israel’s most significant industry—high-tech—relies heavily on the ability of universities and engineering colleges to equip students with modern, up-to-date tools that complement their theoretical studies.

The CIM and Robotics Laboratory provides students with advanced knowledge of various methods related to manufacturing processes. These methods are based on technologies that integrate Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS). Such systems enable rapid development of new or improved high-quality products, short development and production times, just-in-time supply, low production costs, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing market demands.

The lab serves students from the Industrial Engineering and Management Department and the Mechanical Engineering Department. Undergraduate students perform guided assignments and projects in the lab. The facility is based on semi-industrial CIM and FMS systems for training purposes. Built by Ashdod-Robotec, the system demonstrates all levels of CIM-from product design to manufacturing.

Equipment

Design and Simulation
CADKEY – A graphic workstation based on CADKEY software. It provides tools for 2D and 3D product design, including full solid-modeling capabilities. The workstation is connected to a color printer and plotter for professional drafting output.

MASTERCAM design and simulation station – This station includes MASTERCAM software for product and process design. It provides tools for 3D product modeling, converting graphics into machine code (G-codes), and communication channels between the station and CNC machining centers.

WIZCON – A workstation for human–machine interface (HMI). It includes WIZCON for graphical interface design and simulation, along with a scaled-down automated process controlled by a programmable controller.

OPENCIM – Software designed and developed by Ashdod-Robotec to provide an open system for controlling virtual or real manufacturing processes. It includes a complete simulation suite for different manufacturing processes, along with real-time control of various laboratory equipment.

FMS – Flexible Manufacturing System
Two partial manufacturing cells equipped with an EMCO lathe and an EMCO machining center with tool changers.
Each cell includes a robot for loading and unloading.
The machining center is connected to the MASTERCAM station, enabling upload and download of NC (G-code) files generated by the software.
The lathe is connected to a modeling system that provides design and simulation tools.

VISION
A workstation equipped with a robot and a vision-processing software suite. It enables work with various aspects of vision-based systems and combined robot–vision stations, including quality-control tasks.

Robotics
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) – A system enabling storage and retrieval of raw materials, tools, and products. It is based on a Cartesian robot with four degrees of freedom and various sensors for control and safety. The system includes a computerized database for efficient inventory management.

Five robots that are part of the lab’s overall CIM system but also function as independent work cells. All robots are programmed using the ACL programming language.

Five industrial robots by Mitsubishi – These robots operate with five degrees of freedom and are located around an assembly workstation for experiments and demonstrations of assembly processes.

PLC – Programmable Logic Controllers
The PLC station includes a robot, a conveyor system, and various sensors, all controlled by the PLC.
This station allows students to design tasks requiring integration of PLC programming (ladder diagrams), robot programming (ACL), and sensor-based data.

Material Transfer
A material-handling system based on pallet transport. The system includes a closed-loop conveyor, loading and unloading stations, and pallets and trays for holding parts.
The pallets are uniquely identified using magnetic codes located at each station along the conveyor.
The conveyor is controlled by a programmable controller and is fully integrated into the CIM system, allowing real-time reporting of material status at every stage.

Laboratory Activities
The lab is accompanied by a dedicated course. Laboratory sessions take place throughout the semester and are performed by groups of 3-5 students at each station.
Laboratory topics include:

  1. Introduction to the CIM system and the ACL language
  2. Robotics: robot introduction-motion control, degrees of freedom, workspace
  3. Robotics: drawing and trajectory planning
  4. Robotics: pick-and-place tasks
  5. Robotics: sensors
  6. Programmable controllers – integrated work with robots and sensors
  7. Vision
  8. CADKEY – solid product design
  9. Human–machine interface (MMI)
  10. MASTERCAM – CNC
  11. OPENCIM – simulation
  12. Operating a CIM System

Statistics Laboratory

Background
Used for teaching applied methods in statistical data analysis. Applied statistics courses are offered to students of Industrial Engineering and Management, as well as to students of Biotechnology Engineering. Each of these courses includes a weekly laboratory hour. During the lab session, students perform computerized statistical processing of data files for hypothesis testing and descriptive statistics. Toward the end of the course, each student prepares a final project in which they are required to conduct a variety of statistical analyses on a data file related to their professional field.

Software
We use the SPSS software, which enables statistical data analysis along with rich graphical displays. The software includes a wide variety of procedures that allow the execution of innovative statistical tests relevant to all fields of engineering and the social sciences. Another advantage of SPSS is its user-friendly interface, which allows students to quickly apply the models taught in the statistics courses.

Courses

  • Applied Statistics for Industrial Engineering and Management Students
  • Applied Statistics for Biotechnology Students

Links

Journals

Simulation Laboratory

Background
The Simulation Laboratory serves as a central computing component within the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Braude College of Engineering in Karmiel. The laboratory supports both educational and research needs in the area of systems modeling. Its hardware includes advanced personal computers and workstations. A wide range of simulation and optimization software is available to support diverse research projects. The learning materials used in the laboratory are based on research findings that are also developed within the lab.

Arena Software
Arena is a simulation software package based on Microsoft Windows, providing a familiar look and feel to users, with all standard features and operations available. In addition, Arena is compatible with other Microsoft products such as word processors, spreadsheets, and CAD packages, allowing information to be shared between these applications and Arena.

Using the software, a complete analysis of business processes can be performed in three stages:
First, a process flowchart is created to map business activities using the basic edition, or by importing flowcharts created in Visio, a leading tool for representing processes, expressions, and creating diagrams.

Next, processes are simulated using animation. The flowcharts are brought closer to reality, showing how organizational components interact. Process parameters can be added through a built-in spreadsheet interface within Arena or by pasting data directly from Excel.

Finally, outputs generated by the basic edition of the software can be viewed. Summary reports are easy to review with familiar graphics, and can be read directly in Arena or saved to Excel, HTML, and other formats.

Literature

  • Banks, J., Handbook of Simulation, Georgia Institute of Technology, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1998
  • Kelton, W.D., Sadowski, R., Sadowski, D., Simulation with Arena, 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2009

Software Bibliography

  • Arena Basic User’s Guide, Rockwell Software
  • Arena Standard User’s Guide, Rockwell Software
  • Arena Variables Guide, Rockwell Software

Links to Other Sites

Contact Information

Work Methods Design Laboratory

Background
To achieve improvements in productivity, cost reduction, and efficient use of resources, various engineering tools must be applied. These tools include theoretical and practical knowledge in areas such as: analysis and improvement of methods, activities and work processes, workstation design, and various techniques for conducting work-study investigations. These theoretical methods form the basis for practical processes in service and manufacturing organizations. This laboratory is used to practice these processes.

The Laboratory Is Divided into Two Parts

  1. Training Laboratories
    These labs are used to practice the processes required to determine standard work times.

    1. Pace Rating – Used to determine whether the worker’s pace is normal, above normal, or below normal, in order to account for this when establishing standard times.
    2. Direct Time Study – Practice of processes for determining standard times using the direct time study method. This is done by watching a video that demonstrates a work process. During viewing, the following steps are performed: dividing the work into elements, measuring times, assessing allowances based on the worker’s environment and other conditions, and determining the frequency of performance. Afterward, standard times are calculated using this data.
    3. Work Sampling – Practice of processes for determining standard times using the work sampling method. This is done by watching a video depicting a work process. During viewing, the following steps are performed: dividing the work into elements, defining sampling times, performing work sampling, and assessing allowances based on the worker’s environment and other conditions. Standard times are then calculated based on this data.
  2. Software Laboratory – Use of software tools to simplify the execution of work-study analysis.
    1. Software for Direct Time Study – CITS APR, TIMEDATA
    2. Software for Work Sampling – WORKSAMP, CAWC/E
    3. Software for Determining Standard Times – TIMEDATA, MOST, MTM-LINK

Software for Work-Study Analysis

TIMEDATA – Easy-to-use software enabling motion analysis for establishing work standards. Integrates three levels: motions, elements, and tasks.

WORKSAMP – Software for work sampling. Summarizes data collected on paper beforehand, as well as electronically collected data, and calculates standard times accordingly.

CITS APR – Collects study data using a portable data-collection device (laptop). Data is collected by the analyst, transferred to the software, and analyzed according to the direct time study method.

CAWS/E – Collects study data for work sampling using a portable data-collection device. Data is analyzed according to the work-sampling method.

MTM-LINK – A system storing information in two parts: element files and performance files. The element file is used to develop standard data for elements or construct element blocks. The performance file is used to build performance standards based on these standard blocks.

MOST – A method developed to simplify data collection and analysis of work time. It is based on the understanding that work motions can be classified into three types of sequences:
General Move – movement of an object through the air
Controlled Move – movement of an object that remains in contact with a surface or another object
Tool Use – using tools

Courses

Work Methods Design – 51215
To achieve improvements in productivity, cost reduction, and efficient resource utilization, various engineering tools must be used. These tools include theoretical and practical knowledge in areas such as method analysis and improvement, activity and process analysis, workstation design, and various time-study techniques. The course provides knowledge in these areas and integrates theoretical instruction with practical exercises.

Course Topics:

  1. Fundamentals of methods engineering and work-study
  2. Flowcharts, process analysis, activity analysis, method improvement
  3. Direct time study: study process, calculating number of observations, pace rating, determining allowance percentages, determining standard times
  4. Work sampling
  5. Standard times for teams and machine operators
  6. Predetermined time standards
  7. Learning curve
  8. Incentive wage systems and profit-sharing systems

Advanced Approaches in Methods Engineering – 51135
This course presents advanced models and methods in improving work methods in industrial and service organizations. The course includes software tools for time-study analysis. Innovative approaches are introduced, including KAIZEN, BPR, BENCHMARKING, and inventive thinking. Each method emphasizes different aspects of improving work methods and their implementation.

Course Topics:

  1. KAIZEN – continuous improvement and TQM philosophy as part of KAIZEN
  2. BPR – Business Process Reengineering – fundamental rethinking and radical redesign of processes to achieve major improvements in cost, quality, service, and speed
  3. BENCHMARKING – a method defining an improvement process based on evaluating products, services, and work processes of organizations identified as best-in-class
  4. Inventive thinking as an improvement tool
  5. Use of software for direct time study – CITS APR, TIMEDATA
  6. Use of software for work sampling – WORKSAMP, CAWC/E
  7. Use of software for building standard-data databases and determining standard times – TIMEDATA, MOST, MTM-LINK

Quality Laboratory

Background
The Quality Laboratory, located in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Braude College of Engineering in Karmiel, is equipped with approximately 20 Pentium computers with fast processors and extended memory. The computers are installed with an extensive suite of software, and internet access is available.

The laboratory supports both educational and research needs, including experiments, calculations, and modeling. Current research includes: design of experiments, acceptance sampling, statistical process control, and estimation of quality indices and other performance parameters. Applications in the field also include process-improvement strategies.

The laboratory serves as a central hub for teaching and research in statistical quality control of complex processes. It provides the necessary tools for demonstrating fundamental concepts of statistical variation, the successful application of which leads to quality improvement. Research focuses on developing innovative methodologies suitable for modern challenges faced by high-technology industries. Some completed or ongoing projects include the development of techniques for process control with minimal defect rates; improved optimization techniques for robust design; methods for accelerated reliability testing based on degradation models; as well as monitoring and analyzing the reliability of repairable systems. The laboratory also utilizes a variety of computerized tools derived from these research activities, developed specifically for use within the lab.

Literature

Books:

  • Juran, Joseph M., 1999. Juran’s Handbook, 5th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co
  • T. Pyzdek, R.W. Berger, 1992. Quality Engineering Handbook, ASQC Quality Press
  • Duncan, A.J., 1986. Quality Control and Industrial Statistics, John Wiley & Sons, New York
  • Mitra, A., 1998. Fundamentals of Quality Control and Improvement, Pearson Education, New York
  • Montgomery, D.C., 2001. Introduction to Statistical Quality Control, 4th ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York

Data Analysis Software

JMP
Building and processing data tables; generating reports and exporting to Office applications; using basic statistical and graphical tools; conducting parametric and non-parametric tests for central tendency and dispersion; statistical process control (SPC); process stability analysis including construction and analysis of control charts for variables and attributes; evaluation of measurement and testing systems; R&R analysis for variables and attributes; design of experiments (DOE).

SPSS
Software offering numerous tools for statistical data analysis, such as calculating mean, frequency, and variance, data spread, ANOVA, hypothesis testing, t-test, correlation analysis, linear regression, and more.

Excel
A Microsoft Office spreadsheet tool for data management and analysis. It enables extraction of meaningful information from data and supports a wide variety of analyses. We use it to analyze attributes in sample-based quality tests, assess quality data, and examine quality-related costs.

Links

Measurements Laboratory

Background
The Measurements and Strength Laboratory of the college was established in 1995. It is located on the ground floor of Building D, in the laboratory wing, Room 108. The laboratory covers an area of approximately 20 m², situated between the CAD Laboratory (Room 107) and the Control Laboratory (Room 109).

The laboratory was founded with the aim of providing our students with knowledge and hands-on experience in measurement and data acquisition, primarily in mechanical measurements. The most significant industry—the high-tech industry—depends on the ability of universities and engineering colleges to provide students with modern and up-to-date equipment that enhances their theoretical studies. The laboratory offers students a wide range of methods for mechanical measurement and data collection, as well as strength-of-materials analysis. These methods are relevant to applications in process control and quality control, enabling accurate evaluation of products, materials, and processes.

The laboratory serves students from the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and it is also used for special tasks within final projects.

Equipment
A variety of measuring and testing instruments, including:

  • A set of basic manual measuring tools for dimensional measurement:
    • Vernier calipers
    • Micrometers
    • Bore gauges
    • Height gauges
    • Depth gauges
    • Mechanical and digital dial indicators
    • Mechanical comparators
    • Johansson gauge block sets
    • Go/No-Go gauges
    • Angle gauges
    • Sine bars
    • Levels
    • Precision angle gauges (up to 5 angular minutes)
    • Thickness gauges
    • Granite surface plates
  • 3D Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) BHV-M544:
    • X: 500 mm
    • Y: 400 mm
    • Z: 300 mm
    • Digital indicators
    • GEOPAK software
    • Extensive capabilities for performing various geometric measurements

Optical Instruments and Tools

Profile Projector:

  • Magnifications: ×10, ×20, ×50, ×100
  • 340 mm rotating screen
  • Vertical light-path configuration
  • Digital measurement of dimensions and angles

Metallurgical Microscope For inspecting micro-components
Optical Flats For flatness and surface texture inspection

Advanced Digital Materials Strength Testing System

  • Maximum load: 30 kN
  • A selection of loading accessories, grips, and interchangeable clamps
  • Data-processing software
  • Strain gauge support; creep testing, relaxation testing, and load-rate control

Strain Gauges for the Following Experiments:

  • A set of strain gauges for measuring surface stresses caused by applied loads
  • Constant load — impact load
  • Basic loads and impacts
  • Stress concentration and impact analysis
  • Beam bending
  • Measurement of Poisson’s ratio
  • Measurement of elastic modulus

Rockwell–Brinell Hardness Tester
The hardness tester uses a set of indenters and complies with ISO 6508, which defines Rockwell hardness scales. Reports can also be generated according to Brinell or Vickers hardness scales following international standards ISO 6508 and ISO 6507.

Photoelasticity Set

  • A unique portable photoelasticity laboratory containing a polariscope, a universal loading frame, and photoelastic models
  • Using appropriate models, the system can analyze a wide range of structural elements and load conditions, such as stress concentrations, impact analysis in arches and other structures, simple supports, disks and rings, curved beams, and beams supported on flexible foundations.

SPC Station

Each station includes:

  • Interface for connecting two digital measuring instruments
  • QI Analyst real-time data processing software
  • Pentium computer

Additionally, the laboratory has two MYTUTOYO digital mini-processors for data acquisition and statistical processing.

Laboratory Activities

Below is a list of topics covered by laboratory assignments:

  • Basic mechanical measuring tools: steel ruler, caliper, micrometer, height gauge, etc
  • Angle measurement using various technical instruments
  • Go/No-Go gauges: principles of use
  • Flatness and surface texture inspection using optical instruments
  • Principles of comparative measurement using mechanical and optical comparators
  • Hardness testing via indentation
  • Measurement of tension, strength, and fracture
  • Examination of geometric properties using a 3D measuring machine
  • Real-time process quality control using SPC software

Staff
Prof. Emeritus Emil Bashkansky
Mr. Yitzhak Yifrah

Links