What are the next challenges in manufacturing?4 answersThe next challenges in manufacturing include addressing the impact of megatrends on education and training in learning factories, effectively designing machine learning (ML) applications to navigate the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) manufacturing landscape, developing a new manufacturing engineering curriculum based on Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing, digitalization, and the circular economy, and establishing comprehensive knowledge, guidelines, and standards for Functionally Graded Additive Manufacturing (FGAM) to fully exploit its potential. Additionally, the analysis of Indian manufacturing highlights the need to reconsider conventional trade theories and macroeconomics, address industrial and trade policy-related debilities, and seize opportunities in sectors such as electronics and high-tech industries. These challenges reflect the need to adapt to changing production processes, products, services, and technologies, as well as the importance of data-enabled assistance systems and multidisciplinary approaches to training the next generation of manufacturing experts.
What are the key challenges in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells?4 answersThe key challenges in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells include material and structural stability, device stability under high temperature and humidity conditions, lifetime, manufacturing cost, and environmental concerns. Another challenge is up-scaling lab-made cells to solar modules, with a focus on optimizing the coating method to preserve perovskite layer quality and achieve high-performance mini-modules. Additionally, the mass production of perovskite solar cells requires environmentally sustainable processes and the uniform, large-area formation of all layers. Thermal and long-term stability is a major challenge for organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells, but carbon-based all-inorganic perovskite solar cells have shown high stability and low-cost advantages. Poor stability is also a major challenge hindering the commercialization of perovskite solar cells, and researchers have employed structural modification and fabrication techniques to improve stability.
What are the challenges in manufacturing customized products?4 answersManufacturing customized products presents several challenges. One major challenge is the complexity of combination products, which combine drugs and medical devices, requiring a new regulatory framework for classification. Implementing mass customization (MC) with Industry 4.0 technologies also poses barriers such as uncertain supply chain management, internal complexity, and a lack of skilled manpower. In the Chinese fashion industry, transitioning from a production-oriented approach to consumer demand-driven models is challenging, requiring collaboration and coordination along the supply chain. The traditional production paradigm of large batch production is not flexible enough to meet individual customer requirements, necessitating the implementation of AI-driven customized smart factories for higher production flexibility and efficiency. In mass customization, planning production for high product variety and volatile market demand becomes complex, requiring real-time information exchange throughout the supply chain.
What are the challenges facing the paper manufacturing industry in the Philippines?5 answersThe paper manufacturing industry in the Philippines faces several challenges. One of the main challenges is the scarcity and uneconomical nature of wood-based resources, which has led to a decline in capacity utilization in the industry. Additionally, the industry is under pressure to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development. The outbreak of COVID-19 has also posed severe challenges to the pulp and paper industry worldwide, including in the Philippines. However, amidst these challenges, there are opportunities for the industry, such as the increasing demand for personal hygiene paper products, food packaging products, and medical specialty papers. Overall, the paper manufacturing industry in the Philippines must find new market opportunities while balancing sustainability and profitability.
What are the challenges of solar panels?3 answersSolar panels face several challenges. One challenge is the issue of waste management and recycling. Many panels are dumped in landfills, leading to environmental pollution and wasted valuable materials. Another challenge is the dependence on crystalline silicon, which has a limited lifespan and can suffer from structural damage and power losses due to factors like shading and surface contamination. Additionally, the cost and efficiency of solar cells are concerns that limit their widespread deployment. Finally, there are safety issues associated with the installation, maintenance, and emergency situations involving solar panels, such as fires.
What are the challenges in making a screen printed electrodes?2 answersScreen printing of electrodes faces several challenges. One challenge is optimizing the parameters such as ink rheology, mesh pore size, mesh design, and squeegee motion to fabricate electrodes for the desired purpose. Another challenge is meeting the strict rheological requirements during printing, substrate-ink attraction, and nanomaterial properties that determine dispersibility and percolation threshold. Additionally, the design and preparation of silver amalgam screen-printed electrodes require a precise electrochemical preparation procedure for mercury deposition, optimal electrolyzer construction, and activation of the electrode surface for uniform coverage by mercury. Furthermore, the development of screen-printed electrodes for electrochemical analysis involves considerations such as miniaturization, large-scale production, low-cost fabrication, and the ability to print different layers with different functions. Lastly, the electrical connection of screen-printed electrodes to the potentiostat/electronics is crucial for obtaining reproducible electrochemical responses, and the choice of connection method, such as crocodile clips or edge-connectors, can impact the results.