Mirko Sokovic

University of Ljubljana · Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

The paper is focused on analysis concerning Quality Management System (QMS) and innovation performance relationship in Montenegrin firms. In accordance with that we firstly present literature about innovations performance in ISO 9001 certified firms around the world. Some of these empirical studies prove a positive influence of ISO 9001 on innovati...

3D modelling in orthodontics is becoming an increasingly widespread technique in practice. One of the significant questions already being asked is related to determining the precision of the scanner used for generating surfaces on a 3D model of the jaw. : This research was conducted by generating a set of identical 3D models on Atos optical 3D scan...

This paper addresses the study of piston bore machining. Within the framework of an experimental investigation single and combined effects, and related reproducibility, of such parameters on bore geometry and surface finish were investigated. Experiment planning and process modelling were performed by design of experiments (DOE) methodology. The ex...

Implementation of quality management systems within different business operations are supported by several models of quality management, business excellence, etc . The best known models are EFQM, MBNQA and IPMA, on which many other applicable models are based. Most models of quality management are generic and can be applicable to a wide array of bu...

New functional tool composite materials with a metallic matrix and reinforced with hard carbide phases have been developed. The effect of the polymer binder has been determined for the used moulding a mixture of hard carbide powders based on WC, TiC, (W, Ti)C, doped with VC, NbC and/or TaC and powders of a metallic matrix in the form of Co and/or N...

The engineers of PROTAC d.o.o. and the biggest Slovenian steelwork ACRONI d.o.o., in cooperation with domestic and foreign institutions of science, have been designed and developed a new generation of armored steel PROTAC 500. Steel PROTAC 500 belongs to the group of high strength low alloy (HSLA) steels. It is made in steelwork ACRONI d.o.o. by th...

This paper addresses the study of piston bore machining. Within the framework of an experimental investigation single and combined effects and related reproducibility of such parameters on bore geometry and surface finish were investigated. Experiment planning and process modelling were performed by design of experiments (DOE) methodology. The expe...

This paper presents the possibilities of application of close-range photogrammetry, based on the Structure-from- Motion (SfM) approach, in 3D model’s reconstruction of bronze cast sculptures. Special attention was dedicated to the analysis of image processing strategy, and its impact on the 3D model reconstruction quality. For the purpose of analys...

It is necessary for maintenance to have qualified and trained staff, capable of using modern equipment for maintenance, defect inspection and maintenance work, able of applying modern requirements of organization and management. Therefore, it is necessary to redesign the maintenance processes in a more extensive way than the classical, which is bas...

Growing competition on the market forces the organisations to be more technological and organisational flexibility, both in the range of ensuring the products' quality and minimising the affect the surrounding environment as well as limiting the threats of the work safety. The studies proposed the way of consistent risk management of the operationa...

The quality of processedsinteredvalveplatesdepends on variousfactorsderiving both from thecharacteristics ofthe rawmaterial and the grinding process.The change of valve plate's materialis defined based on the requirementsto reducethe priceof the inputmaterial.This paperexamines the impact of the carbon content on themachinability ofsinteredvalve pl...

The antimicrobial activity of the moss Rhodobryum ontariense tea was evaluated by microdilution method against eight bacterial (Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogens, Micrococcus flavus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus) and eight fungal species (Aspergillus fumigatus,...

With conventional quality management methods and techniques used in repetitive projects it is possible to establish an efficient quality management and quality improvement system. The more efficient the system, the easier it is to identify points where errors are likely to occur and eliminate their consequences. Taking into consideration the fact t...

Contemporary 3D digitization systems employed by reverse engineering (RE) feature ever-growing scanning speeds with the ability to generate large quantity of points in a unit of time. Although advantageous for the quality and efficiency of RE modelling, the huge number of point datas can turn into a serious practical problem, later on, when the CAD...

Production systems that are by their structure designed according to principles of group technology must, despite their perfection, rapidly adapt to changes in surroundings and engage in a battle with their market rivals. First of all, they must get closer to customers and suppliers, representing one of first principles of lean philosophy. It is on...

Production systems that are by their structure designed according to principles of group technology must, despite their perfection, rapidly adapt to changes in surroundings and engage in a battle with their market rivals. First of all, they must get closer to customers and suppliers, representing one of first principles of lean philosophy. It is on...

Purpose: During the last couple of decades, development of medical science has been marked with an ever more pronounced interdisciplinary character which, in part, can be attributed to various engineering applications. Rapid development of computer-aided technologies, which completely transformed production engineering, also left an indelible mark...

Taking into account the technical characteristics of the welding processes, associated with the fulfilling clients' requirements, the assurance of safe and healthy working places as well as the environment protection the fundamental meaning belongs to the application of the appropriate methods of risk assessment of these processes. The paper presen...

This paper is presentation of the development of advanced approach for modeling and structural analysis of jib structure which is usually part of waterway bucket dredgers. Object of analysis is a jib structure which will be reconstructed for the excavation of grain material from a river bed. Main goal of paper is to proof benefits of enough sophist...

Realization of quality, environmental and occupational health and safety policy using the proposed model of processes' integrated risk estimation leads to the improvement of the analyzed productive processes by the preventive and corrective actions, and in consequence - to their optimization from the point of view of products' quality and in the as...

This contribution deals with the research and proposal to change a position of tool axis against milled surface during multi-axial milling. Our tat-get is achieving an increase in milling efficiency (improvement of functional surface properties, increase in milling accuracy, increase in tool durability, decrease in energy load on a machine, and sho...

Modern 3D-digitization systems, which are employed by reverse engineering (RE), feature the ever-growing scanning speed, with the ability to generate large quantity of points in a unit of time. Generally speaking, that is advantageous for the quality and efficiency of RE modelling. However, huge number of point data, generated in the course of 3D-d...

Optimisation of manufacturing processes is typically performed by utilising mathematical process models or designed experiments. However, such approaches could not be used in the case when explicit quality function is unknown and when actual experimentation would be expensive and time-consuming. The paper presents an approach to optimisation of man...

The paper explores the possibility of practical implementation of the process of continuous quality improvement in marine low speed engines cylinder liner casting, based on quality assurance tools, in 3 maj Engines & Cranes Inc. The aim of this study was to show the efficiency of the available quality assurance tools in costs reduction, productivit...

This paper establish a model for improvement of business processes performances based on quality management system (QMS) through a comparison with top organizational performances characterized by criteria i.e. particularities of the business excellence (BE) model. Analogy between QMS and human organism has been established to that effect. This anal...

Purpose: Reason for writing the paper is to present the project of design and industrialization of floating containment boom made of PVC material, which was successfully finished in 2010. This project was supported by Savatech d.o.o. Kranj. Design/methodology/approach: Research methodology of floating containment boom made of PVC has focused on a c...

Purpose: of this paper is to introduce the reader to the characteristics of PDCA tool and Six Sigma (DMAIC, DFSS) techniques and EFQM Excellence Model (RADAR matrix), which are possible to use for the continuous quality improvement of products, processes and services in organizations.Design/methodology/approach: We compared the main characteristics...

Purpose: The pipeline production is one of major processes in shipbuilding industry. Quality improvement and risk assessment in this process can yield significant savings, both in terms of internal quality costs as well as in terms of customer satisfactions.Design/methodology/approach: Shipbuilding pipeline production quality improvement has been c...

The paper expresses base for an operational quality improvement model at the manufacturing process preparation level. A numerous appropriate related quality assurance and improvement methods and tools are identified. Main manufacturing process principles are investigated in order to scrutinize one general model of manufacturing process and to defin...

State of the art 3D-digitization systems designed for reverse engineering (RE) modelling are characterized by increased scanning speed and also by the possibility to generate a large number of points in a short time. Generally, this improves the efficiency of the RE-modelling process. In practice however, a significant number of points in the stage...

If organizations to achieve continuous quality improvement they need to use appropriate selection of quality tools and techniques. In this paper a review of possibilities of the systematic use of seven basic quality; tools (7QC tools) is presented. It is shown that 7QC tools can be used in all process phases, from the beginning of a product develop...

For the development and introduction of new coated cutting tools (i.e. new combinations of cutting materials and hard coatings), it is necessary to carry out a number of studies with the purpose of optimizing the coatings composition and processing procedures, and also to test new tools under working conditions. The aim of this paper is to establis...

The paper is dealing with one segment of broader research of universality an systematicness in application of seven basic quality tools (7QC tools), which is possible to use in different areas: power plant, process industry, government, health and tourism services. The aim of the paper was to show on practical examples that there is real possibilit...

Advances in material processing cause that new solar cell technologies are emerging. Emerging photovoltaic solar cell technologies such as thin film and photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cells tend to be cheaper than silicon cells made in standard technologies. The high cost of crystalline silicon wafers representing up to 50% of the solar module co...

The paper presents an overview of the approaches usually used in production process, specific in planning and control. The goal is to supply "the big picture" of the methods and techniques often met in the entire production process, including the planning and control phases. Thus, some important concepts and techniques like Six Sigma, Concurrent En...

This paper deals with the application of a Six Sigma methodology to the continuous improvement of an aluminium die-casting process. A Six Sigma improvement project was initiated in an aluminium die-casting process, with the aim to reduce the amount of machining scrap from an average of 4.12% to less than 2%, and the amount of material scrap from 11...

Purpose: The paper is dealing with one segment of broader research of universality systematicness in application of seven basic quality tools (7QC tools). The research was carried out in different areas that include power plant, process industry, government, health and tourism services. The aim of the research was to show on practical examples that...

The microhardness, microstructure and bond strength of the interface of a bi-metallic joint on the cross-section of the testing hydraulic cylinder were investigated. Experimental findings of related to both method of cladding obtained with metallographic and mechanical investigations of the interface between the CuSn6 bronze and the TS5 (Č.1213) st...

Purpose: In this paper, an attempt is made to establish the general model of quality management also to the field of development and introducing of hard coatings on cutting tools.Design/methodology/approach: The conventional PVD and CVD methods have its limitations and that innovative processes are essential within the framework of an environmental...

To achieve continuous quality improvements every organization needs to use an appropriate selection of tools and techniques. The fundamental requirements for success are a clear understanding, both of the tools and techniques as well as the process by which they should be applied. In this paper we provide an overview and the fields of application o...

Purpose: In European Union countries the legalisation forbids the production, processing and use of cadmium. By January 2008 at the latest, all articles and products containing cadmium will either have to be withdrawn from sale or an appropriate substitute for this heavy metal will have to be found.Design/methodology/approach: The present technolog...

The paper presents investigation results of tribological and cutting properties of the coatings deposited with the PVD and CVD techniques on cutting inserts made from the Al2O3 + TiC tool ceramics. Tests were carried out on the inserts made from ceramics, uncoated and PVD or CVD-coated with gradient, mono-, multilayer and multicomponent hard wear r...

A brief overview of each Reverse Engineering step is presented in the paper. Complex freeform model was chosen intentionally in order to determine accuracy level of the whole RE process, using our laboratory equipment. Selected model can be very challenging task regarding to every single step in the RE- process, especially at dimensional verificati...

The objective of this research presented in this paper is to generate mathematical model, which combines ball tip radius error and small tilt of the stylus to determine translational motion (in two directions) of the stylus ball centre, due to the surface slope. In simple two-dimensional mathematical model is described one error. Second model is ba...

The microhardness, microstructure and bond strength of the interface of a bi-metallic joint on the cross-section of the testing hydraulic cylinder were investigated. Experimental findings of related to both method of cladding obtained with metallographic and mechanical investigations of the interface between the CuSn6 bronze and the TS5 (Č.1213) st...

The paper presents investigation results of tribological and cutting properties of the coatings deposited with the PVD and CVD techniques on cutting inserts made from the Al2O3 + TiC tool ceramics. Tests were carried out on the inserts made from ceramics, uncoated and PVD or CVD-coated with gradient, mono-, multilayer and multicomponent hard wear r...

Purpose: Dies for aluminium alloys die-casting fail because of a great number of a different and simultaneously operating factors. Some of them may be controlled to some extent by the die-casting experts.Design/methodology/approach: In the experimental part of our work the failures on the working surface of the fixed half of the testing die for die...

Constant computer-hardware and software developments have resulted in enhanced requirements for the dimensional accuracy of products. An accurate product reflects the geometrical accuracy of the CNC machine-tool. A quick accuracy test of a CNC machine-tool can be performed with the Ballbar QC10 device; calibration and parameter correction on the CN...

This paper presents the results of developing a tool-wear monitoring system,for hard turning in laboratory conditions. The system is based on modern artificial intelligence methods such as neural networks (NNs). One of the most dominant factors influencing the reliability of the turning process is the condition of the tool; thus, systems for monito...

Purpose: of this paper: In this paper, an attempt to apply the general model of quality management indevelopment and machining of new ecologically more acceptable aluminium alloys for free cutting is made.Design/methodology/approach: The conventional approach has its limitations and that a new and innovative(alternative) approach is essential withi...

Purpose: of this paper: In the paper is presented a Six Sigma project, undertaken within company for production automotive parts, which deals with identification and reduction of production cost in the deburring process for gravity die-castings and improvement of quality level of produced parts.Design/methodology/approach: The objectives are achiev...

The engineering design supported by CAD/CAE techniques allows optimising the product concept before manufacturing with assistance of CAM, in management for rapid product development and rapid set-up production in advance. For some product development processes reverse engineering (RE) allows to generate surface models by three-dimensional (3D)-scan...

The tribological properties of the multi-layer PVD and CVD coatings deposited onto the Si3N4 nitride tool ceramics are compared in the paper in relation to the fundamental mechanical properties like hardness, adhesion.The inserts made from Si3N4 were multilayer coated in the PVD process with the TiN + multiTiAlSiN + TiN, TiN + TiAlSiN + TiN, and Ti...

Growing globalisation and more complex business environment are conditions which gave requests for organizations to rapidly increasing management effectiveness and require application of new management theories which can respond to modern business conditions. Modern management theory offers some new concepts, which could support necessary changes i...

A complex quality initiative that address leadership, tools and infrastructure issue at the same time, called Six Sigma, have recently emerged. The objective of Six Sigma is to improve organization efficiency as well as effectiveness in meeting customer needs, ultimately creating economic wealth for the customer and provider. The application of Six...

Purpose: The main aim of this paper is to elaborate using design approach to building Integrated Management Systems (IMS) of organization to trace their own and dependable way to business excellence.Design/methodology/approach: The basic theories used to achieve the aim are: system engineering and architecting, system integration by managing of the...

Purpose: In European Union countries by January 1st 2007 at the latest, all articles and products containing cadmium will either have to be withdrawn from sale or an appropriate substitute for this heavy metal will have to be found.Design/methodology/approach: The present technology of production of fuses in Slovenian firm ETI Elektroelement and th...

A comparative tool life test of protected tools was made in aluminium die-casting of driving wheels for automobiles with two types of cores in one casting plate. One set of cores was improved with plasma nitriding process, while another one was improved with duplex treatment (plasma nitriding + PVD CrN coating). After 2700 and 4150 shots, surfaces...

The paper presents investigation results of cutting characteristics of the modern sintered ceramic tool inserts coated with PVD and CVD coatings. It was demonstrated, basing on the technological cutting tests, that putting down onto the ceramic tool inserts the thin wear-resistant coatings increases their abrasion wear resistance, which has a direc...

Purpose: The objective of the researches presented in the paper is to investigate, in laboratory conditions, the application possibilities of the proposed system for tool wear monitoring in hard turning, using modern tools and artificial intelligence (AI) methods.Design/methodology/approach: On the basic theoretical principles and the use of comput...

In the frame of the current extremely demanding market, industry has to respond very fast with new products designed in very short time often in complex-organic shapes. To model this kind of shapes sometimes is very hard or even impossible with standard CAD tools. On that basis technique of Reverse Engineering, as a solution for complex shapes’ des...

General theory of systems gives general principles of study and reinstatement (design) of all types and varieties of systems. From this point of view, it is possible to identify common design principles of technical and management systems. For designing, understanding and mastering product quality planning the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQ...

The paper presents investigation results of tribological properties of the coatings deposited with the PVD and CVD techniques on cutting inserts made from the Al2O3 + SiC(w) oxide tool ceramic. Tests were carried out on the multipoint inserts made from the Al2O3 + SiC(w) oxide ceramics, uncoated and coated with gradient, mono-, multilayer and multi...

This paper deals with application of Six Sigma methodology in process design. Using an example of compressor-housing machining process design and development at the Cimos facility in Buzet the possibilities for some Six Sigma tools applications are explained. The primary tools are the process map and the cause and effect matrix. A modified process-...

Dies for aluminium alloys die-casting fail because of a great number of a different and simultaneously operating factors. Die design, material selection, and thermal stress fatigue due to the cyclic working process, as well as to low and inhomogeneous initial die temperature contribute to the failures and cracks formation on/in dies. In the frame o...

Further possibilities to improve tool performance might be found in reducing thermochemical wear, taking into account the limitations that exist when it comes to improving the mechanical properties of cutting tools, which is a result of a diffusion process. This reduction is possible if we choose a favourable combination of substrate and PVD (Physi...

To maintain market share, suppliers to the automotive industry must be involved in the continuous improvement of their processes. They have to strive to perfect their processes as well as their overall business. Therefore, the search for appropriate improvement methods is ongoing, whether these methods are well known or completely new, e.g., six-si...

This paper treated develop expert system ES-APKANT which gives higher accuracy and better quality of metal bending process and guarantee achievement of demanded metal bending angle in first bending operation. The paper shows model of hydraulic bending press PSE 135/3000, which is suitable for implementation of expert system, structure of press nume...

This paper treats the technologies for glide-pairs forming using bronze cladding and using the sheet-bronze explosive cladding technique over the glide surfaces of a steel hydraulic cylinder. In the paper the microhardness, the microstructure and the bond strength of the interface of a bi-metallic joint on the cross-section of the test hydraulic cy...

The paper presents results of the structural examinations, tests of mechanical and working properties of thin anti-wear coatings of the TiN/TiAlSiN/TiN type, deposited in the PVD process onto the substrate from the tool cermets and sintered carbides. Structural examinations are presented of the applied coatings and their substrate made on the scann...

A comparative performance test of duplex treated tools was made in die casting of driving wheels for automobiles with 2 cores in one casting plate. One set of cores was improved with Tenifer® process, while the other was improved with duplex treatment (plasma nitriding + deposition of 4.5 μm thick PVD CrN coating). After 2700 injections surface dam...

The aim of the present research of wear behaviour on the PVD-coated solid carbide end mills in dry high-speed cutting (HSC) is to find the main causes for unpredicted tool life. The contribution presents some results of characteristic wear types. The high cutting temperature, which is a result of high-speed cutting enhance diffusion and oxidation p...

According to the limitations in improving the mechanical properties of cermet cutting tools, further possibilities seem to exist to improve tool performance on the basis of reducing thermo-chemical wear, which is a result of diffusion process. This is possible by choosing a favourable combination between the substratum and PVD coating in which the...

It has been demonstrated in the paper that the deposition of the multi-layer and multi-component coatings with the PVD technique using cathode arc evaporation CAE process, on tools made from cemented carbides, results in the increasing of coating hardness and the improvement of their adhesion to the substrate, comprising with the single- or multi-l...

A comparative performance test of protected tools was made in die casting of driving wheels for automobiles with two types of cores in one casting plate. One set of cores was improved with plasma nitriding, while another one was improved with duplex treatment (plasma nitriding+deposition of 4-μm-thick PVD CrN coating). After 2700, 4150 and 7490 inj...

The team responsible for improving quality and productivity at TPV Johnson Controls, a company producing car seats for the Renault Clio, carried out a project to improve the efficiency of its shipping procedure. The reason for the project was the low labour efficiency in the shipping area, especially that of the truck driver. A systematic approach...

This paper deals with the application of Six Sigma methodology in process design. Using an example of compressor-housing machining the process design and development at the Cimos facility in Buzet and the possibilities for some Six Sigma tools' applications are explained. The primary tools are the process map and the cause-and-effect matrix. A modi...

The structure and properties of TiN/TiAlSiN/TiN physical vapor deposition coatings on cemented carbides and cermets were discussed. Metallographic examinations were made on the fracture surface of the coatings. It was found that the coatings deposited on to the cermets and cemented carbides had a laminar packing.

The paper presents the results of investigations of the 5% cobalt and 2% molybdenum additions in the W-Mo-V and W-V high-speed steels of the 9-2-2, 11-2-2 and 11-0-2 types with economically designed chemical composition on the wear mechanism during cutting and erosion tests. The 5% cobalt addition results in increasing the secondary hardness effect...

This paper deals with the quality and integrity of the surface produced during aluminium-alloy high-speed machining (HSC). Carbide type-K tools were used in this study. The results of the microhardness and surface-roughness analyses are presented. The microhardness measurements were conducted beneath the machined surface. The analyses of the surfac...

The paper presents results of the structural examinations, tests of mechanical and working properties of thin ant-wear coatings of the TiN/multiTiAlSiN/TiN type, deposited in the PVD process onto the substrate from the cermets and cemented carbides.