The aim of the present work was to investigate the residual stresses distribution within parts processed by single point incremental forming (SPIF) as a function of the working parameters and to determine its influence on the parts accuracy. The study was performed for a double frustum of pyramid made by 304 stainless steel. An experimental analysis was first conducted by using the strain-rosette method. Since the method allowed determining the residual stresses only locally, a numerical model was then elaborated to inspect the distribution of residual stresses throughout the whole part. It was found that a favorable state of residual stresses and implicitly a good accuracy of parts can be obtained when small values of tool diameter and tool vertical steps, respectively high values of feed rate and spindle speed, are used.

When using magnesium for industrial-scale production, a series of aspects must be taken into consideration, such as the ignition risk (due to magnesium reaction with water resulting hydrogen), the cooling fluids representing up to 16%–20% of the manufacturing costs as well as being environmentally harmful and the costs of waste disposal. Therefore, the selection of an adequate cooling system is a very important factor, which may eliminate all the above-mentioned disadvantages. This research investigates the influences that cooling systems have on surface quality of magnesium alloy parts. An experimental analysis for milling operations was carried out using three cooling methods: dry cutting, minimum quantity lubrication and compressed air. Surface quality was assessed according to three aspects: surface roughness, material microhardness and residual stress variation. A statistical analysis of the results was performed in order to emphasize the effects of the machining parameters and cooling methods on surface quality. Furthermore, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, capable to predict surface roughness based on machining conditions, was developed. A very good agreement was found between the experimental values and the estimated ones. The results have shown that in general, the minimum quantity lubrication cooling system generates a superior surface quality compared to other systems.

The paper presents the results of a survey conducted among a total of 155 industrial engineering students from a Romanian public university to assess their awareness and concern about the facts and challenges imposed by the ongoing digital transformation. The study is based on a statistical analysis of the answers obtained from a questionnaire that contained closed-ended questions with predefined answers and open-ended questions where the respondents could express a personal point of view. Understanding the students’ needs and expectations, as well as the impact of the digital transition on their professional training and integration in a sustainable economy, will serve as a background upon which the quality of study programs can be improved by implementing appropriate measures. The results highlighted the necessity to supplement the curriculum with specialized courses in emerging technologies, to intensify students’ counseling on the digital transition, to upgrade the university’s infrastructure with equipment and software in the field of emerging technologies, to assist students with insufficient resources, and to stimulate women to participate in skilling, upskilling, and reskilling programs in STEM fields. These changes will expand the sustainable development principles in formal university education, ensure competency-centered learning, and increase access to inclusive and quality education.

This paper presents an experimental study carried out in order to assess the effects of the cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed and depth of cut) and also of cooling conditions on the cutting force and the surface quality during high speed face milling of a magnesium alloy. With its high ratio of strength to weight, good machinability and overall physico – mechanical properties magnesium has attracted a large interest upon itself, especially in fields such as automotive, aeronautics, electronics or biomaterials. On the other hand, there has been lately an increased interest for cooling techniques that are more environmentally friendly, which is why in this study two cooling systems were used: dry machining and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). The tests have been organised according to design of experiment technique. By using the response surface methodology (RSM), a central composite experimental matrix was designed. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) has allowed to create mathematical models of the cutting force and surface roughness and to analyse the effects of the effects of the input parameters on these outcomes. It was thus revealed that the depth of cut and the feed, and the interactions feed – depth of cut and feed direction – cooling, respectively, have the most significant influence on the main cutting force, whereas when it comes to the surface roughness, the most significant factors were the feed, the feed direction and the interaction between feed direction and cooling type.