Advances in Design Engineering III

Agricultural greenhouse is crop system that has showed its efficiency in enhance food production. The importance of agriculture in the sustainable management of natural resources requires the development of operational methodologies for mapping and monitoring farmland. This study aims to analyze the potential of time series of Sentinel-2 images for monitoring Plastic Covered Greenhouse (PCG) crops in Almería (Spain). For this, a set of 22 Sentinel-2 images taken during 2021 were used. Throughout the year 2021, monthly field visits were made on 32 PCG to know the characteristics of these greenhouses, the crops they contained (i.e., to mato, pepper, cucumber, melon and watermelon) and their evolution over time. By combining both the satellite and the field data, the crops, which are growing into each PCG, can be characterized. Two different spectral indices, NDVI (related to vegetative growth) and Brightness (related to the whitewashing of PCG), derived from the Sentinel-2 images shown their usefulness for differentiating crops growing under plastic sheet. This work could be the first step for discriminating crops through indices derived from Sentinel-2 images for the development of future management strategies for PCG areas.

Visual stimulation represents a significant influence on children's emotional and cognitive development, as visual qualities clearly affect child perception and selection of products. However, this is even more relevant for children with autism spectrum disorder. Their accentuated needs, such as their difficulties paying attention, restricted variety of interests, and special sensory characteristics, reinforce the importance of a search for these children's aesthetic preferences and needs, in order to create meaningful, safe, and comfortable products for this target group. This work line has resulted in several research studies on the best visual qualities for the design of children's products, and more specifically toys; however, the studies focus on childhood in general, and there is no variety of research on children with special needs. This work aims to explore the best visual qualities and properties when designing toys for children with autism. Using bibliographical research, the results compile the main design guidelines and the most common patterns regarding the aesthetics, morphology, and geometry of toys aimed at children with autism.

An increasingly widespread trend exists that is based on designing an environment inspired in nature to favour the people living in it by improving their health and productivity levels. It is the so-called biophilic design. Biophilia consists in the innate connection that all humans have with the rest of natural systems. The present research work attempts to validate how influential biophilic design is on public spaces and on the enjoyment of the people using them. For this purpose, 20 places were analysed in a similar urban context, the historic centre of a medium-sized city: Cartagena (Murcia, Spain). An analysis methodology was proposed in which Cartagena, the paradigm of a military coastal city, was converted into an urban laboratory to study the public spaces in its historic centre as an urban fabric that combines different urban, historic and morphological conditions, which can be considered similar, to compare them. This work attempts to analyse the incorporation of trees and nature from a quantitative viewpoint by studying the number of trees and the shade they provide spaces with. It also compares which effects this design has on citizens. To this end, it analyses not only the “success” of these places by working with the variable “influx of people using them”, but also the more qualitative aspects of the use of these spaces by interviewing users in each selected space.

Currently the development of new manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing, contributes to an increase in the value of Industrial Design in the development of the creation of new products. In particular, the acoustic guitar is one of the most complex instruments to study, due to the variables involved in their sound. The knowledge of the luthier who manufactures them will have an impact on the design, and therefore on the sound, so there is a wide variety of guitars. The use of Finite Elements is being used to see the acoustic and vibratory behavior of wooden acoustic guitars, to see the vibratory patterns as a function of the different vibrato-modes. The present research is focused on the design of a methodology to quantify the vibrational response of acoustic guitar soundboards manufactured by Additive Manufacturing. The methodology that is developed is divided into three main blocks, starting with the parameterization of the soundboard of the instrument, based on the reinforcement structure of Antonio de Torres. After that, the harmonic cap is modeled at a reduced scale to perform a simulation by means of Finite Elements, and finally the specimens are experimentally tested. In order to validate the methodology indicated, a physical test is performed, and to check the reliability of the simulation, a flat lid was made with an isotropic material. In this way, the effectiveness of the structure designed to perform the experimental tests, with harmonic caps printed in FFF, is checked.

This study analyzes different possibilities for the design of technical aids through Industry 4.0. For this purpose, it establishes a working model based on a case study for the design of a postural control seat for children. This model has a first phase for capturing the geometry using a low-cost 3D scanner; a second phase for processing the initial model using freely available and free tools; and a final phase for manufacturing the part by means of 3D printing and simple post-processing of the part. In turn, this study analyzes, by means of 11 key parameters, different alternatives for the data collection phase. The aim of this analysis is to contribute to the possible creation of a new methodology for the design of technical aids or other medical devices adapted to the patient's physiognomy. This type of methodologies, designed from non-invasive tools, are necessary to replace other traditional invasive methods such as the well-known “Le Metayer” method, used due to the distrust generated by the lack of techniques or systems for the use of this technology in this field.

Along the last decades, a big number of investigations have been focused on the sustainable design of products, which has meant the development of methods, tools and approaches to assess and improve the sustainability of a system. The number of studies related with service systems has been much smaller and those studies dedicated to systems that combine products and services are still in early development. In today's economy, service systems have acquired a relevant role in fulfilling consumers’ needs and generating value. Thus, approaches to address the sustainability of more complex systems with a life cycle perspective and including both economic and social indicators are necessary. In this work, the combination of the flows between systems approach, the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) technique and engineering design methods, is proposed to improve the sustainability of systems composed of products and services.

This paper proposes the Semantic Priming Chain method, a novel technique based on Semantic Priming, a technique that has proven to be useful in the study of cognitive psychology. This technique is applied, through a case study, to the design of perfume packaging. By applying this cognitive principle, the proposed method has been able to predict the semantic association between a list of proposed kansei and the design property shape. This method is promising in the knowledge of several design properties of the same conceptual proposal, in this way it would be possible to know the strength of semantic association between some terms related to the target public and the proposed designs, either in their shape, material, colour or texture.

The current work situation, the development of new technologies and the need to work anywhere and at any time, has conditioned people's lives, forcing them to have electronic devices to be able to work anywhere and at any time. To this end, an object is needed that allows all types of devices to be transported and creates a comfortable workspace for the user. The creation of PFB (Practical and functional briefcase), will mean a radical change, as it is a very useful and innovative object. This object is a multifunctional briefcase that will make it easier for all kinds of people to work in any situation and place as it has multiple functions. In addition to being a useful and easy to use object, it incorporates a battery to charge the client's electronic devices. One of the most important aspects considered is ergonomics. With ergonomics, it will be possible to design and optimize the design so that it can encompass most possible users, trying to increase the number of individuals who can use it. To do this, a set of percentiles is studied, to adapt the measurements of the briefcase to the general anthropometric measurements of human beings. Subsequently, the object will be studied in its entirety, developing its corporate identity, its 3D design, its justification of the materials, its packaging… to demonstrate the effectiveness of this product on the market, encompassing all the facets of PFB.

The article aims to describe in a didactic way how product design has evolved over the last 30 years. Not only have fashions and consumer tastes changed or new materials and technologies been patented, but the environmental variable has become imperative. Thanks to life cycle thinking, ecodesign is applied in all phases of the life cycle. In the late 1990s, the environmental impact of products began to be measured in a standardised way and Life Cycle Assessment emerged. Today Life Cycle Assessment is a standardised and widely used process in product design that has given rise to various types of labelling with fairly reliable information and the possibility of comparing the environmental impacts of products. In this way, product design under the umbrella of life cycle thinking has become an important ally for the implementation of fundamental circular economy strategies, such as remanufacturing, repairability, product lifetime extension, reuse of product parts or recyclability of materials. In the short term, it is expected that the environmental impacts of many products in the market will be integrated into multi-criteria labels and it will be possible to compare different brands within the same product category. It is important that these multi-criteria labels also incorporate circularity performance indicators such as repairability or the use of recycled materials in the manufacture of the product.

Additive manufacturing currently allows the development of products with food materials, among which chocolate is one of the most popular. This means that the gastronomic sector can incorporate this technology in the creation of products that offer personalisation for consumers. Likewise, 3D printing can be used to design new geometries with greater freedom of form. To this purpose, the speciality of industrial design is one of the areas of engineering that can provide significant value in the creation of new products destined for this sector. In this work, two design proposals were developed using industrial design methodologies and focused on the 3D printing of chocolate. In addition, the products generated were validated through their manufacture and presentation to consumers by a survey. Attitudes towards 3D printed food have also been evaluated. The results are favourable in terms of the inclusion of this engineering speciality in the gastronomic sector thanks to additive manufacturing. Furthermore, the results show that consumers’ impressions vary with respect to shape, expected taste, age and gender. On the other hand, there are significant differences in the neophobia of 3D printed food.

The aim of this project was to establish a workflow to develop customized grips for equipment of three different Basque rural sport modalities named “aizkora” (chooping wood), “txinga” and “ingude” (anvil) using reverse engineering (RE), computer-aided design (CAD) and additive manufacturing (AM) tools. In these rural sport modalities activities of great weight and long-term effort are carried out. This can cause abrasions, blisters, wounds and chafing on the athlete's hands, which is very painful and unpleasant. Therefore, it could be interesting to adapt the grips both from the point of view of grip efficiency and force transmission, as well as comfort and ergonomics. This is why in this project a process was established to develop customized grips for the axe, the “txinga” and the anvil. These customized grips ensure better contact between the athlete and the device, avoiding painful problems. The established process for the development of customized grips consists of the following: first, digitize the device and the athlete's grip using RE tools; then design the grip using CAD tools; finally, manufacture the handle using AM tools.

This study intends the design and study of the most viable option that would develop a pressing mechanism, in a waste container, in order to find, an efficient container design and an appropriate selection of materials and pressing system, moreover, the final design must have efficiency of the pressing system, optimization and use of space in the tank and achieve a structure robust enough to treat a wide variety of waste.

Irrigation channels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all of which are created using earthworks. This has a number of advantages, including a low cost, the ability to adjust to the layout’s requirements, and a low environmental impact. On the other hand, it has disadvantages such as vulnerability to solid material dragging or vegetation invasion, meaning a reduction in available flow for the same section and depth. The current project is aimed at improving an existing irrigation canal in Antequera, Málaga. The project entails earthworks in order to increase the project’s capacity. The improvement is justified by the modeling because prior analysis and design are required for a successful implementation of the job. HEC-RAS was used to create the model, which included channel modeling in plan, sections, and elevation in 2D, as well as 1D modeling for the main hydraulic variables. Furthermore, the model offered attempts a solution to a problem from the standpoint of sustainable development with an appropriate design. Efforts are made to preserve existing resources as much as feasible, to keep the cost of the works as low as possible, and to make the administrative procedure of obtaining authorization as simple as possible. The model’s presentation with HEC-RAS, both before and after cleaning the channel, provides scientific and technical support for the appropriate application. Due to climate unpredictability and environmental factors, the procedure followed and applied to a given situation can easily be adapted to other similar cases, which are fairly common in Spain.

In this work, the complete design of an installation for the collection of rainwater for its subsequent use for irrigation of a fruit plantation is carried out. For this purpose, first, the amount of rainwater fallen in the area where the installation is to be carried out is taken into account. Once the amount of water that can be collected has been calculated, the required tank is designed to be able to store all the rainwater. The area where rainwater is to be collected is the entrance of the plantation to be irrigated. This entrance is 125 m long and is on a slope, so all the water would be stored in the tank by gravity. For greater efficiency in collecting water, a step has been placed on the sides of the downspout so that rainwater is not lost from the sides. At the end of the drop, a ditch was made in which a grid was placed that leads the water to the tank. This entire process is carried out by gravity as the tank is at the lowest altitude of the entire facility. Finally, a pump extracts the water from the tank to distribute it throughout the plantation.

The increase of pollution in the last few years has led to the need of using renewable energy sources on a larger scale. However, renewable energies have shown to be an immature technology in many aspects. This project seeks to solve the current waste of energy that flows through rivers. This opens the necessity to design a new turbine, whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the water flow to reduce the space needed. This idea can be performed using curved blades that allow the movement of the turbine. The course of the Ebro river through the town of Tortosa (Tarragona, España) has been the location chosen to emplace the turbine. The average volumetric flow rate of 175 m3/s and water velocities of 2.6 m/s have shown to be able to generate 6.054 kW of power. These results are relevant enough to perform future investigations that corroborate the hypothesis and data used, by means of digital simulations or scale models, in addition to project profitability studies.

The furniture design of early modernism pursued simplicity together with geometric beauty based on functionalism, in which an abstraction of the fundamental structure was carried out. This work considers this abstraction from the design of a piece of furniture for vinyl records that unifies the sense of industrial design with the value of music. The design of this product is based on the aesthetics and sense of the cradle designed by Peter Keler, a Bauhaus student during the years 1921 and 1925. This design by Keler perfectly portrayed the essence of the Bauhaus, with geometry present in the three basic geometric figures, the circle, the triangle and the square. Also, we must add the other fundamental characteristic of the Bauhaus, such as the use of the primary colours: blue, red and yellow. The vinyl furniture that has been designed has also taken these factors into account. Both in terms of shape and colour, thus reflecting simplicity and aesthetics. The proposed design incorporates a tab-based mechanism for removing each vinyl to achieve greater functionality. Finally, it should be noted that a dimensional, aesthetic and material study of the product under study has also been carried out.

This project consists of the alternative design and improvement of a connection node for spatial structures (including tensegrity structures). The original node under study offered the possibility of the structure being deployable; however the bars that converged at the node could be arranged asymmetrically, generating unbalanced and therefore unacceptable forces. The second version of the node, which is the object of improvement in this project, on the one hand maintained the possibility of the structure being foldable, but ensuring the symmetry of rotation between its bars; however, it added complex mechanisms, which complicated the manufacture of the node, its use and made it more expensive; on the other hand, it added the capacity for a permanent joint between nodes, but only by means of a two-dimensional joint in the horizontal plane. A fundamental part of this project will be to maintain the ability of equal rotation between bars, simplifying the elements that form the node and reducing the number of components. Additionally, the aim will be to give rise to a generative design that provides an optimized model of the so-designed node according to the boundary conditions. In addition, prototypes will be made using additive manufacturing to test the usefulness of the adopted design solutions and the capacity of the parts manufactured using additive technology. In addition to applying all these processes to the previous versions of the node, capable of accommodating two bars (class k = 2), a connecting node will be modelled that will allow four bars (class k = 4) to be joined together to adapt to more complex structures.

The Ocular Goniometer (OG) is a new device designed to assist in the surgical management of astigmatism. The function of this device is twofold; first it serves to mark the surface of the eye on a chosen axis, and it also measures the angle of a given mark. Although the market offers devices of a different nature, these do not have the operational advantages of the design presented in this communication.

Augmented reality is a technology with which, through various procedures (as there are several types of AR), we superimpose computer-generated images on the real world, generally through interactive elements such as mobile devices. In addition to computer-generated graphic elements, AR can provide us with other perceptions such as sounds or tactile elements. In addition to this, elements such as board games are increasingly used for various purposes, not only for fun, as they have proven to be an effective method to keep the mind active, stimulate the ability to think and learn, acquire various skills such as mathematics or logic, as well as promoting social factors such as following rules and instructions, family inclusion and self-awareness through games that exploit the user’s feelings. This is why board games have now entered the classroom. Naufragio, which is the name of the game that has been developed, is a board game that uses AR technology to train spatial vision, overview, logic and team play. The aim of the game is to use a set of cards of pieces and, using AR, visualise pieces made in 3D with specific software such as SolidWorks or Blender through an intelligent device in which the players can move relatively around the piece, observing the shapes and joints to find out which pieces are the correct ones for the assembly. This will also be supported by the use of a card that allows the piece to be sectioned in 3D, with the aim of getting a better view of the joints and the holes in the elements to finally place the four pieces that fit together on a 2 × 2 card mat that will allow the solution to be visualised and check whether it has been done correctly or incorrectly. All this is also assembled with the technology of the Unity graphics engine and an independent engine specialised in AR called Vuforia. Thanks to these tools, the whole project is compiled into an interactive game in the form of an application for smart devices, supported by the physical card game.

In this work, a simulator is developed to carry out experimental tests with micro-turbines. It consists on the implementation of an experimental irrigation network that can be adapted to the characteristics of a real irrigation network. Once the flow rate, that want to be studied, is achieved, the micro-turbines can be placed. Three types of micro-turbines with different voltage are tested in the simulator. The problem found in the facilities under study is the excess pressure that can cause ruptures in the pipes if a regulating valve is not placed to dissipate that excess energy. The objective of this study is the placement of micro-turbines to generate electricity with that excess that is being wasted with the regulating valves. The micro-turbines under study are small-scaled, and thus generate low-power electricity. These commercial micro-turbines are really affordable and the scope of the study is the placement of many micro-turbines, then generating electricity at a higher power scale. It must be taken into account that the price of electricity is still rising and it is not known what price it may reach in the future. For this reason, is relevant the advantage of the excess energy that exists in numerous installations of all kinds, as well as the increased use of renewable energies. Therefore, as shown in this paper, there is a high amount of energy that is wasted when it could be used in-site during irrigation networks operation.

The need to accelerate the transition to more sustainable energies and away from fossil fuels is leading to an increase in renewable energy facilities around the world. Many of them are unmanageable and therefore place extra pressure on the stability of the electricity grid. Moreover, as the amount of unmanageable renewable energy sources increases, it will be necessary to incorporate additional systems to allow this generation to be adjusted to the actual demand at any given time. One of the energy storage types that can respond to this problem and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity system is the storage by means of hydrogen production. This article studies the possibility of using hydrogen storage in combination with the energy generated by a wind farm. The study focuses on analysing the environmental impact of using this type of technology to enable a shift in the wind farm generation curve. In order to analyse the environmental impact of this hybrid wind-hydrogen energy system, a life cycle analysis (LCA) of the system as a whole is conducted, from the generation of electrical energy by the wind farm to the generation of electricity from the hydrogen produced by the energy of the wind farm itself.

The world market for GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) receivers continues to grow, but GNSS RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) devices maintain a high price. Our goal has been to design a cost-effective, multi-purpose GNSS RTK device for many positioning tasks that is low-cost and easy to operate. The User-centered Design (UCD) is an iterative design process in which designers focus on the target audience in order to involve users throughout the design process. For this purpose, we have two groups of users, a group of engineers and surveyors to test the equipment in field conditions, and another with 10 novice students of the Geomatics subject. To this end, the control of the device and the connectivity to the internet is carried out by our own smartphone, and the hardware is protected inside a casing designed and printed in 3D. Under the umbrella of Do It Yourself (DIY) projects with significant savings in labour, we intend to bring this type of receiver closer to users by providing 3D files of the parts, an assembly manual and software for its control. The ultimate result is a low-cost RTK rover, 10–20 times cheaper than analogous commercial equipment, and that meets the expectations of users who have been modelling its functions. This is confirmed by the tests carried out to verify its operating parameters: for short and medium baselines, its accuracy and Time To First Fix (TTFF) are at the level, and even better than another geodetic-grade receiver.

The high amount of plastic waste generated in the world is an increasingly pressing issue since its growth follows an exponential trend. In response, a large number of movements and projects that seek to somehow reduce or give a second life to this plastic are emerging. One of them is Precious Plastic, a project that appeared in Holland in 2012 and proposes a series of open source plastic recycling machine designs, as well as a community of members around the world working on them constantly. MAREA Plastic arises from this movement and consists in a project of the University of Malaga that aims to create an urban mobile plastic re-cycling workshop. To achieve so, the machines proposed by Precious Plastic have been carefully studied to afterwards build them with mostly reused materials, but improving them to increase their safety and facilitate their functioning. The machines developed MAREA are a washer, shredder, extruder, winder and injector, the latter being the focus of this work. Topics such as the current situation regarding plastic waste, the motivation of the project, the machine construction process, the improvements implemented, its current state and the possible upgrades to be implemented in the future are discussed.

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is often used to treat patients with osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis, the main purpose of which is to restore function to the joint. This surgical process consists of replacing the damaged knee joint with a prosthesis, through surgery where the damaged tissues and part of the bone will be removed so that the prosthesis can be introduced. Despite the good results of total knee arthroplasty, some patients undergoing this operation do not meet their expectations after the operation. This can be due to persistent damage after surgery, which shows that despite the success of the operation, there is still to be explored in the field of orthopedics. In order to reduce the number of revisions of such interventions and to achieve lasting results, it is important to restore joint kinematics. The most recent designs are aimed at creating personalized prostheses for the patients. In this regard, additive manufacturing (AM) offers the opportunity to achieve the objective of custom-made prostheses. Additive manufacturing also creates the opportunity to manufacture accurate prototypes to evaluate and study. It allows performing physical test on accurate replicas of the prothesis and to reduce costs during the design process. This makes a prototype-oriented design methodology an optimal choice to develop new models and create a more effective method to create new prosthesis from a design/engineering perspective.

The inclusion of the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology in civil engineering degrees is an unavoidable fact. Although BIM is a work methodology that has been implemented mainly in the final-years subjects, it has a very important graphic component. One of the most interesting consequences of BIM related to Graphic Expression is the internal coherence of the project, since it is no longer a series of independent views. Now, we are working with a single model, and each of the generated planes will be always connected to that model and to that geometry. Therefore, BIM teaching implies updating the teaching of Graphic Expression, with innovative strategies that impact student learning. But, it is not the same to teach Graphic Expression through BIM than through traditional methodologies. Some authors state that the need for students to know how to ‘draw’ should be replaced by the ability to ‘model’ structures and their components. However, certain traditional techniques that are still effective should not be rejected, as they could also reinforce BIM learning in the future. Education, therefore, is polarizing into two points of view, which tend to reject and exclude the theories of the contrary, the traditionalist or analogical and the progressive or digital. In the Teaching Unit of Graphic Expression of the ETSI de Caminos, Canales y Puertos de Madrid we think that both points of view are compatible and necessary. In fact, we implement both throughout different subjects, since there is a very wide range of exercises about constructions of great geometric complexity that previously require the study of geometric drawing and classic representation systems, prior to the use of software. This does not mean using the same tools in the same way but supporting the traditional manual process of generating elevations and sections as an intrinsic part of capturing the mental model of the project. In this way, when the volumetric comprehension is complete, modeling with 3D BIM software (within the limits that, at least for now, software involves) is possible. To that end, we teach students how to use the program so that they can adapt the software to their purposes through the generation of their own parametric families. At this point the software becomes useful, since, if we know how to use it, we can model almost any structure, its construction and/or maintenance.

The goal of this work is the design and manufacture of a 3D printer based on the kinematics of the rotary delta parallel robot (RoPar3D). Thus, it was necessary to research on the current state of additive printing along with background research on delta parallel robots kinematics. Subsequently, a delta parallel robot was designed with the purpose of functioning with a “Hot-End” head to work as a 3D printer. A support structure for this robot was built in a desktop 3D printer format conceived to optimize its design and rigidity, creating a compact, low-cost and modular desktop machine. The different parts of the device were printed using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing as a self-replicating 3D printer. An iterative process was applied to improve the critical components of the design, applying rapid prototyping. Suitable materials were chosen to manufacture the final product in a simple and satisfactory way using home 3D printers. Once the robot manufacturing was finished, an initial phase of verification operation of the machine, assembly and fine-tuning was carried out, and, the robot parameters were calibrated. Finally, a set of test prints were made by RoPar3D. The same printings were carried out using other low-cost 3D printers, both Cartesian and Delta Parallel, and these parts were qualitatively compared showing the significant advantages in terms of speed and print quality over Cartesian printers.

The texturization of surfaces is a well-known technique for the improvement on the tribological characteristics of parts in contact. In this research, arrays of pyramidal dimples with variation on densities have been applied to the AISI 630 stainless steel alloy. They have been generated by using SEDM processes, little studied in the literature. Pin-on-Disk tribological tests have revealed that in absence of lubricant (dry), the texturing density of 100% improves the coefficient of friction (CoF) due to an effective retention of abrasive particles. In presence of lubricant (wet), CoF has been reduced in all of cases, where the 25, 11 and 6% density textures have shown an improvement in lubricant retention capacity, with reductions in CoF close to 40%.

The rise of Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes is due to the need to reduce material and energy costs. It has the capacity to achieve specialized tools fast while offering the possibility of customize products for the end user. Unlike the majority of the traditional manufacturing processes, AM generally generates the part by depositing material in layers that fuse and create a specific geometry, like Fuse Deposition Modeling (FDM). This comparatively recent technology is still being developed and adapted to the industry and materials requirements. Thus, improvements are needed in areas like dimensional accuracy, geometric repeatability and material defects, among others, to be able to compare and have the same reliability that the products obtained by conventional manufacturing processes. Present work aims to carry out a dimensional control of workpieces designed to fit (axis–hole), so that the influence of certain printing parameters and the final dimensional precision of the specimens can be stablished. The printing parameter relation is studied for a composite material with a PLA matrix, reinforced with Carbon Fibers (PLA + CF), studying the influence of the printing temperature, the layer thickness and the printing direction. This material has been selected because PLA, together with ABS, is one of the most applied materials in AM. Notwithstanding, PLA is easy to process but lacks on resistance, which can be improved introducing carbon fiber as reinforcement. The best result is obtained decreasing the thickness. Also, In comparison with the vertical printing direction, the results of the horizontal specimens show a higher dimensional deviation.

The plastic injection molding process is currently the most widespread manufacturing process worldwide, being one of the most complex. The molding process is characterized by its high productivity and low-profit margins, which makes the manufacturing cycle time one of the fundamental indicators of process efficiency. Within the molding cycle, cooling time consumes more than 70% of the total production time, so any reduction of it will have a significant impact on manufacturing costs. The design of the mold in plastic parts with internal undercuts implies the use of complex mobile devices that, together with the elements in charge of the ejection, make it difficult or prevent the location of channels that cool the part in the core area. In this line, the use of conformal cooling channels manufactured using additive technology allows the representation of geometries in the channels, that are impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. The research presents the application of a new conformal cooling system in a mold with internal mobile devices and an ejection system, in which the use of traditional cooling means is not technologically feasible. The results obtained indicate that the use of conformal cooling in complex molds is capable of reducing the production cycle time by improving temperature distribution and uniformity on the surface of the plastic part, while improving its quality.

The cooling time in the injection molding process consumes about 70% of the cycle time, therefore any decrease in the cooling time will have as a consequence a great reduction in the cycle time as well as in the energy expenditure of the process. However, achieving reductions in cycle time while maintaining the quality and requirements specified by the client is a highly complex process that involves firstly studying in detail the thermal process of heat exchange between the most superficial layers of the part and its internal areas and secondly, analyze the thermal exchange between the coolant flow and the mold cavity. Traditional cooling layouts prevent the correct thermal exchange between the coolant flow and the plastic melting specially in parts with deep cores and complex geometries. In this line, conformal cooling channels provide more flexibility by reducing the distance to the part in plastic topologies in those locations of the mold that require a multitude of mobile elements for their manufacture. The research presents the application of a new conformal cooling system for cooling complex injection plastic parts of great size and depth in which the use of traditional cooling is inefficient. The results obtained from the research reduce the production cycle time by improving the uniformity of temperatures on the surface of the plastic part, and as a consequence the production quality and the sustainability of its manufacture.

Economizing in the field of manufacturing today is one of the most im-portant aims both in the temporal and monetary side. This is one of the reasons why additive manufacturing (AM) is presented as a good option both for the character-istics and due to its great capacity for evolution. AM technology has a wide variety of materials to be used, from plastics to ceramics through metals, and a great capac-ity to generate geometries that are impossible or very difficult to achieve for other types of manufacturing. However, these advantages are offset by low geometric precision and lower reliability. The improvement of these characteristics is one of the objectives of the sector. Due to this, the most common materials such as ABS, PLA, Nylon, are usually reinforced with other components added to improve their behavior. In the case study that this paper analyzes, the behavior of PLA reinforced with short carbon fibers is study under rotational bending fatigue tests.

Determining the factors to be taken into account when designing a fixed-position plant layout is a difficult and important decision when dealing with the production of single products, such as in the case of fixed-position manu-facturing projects. In this type of project, the most important factors to take into account are the arrangement of materials during manufacturing, the scheduling of activities and the order of operations, among others. Within this type of projects, the most complex manufacturing projects can be included, such as shipbuilding or aeronautical projects where, within the same project, different manufacturing plants are involved, located in different places, to be assembled in the Dock, in the case of shipbuilding, or in the Final Assembly Line (FAL), in the case of aeronau-tical construction. The purpose of this article focuses on the analysis phase of the SLP (Systematic Layout Planning) method and aims to design and analyze the dif-ferent types of plant layouts that can be used for the execution of a manufacturing project. Through the realization of different simulation models, according to the state variables, using FlexSim software, it is intended to adapt the different scenar-ios and combinations in order to optimize the different processes by performing repeated iterations until the optimal solution is reached, identifying the most ap-propriate type of plant layout for each case or even the combination of several types, adapted to different locations.

Industry and construction are key in the sustainability objectives. The most relevant actions include energy management, as well as the recycling of various materials. In this context, metals are a very present material, so it is key to look for alternatives that allow their recycling and reuse. Among the possible recycling techniques, foundry is highlighted. For the reuse of metals obtained by this method, it is necessary to validate the material obtained, in view of its structural viability, based on its mechanical properties. In this work, a specific mold has been designed with which to make parts with which to carry out future mechanical tests. Thus, a complete casting process, using the designed mold, is thermally analyzed to validate its scalable application to various metals. Thus, support for more extensive research in the context of the reuse of recycled metals is proposed.

Additive Manufacturing is a manufacturing process oriented towards the production of parts by means of layer-by-layer deposition of material. Despite the interest in metallic processes, the most widely used processes are the polymeric processes. From all the polymeric processes, the most widely used is the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process. In this process, a polymer filament, generally thermoplastic, is extruded through a heated head. This process allows differ-ent mechanical properties to be configured by setting the process parameters. In this way, the configuration of parameters and the configuration of the filler allows the mechanical properties to be established according to the customer’s requirements. Advanced product customization features are obtained. This has already been studied for properties such as tensile or compressive strength in different thermoplastic materials commonly used in additive manufacturing such as PLA or ABS but also in other more advanced ones such as PETG or ASA. However, the choice of material and the properties used to obtain the parts interfere with other possibilities such as surface properties. These properties are highly important as they interfere in the functionality of the parts and some of them, such as tribology, despite not being studied so much, have a decisive influence on parts subjected to relative movement. Thus, this article aims to study the manufacturing process of PETG parts by means of FDM with the idea of using this knowledge to optimize the design of products obtained with this process, evaluating the influence of the printing parameters on the tribological performance of the manufactured parts.

Digitization in Industry 4.0 is key to competitiveness in engineering. The application of the new digital tools is not trivial, so it requires specific design strategies for an organized development. This work presents a scalable design strategy, with the use of interactive interfaces and augmented reality tools, accessible through QR codes to be installed in industrial equipment. The proposed strategy is applied to a training team in industrial mechanical vibrations. The design phases include the collection of data relevant to your application, the registration and specific organization, the definition of the purpose of the data and the proposal of the multimedia interface with which users access the data. This scalable industrial proposal complements the digital skills of the participants and contributes to the global objectives of digitization in the industry.

Engineering design is usually defined as a systematic process where customer needs are the performance specifications and functions used to obtain optimized design solutions. In the engineering design process, there are four main steps: Clarification phase; Conceptual design; Embodiment design and Detail design. The proposed methodology is validated through the development and implementation of a case study, which one involves the conceptual design of river LNG Carriers. Given the needs, the pre-design of adapted methane tankers is proposed both in terms of technical feasibility and in terms of safety. Thus, this is the reason of the need to analysis of the design and execution of adapted LNG tankers. A gas carrier or methane carrier is a ship expressly built and dedicated to the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG), from the fields in the natural gas producing countries to the regasification plants of the consumer countries. One of the most important issues to deal with is cargo containment systems. Depending on the characteristics that the ship must have, the product to be transported or the economic investment to be made, as well as the requirements that this implies, these systems vary. Next, the cargo containment systems of gas carriers are explained, with special attention to the different types of tanks most used today, all of them reflected in the International Code for the construction and equipment of ships that carry liquefied gases in bulk. (IGC Code) issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

This work refers to a windmill-raft model for an irrigation system, with the aim of minimizing energy costs. The windmill comprises a wind tower that is used to directly pump water from the well. The flows allow volumes of water to be introduced into the area to be irrigated. This type of construction requires meeting certain requirements for employment, and a design process. The location of the ideal pond meets different requirements. The wind tower next to the pond must be located on an aquifer that allows water availability; that in the case of not introducing a forced pumping system, the pond must be located in an area with a level that allows a minimum load to supply the system, taking into account the irrigation requirements. Three phases are established with different operations, a study phase, a design phase and a final execution phase. The proposed methodology is applied to raft-windmill systems. The mill is the differential element of the system that is proposed to obtain water by pumping with the help of a multi-blade mill. This solution allows reducing the cost of electrical energy in an agricultural exploitation, establishing a sustainable irrigation system. Wind power technology is experiencing rapid development. The European Union consumes more and more energy and imports more and more energy products.

Additive manufacturing is entering its mature age. Since the early eighties when the rapid prototyping first technologies were developed by Charles Hull and Scott Crump, these technologies have been continuously evolving introducing new processes and improving the existing ones. This evolution is reflected in a better reliability that results in the real application of AM in the production chains of certain industries. All these technologies may differ in the technological approach, with different energy sources and materials, but they all share a common factor, that is the layer by layer construction approach. In this work a brief review of the state of the art of large format additive manufacturing will be presented, identifying the most remarkable existing equipments in this context. INNANOMAT research group from Cadiz University has been several years working with this technology using a combined approach of material developments and product design. One of the main tasks of the presented project is to identify potential uses and applications of this material by the large format additive manufacturing. Specific research has been done to identify areas of interest such as aeronautics, maritime, domestic appliances, habitat, sports and leisure or automotive. Some interesting developments and design applications have been done in the habitat sector, obtaining one to one scale prototypes of furniture that match the potential that these technologies offer when dealing with complex shapes exploiting their capabilities. These specific design tools in the context of Design for Additive manufacturing will be also presented.

Standard size of respiratory masks present difficulties while adapting to different patients’ faces, which may lead to ineffective respiratory therapies. To overcome these difficulties, taking advantage of the growing popularity that 3D applications are acquiring in the field of medicine, a methodology that could be easily integrated into a hospital’s service was developed to manufacture customized adapters for respiratory masks in a Virtual Patient Simulation (VPS) environment that enables to test adapter–mask–face suitability/fit. Present work presents a methodology, which can be implemented in a hospital’s service, consisting in building a virtual simulation of the real clinical scenario (VPS) from scratch by using reverse engineering tools and creating the 3D object of the mask–adapter based on the position of the objects incorporated in the simulation to later manufacture and test it in a real clinical case.

After an amputation, sport provides several benefits, and therefore most therapists recommend strengthening the affected limb by a regular training. Swimming is an ideal exercise to do so, and although amputees can swim easily without using any prostheses, this may lead to injuries. Currently, there are several prosthetic fins available in market for people with transtibial amputations, but all of them have their setbacks. This article describes the conceptual design of a hydrodynamic prosthetic fin that allows swimming in different styles just by activating a locking/unlocking button. User Centred Design approach was used for its conception, being later modelled by CAD tools (SolidWorks). The materials were selected taking into account user specification with CES Edupack software. Finally, both an analytical study and flow study were performed to validate the design.

Recently, several studies related to body symmetry have been carried out, which have served, among other aspects, for the detection and diagnosis of diseases. In the field of ophthalmology, and in reference to the ocular structure, there are several studies that have shown that the presence of interocular symmetry is fundamental in the field of vision for stereopsis, utrocular discrimination or allelotropia. In this study, a morphological characterization of the cornea was made from a personalized geometric modelling of its corneal structure. For this purpose, patient-specific raw data of non-pathological corneas obtained from an artificial vision algorithm of a Scheimpflug tomographer were used. These data were treated radially in space, obtaining maximum and minimum elevation data that were classified by octants with respect to the central and peripheral corneal regions. The results obtained allow to identify the maximum and minimum average heights by corneal radius and to classify these by octants that are defined on the anterior versus posterior corneal surfaces. The areas of predominance of maxima and minima of corneal-radial elevation of the anterior and posterior cornea, and the average height values obtained allow us to obtain an order of magnitude of interocular symmetry in nonpathological eyes. These results demonstrate the existence of mirror symmetry from the point of view of spatial coordinates based on elevation maps.

Geometric reconstruction of biological structures is currently a scientific challenge. Nowadays, computer software is a tool often used for modelling biological structures drawn from external acquired data. This article compares explicit modal rebuilding methods of the human eye’s corneal surface, evaluating the root mean square (RMS) and the geometric reconstruction parameters. Different approaches for the fitting function were used to obtain the surface and to compare fitting methods, respectively. Then, a tailored script was used to obtain the rebuilt surface from the acquired data. The dataset used consisted in corneal surface points obtained by Scheimpflug tomography techniques from 33 patients. The corneal tomographer model used was the Sirius (CSO, Florence, Italy). The geometric reconstruction was made using an adjustment to a biconical modal model. Convergence was reached with different mathematical computer algorithms. The analysis of the results suggests what would be the best algorithm and the computing parameters for the geometric reconstruction of the corneal surface of the human eye.

Many people with mobility problems rely on the use of crutches for a safer access to bathing activities in pools or beaches. However, the number of models of crutches designed for aquatic environment currently existing in market is scarce, and at the same time all models are quite alike. This article describes a conceptual design of a multifunctional aquatic crutch, designed to allow a dual use: on the one hand, it provides stability and support in the process of entry and exit of water, and on the other hand, it serves as a support float while performing therapeutic exercises or enjoying the bath. User Centred Design approach and benchmarking techniques were used to create the new crutch model and to compare existing models, respectively. Then, Solidworks® 2020 software was used for design purposes, while CES EduPack® 2010 was the software used for selecting the manufacturing materials. The final design equals and even improves the features of the rest of products currently present on the market, in terms of resistance to both corrosion and UV radiation, as well as creep, breakage and fatigue.

DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) or Degenerative Intervertebral Disc Disease causes pain in the lower back due because of wear and tear. Due to age, the disc gradually dehydrates, loses strength and elasticity, which prevents shock absorption. When the damage is irreparable, the intervertebral disc is replaced by a prosthesis whose behavior differs from that of a healthy lumbar disc, affecting the patient’s quality of life. For this reason, the finite element method (FEM) has been used in recent years for the design of disc prostheses as it provides very useful information about stresses, deformations and displacements. This work proposes the design of a prosthesis between the L3 and L4 vertebrae for males, weighing 70 kg, with a height of 175 cm and an age between 30 and 80 years. The design consists of two CoCrMo endplates that are fixed to the vertebrae and a Polycarbonate-urethane core. Three different Bionate types were proposed. They are: Bionate 75D1, Bionate 75D2 and Bionate 80A. Complete FE models of the Functional Spinal Unit (FSU) were generated with the prosthesis in combination with the different proposed Bionate. The mechanical properties considered (E and μ) for cortical and cancellous (trabecular) bone differed since they vary with age and sex. The loads applied to the FSU were obtained using 3D Static Strength Prediction™ (3DSSPP) software, where the different heights and weights were considered. The selection of the most appropriate Bionate for the design of the artificial disc was the one whose vertical displacement (compression) and rotation (Flexion) of the FSU assembly with artificial disc differed as much as possible from that of the FSU with healthy disc.

Digital Aerial Photogrammetry from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV-DAP) based on Structure from Motion Multiview Stereo (SfM-MVS) approach has demonstrated to be an efficient technique to meet the needs of highly accurate monitoring and forest sustainable management. In this work, a methodology based on UAV-DAP to generate high quality Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) in Mediterranean forest has been developed. UAV overlapping images were collected over eighteen Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) square plots of 100 m side (1 ha) located at Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park (Almería, Spain). These plots were divided into 31 references subplots of 25 m side. The workflow devised to generate the corresponding DTMs consisted of: (i) SfM-based image aligning, (ii) point cloud generation, (iii) ground points filtering, (iv) outliers removal, and (v) DTM interpolation from previously labeled ground points. A very accurate reference DTM, derived from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), was employed to accomplish the image-based DTM vertical accuracy assessment. The obtained results showed that the UAV image-based DTMs presented a reasonably low vertical bias of −9.38 cm, which meant that UAV-DAP DTM overestimated the z reference ground values provided by TLS. In addition, a low vertical random error of 4.68 cm (average value for all subplots in terms of standard deviation) was computed from the z-differences population. According to these results, UAV image-based DTM can be considered well suited to serve as ground reference to support Mediterranean forest inventories.

The use of reverse engineering techniques is one of the pillars of the Industry 4.0. It has many uses such as: control of manufacturing processes through shape recognition, data extraction or operator training through virtual reality. One of these techniques is photogrammetry, the main objective of which is to obtain information on the measurements and shapes of one or several objects from multiple photographs of them. In this work, the aim is to establish the use of this technique as one of the multiple methods for the analysis of wear in cutting tools. Virtual models of turning inserts before and after machining were obtained and compared with the design supplied by the manufacturer. This was used to analyze the deviations between models in order to quantify tool wear.

This paper shows the process followed for the geometric modeling and digital restitution of a hydraulic-mechanical press for obtaining olive oil, designed by Mariano Bertrán de Lis Espona in 1879. Autodesk Inventor Professional software has been used for its geometric modeling, digital restitution and dynamic simulation, as well as its detailed graphic documentation. The absence of specific technical information should be noted both in the specifications and in the plan of the invention; in particular, the graphic scale does not appear on the plan nor does any dimension appear in the specification that would allow this graphic scale to be obtained. For this reason, it has been necessary to utilize a bibliographic reference of the time, adopting the diameter of a basket as the starting dimension and thus being able to obtain the graphic scale of the plan, which has made possible the three-dimensional modeling of the invention. Moreover, during this process it has been necessary to generate a series of hypotheses about the geometries of different elements that do not appear clearly in the plan based on their functionalities, as well as to apply a series of dimensional, geometric and movement (degrees of freedom) constraınts and an interference analysis so that the three-dimensional model of the historical invention would be coherent and functional. Finally, once the final 3D model had been generated an assembly plan, an exploded view and the dimensioned plans of each element, perfectly dimensioned according to the UNE standard, were obtained, as well as a simulation of the operation of the press in order to generate a virtual recreation.

This paper describes the process followed for the geometric modeling and digital restitution of a hydraulic press with rotating arm for obtaining olive oil, designed by Charles Albert Piat in 1889. Autodesk Inventor Professional software has been used in order to obtain its geometric modeling, digital restitution and dynamic simulation, as well as its detailed graphic documentation. The absence should be noted of specific technical information both in the specification and in the plan of the invention; in particular, the graphic scale does not appear on the plan nor does any dimension appear in the specification that would allow the graphic scale to be obtained. For this reason, it has been necessary to refer to a bibliographic reference of the time, adopting the diameter of a basket as the starting dimension which enabled us to obtain the graphic scale of the plane, which in turn has made possible the three-dimensional modeling of the invention. Furthermore, during this process it has been necessary to generate a series of hypotheses about the geometries of different elements that do not appear clearly in the plan based on their functionalities, as well as applying a series of dimensional, geometric and movement (degrees of freedom) restrictions and an interference analysis so that the three-dimensional model of the historical invention would be coherent and functional. Finally, once the final 3D model had been generated an overall plan, an exploded view and the plans of each element perfectly dimensioned according to the UNE standard were obtained, as well as a simulation of the operation of the press in order to obtain its virtual recreation.

Feature extraction from point cloud is usually based on k nearest neighbors and fixed radius search criteria, but some works have shown that changes in these search criteria can improve the performance of Machine Learning algorithms for classification. In this work, the hexagonal Klemperer Rosette is implemented and analysed as 3D shape feature extractor. A Klemperer Rosette is a gravitational system of bodies with different masses orbiting in a regular pattern around a common barycentre described by Wolfgang Klemperer in 1962. A hexagonal rosette of bodies with two different sizes is implemented on the XY-plane. Such configuration of larger and smaller neighbourhoods plays a role analogous to that of the structuring element in mathematical morphology. For each body, 14 features are extracted combining 3D shape geometric features and LiDAR-related features: linearity, planarity, scattering, omnivariance, anisotropy, eigentropy, change of curvarture, point density, surface normals, mean height, mean reflectance and max reflectance. The Machine Learning classifier used is a Random Forest. The proposed method is tested for semantic segmentation in a Mobile Laser Scanning point cloud. Although different rossettes were tested by varying the distance and size of the bodies, the results showed that feature extraction based on a fixed radius of 25 cm obtains a 25% better f-score than rossettes and with a shorter processing time.

The island peripheral territories stand out as ecologically sensitive areas. Changes in land use can be associated with different human activities. In this case, the archipelago that makes up the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands in Spain was selected as a case study. It has ecologic values considered extremely high, but human activities are increasing, especially the ones related to tourism. It is vital to explore landscape fragmentation as a follow-up to increased anthropic pressure, especially in areas found in highly urbanized regions. In this regard, data from CORINE for the years 1990, 2000, 2006, 2012 and 2018 have been used. Advances in geographic information systems (GIS) technologies applied to calculate landscape metrics, promote the possibility of analysing the landscape understood as a model formed by a mosaic of polygons that represent the different land uses registered in CORINE, at the landscape scale. As a result, it was possible to obtain different landscape metrics for each of the islands by using ArcGIS 10.8 software. The results show how there has been an increase in the urban area, and an increase in the complexity and variability of land uses on the coastline, on the islands analysed over the years, except on the islands of Cabrera and Formentera.

Due to territorial occupation changes in land use have emerged as an issue of great relevance. Consequently, the evaluation of landuse changes has be come of immense importance, particularly in the environmental and socio economic systems. In this regard, in Spain, one of the regions that have suffered a more active dynamic in land uses has been the Autonomous Community Region of Murcia. Traditionally, agriculture was the main activity in the region, due to its fertile lands and favourable climate for crop development. However, droughts transformed the economy of this Autonomous Community, causing that together with agriculture are also basic pillars of its economy, the sectors of construction and tourism. Undoubtedly, these changes in the economic model have had effects on the change in land uses. Understanding the dynamics and trends of land use is crucial to trying to achieve lasting regional sustainability in this Autonomous Community. For this reason, the present work analyses the trends and dynamics of changes in land use in the Autonomous Community Region of Murcia during the last three decades using the land uses provided by CORINE for the years 1990, 2000, 2012 and 2018. The results show that the spatial distribution of land uses does not follow a pattern in the years analyzed. Likewise, although agricultural lands and forest and semi-natural areas occupy most of the region, in 2006 there is a great increase in the urban area and a great decrease in the agricultural area occupied.

Currently, no dimensioning method uses the potential of 3D modelling in CAD systems for representing and defining parts. 3D modelling is a set of sequential steps that can be reproduced when the order, geometries and dimensions of the part are known (summarized in the so-called feature manager tree). Modelling CAD software is based on two-dimensional geometries (sketching) and three dimensional features (extrude, revolution, multi-sections, among others). Thus, a dimensioning method focused on the features to generate a part and the order in which they are executed is developed in this work. This method ensures the complete geometrical and dimensioning definition of a part, this being the motivation of any dimensioning method. To develop the dimensioning method, a classification of the solid and surface features has been conducted in several CAD software. From this study, a specific name and symbology has been proposed for similar operational features, which would be easily understood for users of different software. Later, each operational feature has been analysed to extract the steps and dimensions needed for their complete definition. The method takes the advantage of employing 3D views and a step-guide based on the logical 3D modelling process (sketching and 3D features, intuitive symbols, order of operations, etc.). Thus, this proposal is easier and more intuitive than the traditional dimensioning method based on orthogonal views and cuts.

The use of techniques such as photogrammetry and laser scanning for the acquisition of geometric data in the field of heritage and conservation has become considerably widespread in recent years due to the great advantages they offer. In addition to being highly accurate, these techniques do not require direct contact for data acquisition. In this way, the integrity and preservation of the element to be recorded is guaranteed. Based on the three-dimensional registration of elements of great heritage value, it is possible, among many other applications, to reproduce them. Replicas have an essential role to play in restoration, heritage dissemination, analysis and study. This work analyses the suitability of different additive manufacturing techniques for obtaining moulds from which to reproduce heritage elements of great value, registered by using techniques such as photogrammetry or laser scanning. As a case study, different Mudejar plasterwork panels located in the Real Alcázar of Seville have been selected, contributing to their enhancement. The models obtained have provided the basis for the manufacturing of different moulds, from which singular details of the studied plasterwork have been reproduced.

The use of new technologies plays an essential role in our lives and more specifically in education because of the improvement they represent in the educational process. Within the use of technologies, there are a large number of promising tools with advanced technology that are already being applied in the educational field. One of the most popular is augmented reality (AR). However, despite their growing importance, there is still a need to carry out more studies on these new tools, and more specifically, on the perception that users have of them. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the reviews of the main AR mobile applications (apps) that can be used in the field of education. For this, web scraping techniques will be carried out for the massive extraction of the reviews. The main result achieved in the current research shows the general dissatisfaction of users towards the functionalities of these apps considering that they are in a preliminary stage. The conclusions of this study show that the use of AR apps has not proliferated significantly in the educational field yet, although an expansion is expected in the future.

Computer Extended Descriptive Geometry (CeDG) is a new approach to computer modelling of 3D geometric systems that tries to overcome several limitations of current CAD systems. A preliminary version of CeDG for GeoGebra has demonstrated advantages in sheet metal and mechanisms field. This paper develops the theoretical basis of the Locus-based Surfaces’ Intersection Method (LSIM) of CeDG and compares it against the standard Descriptive Geometry technique, through the calculation of the illumination of a sphere by a focal light beam. Results showed that, in opposition to standard Descriptive Geometry technique, the LSIM CeDG model combines less complexity (geometric procedure requires only one iteration) with the capability to be extended to other parameters’ values and projections, keeping the compliance with geometrical requirements. Accuracy metrics have demonstrated that LSIM can generate the exact (true) surface intersection curve through its projections, thanks to the geometric integrity of the underlying dynamic geometry software (GeoGebra).

Obtaining topology and morphology with computer vision techniques dates to the 1960s, but the results obtained were far from adequate. Nowadays, technology has evolved intensely, but equipment based on hardware solutions is expensive and expert knowledge is necessary to achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, a software approach has been chosen, based on the use of photographs taken with professional cameras, but at a reduced cost. The images have been processed both in a photogrammetry pipeline specialized in Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and in Multi View Stereo (MVS), in what could be called a classical algorithmic approach. A solution based on machine learning and neural networks, called neural radiation fields (NERF), has also been employed.

This research justifies the need for energy efficiency studies in certain buildings/facilities in order to make energy consumption more sustainable. In order to simplify the elaboration of energy efficiency studies, it is proposed to use thermal 3D models generated from UAV (Unmaned Aerial Vehicles) photogrammetric flights. An instrumental and methodological proposal is then made to obtain the thermal 3D models, in which it is proposed to use multirotor equipment and a dual sensor, since by using this type of equipment it is possible to take advantage of the orientation of the RGB (Red-Green-Blue) photograms for the thermal frames. Subsequently, the requirements to be met by the photogrammetric flight and the procedure to process the images obtained, depending on whether they are RGB or thermal images, are described. Finally, all of the above is applied to the case of a building, the Polytechnic School of Mining and Energy Engineering of the University of Cantabria. A conventional thermographic analysis of the installation is carried out, which allows detecting the strengths and weaknesses of the facility, with its corresponding taking of measures. All this demonstrates that the model is perfectly valid for the proposed objective, as established in the final conclusions.

Advanced engineering design approaches have long been used in the field of engineering design and production, which encompasses the processes required to design, manufacture, assemble, and maintain products and systems. Following a typical method that includes developing conceptual ideas based on the product’s purpose and use, modeling it with 3D software, and finally processing and printing it. Traditional engineering transforms logical, mathematical, and abstract concepts into tangible objects. It progresses from the creation of physical objects or systems to the creation of digital models. From manual measurements, many ways have evolved to utilize the possibilities given by 3D technologies. This paper examines a reverse engineering case study to see what the opportunities and problems are for reverse engineering and production control utilizing 3D design methodology and technologies. This project focuses on Juanelo Turriano’s mechanism study and redesign. Once the design has been created, the pieces are printed and assembled. This allows to detect design failures and possible problems while setting parameters in the corresponding manufacturing machines. Solving this problems improve the accuracy and functionality of future construction. This article details a case study that investigated the benefits and drawbacks of using 3D design technologies for reverse engineering and structural redesign.

By having a 3D model of an architectural element that can be viewed on a computer display, it cannot always be printed in 3D adequately to achieve a real model. When the element is designed, it must be considered that the model must be solid, it must be completely closed and the existence of geometries that require supports in 3D printing must be minimized or even eliminated. This paper presents the research on the optimization process of the 3D modeling of both the exterior and the interior of the keep of the Castle of Priego de Córdoba. Given the complexity of the aforementioned 3D model, the interior of the tower has been conceived as if it were a positive virtual 3D mold and, after applying Boolean operations, subtracting the aforementioned virtual 3D mold from the exterior of the tower. This conception facilitates the systematization of the process of obtaining 3D models. The ultimate goal is to obtain a printable 3D model without supports and perform an analysis varying the printing modes.

During the last eight years, the architecture, archaeology, engineering and restoration teams of the Mosque-Cathedral have been working on a working methodology for intervention projects, their research and diffusion. In this paper we present the methodology followed by the different teams to carry out technical documentation according to the latest available technologies. The main objective is to establish a workflow for the different teams that are part of the conservation of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba for the three-dimensional and planimetric documentation of the intervention projects.

This paper proposes the use of laser scanning and automated modelling for acoustic simulation in industrial indoor environments. A portable mobile laser scanner is used for capturing an industrial environment in an efficient way, resulting in a point cloud of high quality in terms of data completeness. Afterwards, a simple reconstruction method is implemented for modelling the indoor envelop—ceiling, floor, walls—and the machinery following certain simplification constraints which are required by acoustic simulation software in order to ensure direct use. The method is based on well-known tools such as RANSAC for plane detection, DBSCAN for clustering, and Convex hull for contour extraction. Finally, the reconstructed scenario is exported as a 3D CAD model in.dxf format, in which each element is organized in a different layer to facilitate material assignment. The model is directly imported and understood by acoustic simulation software demonstrating the potential of laser scanner and 3D reconstruction for automating acoustic simulation in as-built scenarios.

The growing world population makes it necessary to improve and optimize available resources. In this sense, aquaculture is presented as one of the options with the greatest growth potential worldwide. In fact, it can be considered at the same level as the move from harvesting to agriculture, that is, from fishing to industrial production of different fish species. This research aims to establish a methodology based on valued rules that allows objectively to establish the best locations for this type of exploitation in such a way as to optimize the parameters of both construction and exploitation. In this way, the methodology, which is proposed, can be considered much more consistent than traditional methods because it uses a multi-criteria system and a weighting mechanism that is also statistically consistent. This weighting coefficients are set through an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which uses paired comparisons to establish priority measures. An objective weighting is ensured, primarily when there is little information for decision-making or when decisions have to be made considering qualitative criteria. An additional advantage of this method is that it allows evaluating the consistency of the decision, which makes possible the validating the main option. The method used has been the one developed by Professor Thomas Saaty. The final analysis is carried out weighing the different parameters and applying a multicriteria analysis, using in this case the QGIS tool. It has been applied to the Cantabria region (Spain), obtaining as a result a set of possible locations, valued according to previously defined criteria.

Three-dimension spatial vision is one of the main abilities that students develop during the teaching–learning process in subjects related to Graphic Expression and Technical Drawing in Engineering knowledge area at university levels. This skill is related not only to the ability to interpret 2D drawings, sketches, schemes, etc. and generate a mental 3D representation of a piece or/and an assembly and vice versa but also to generate these 2D representations from a physical element and the ability to interpret the interaction of the different elements of an assembly. Traditional teaching has used only 2D representations to teach these subjects and, in some moments, it has used 3D models to compare it with 2D representations. To develop these resources, it has been used open-source UNITY software and HTC Vive Pro virtual reality glasses and hand joysticks as well a CAD model generated using Autodesk Inventor. This CAD model is a three axis, two stages speed gearbox box that is used during the problem and theory sessions of the mentioned subjects. It has been studied possible functionalities that could be implemented and it has been selected some: the possibility to disassembly any component and to move and rotate it, the possibility reassembly all the components after moving them into the initial assembly configuration, the possibility to change the size of any component, the possibility to see the assembly/disassembly process and the possibility to see this machine working. Finally, it has developed a virtual environment imported the 3D CAD model.

The Projects department of the Barcelona School of Industrial Technical Engineering (EUETIB) was one of the first to opt for working with parametric and associative CAD software in the subject of Drawing, a pioneer in implementing SolidWorks (SW) in graphic engineering learning. The parametric conception combined with the intelligent geometric functions, and the variational and bidirectional design, allowed the recently graduated student body to have knowledge at the forefront of the moment. The 09–10 academic year began degree studies adapted to the European Higher Education Area. The applied methodology emphasized students as protagonists of the learning process and was developed in ECTS credits, providing significant improvements in the teaching of spatial geometry. In the remodeling of the subject, the idea of a Project was promoted, in a group and in a non-face-to-face way. The project involves developing skills related to the ability to spatial vision and knowledge of graphic representation techniques using computer-aided design. The autonomous learning competence is valued, based on carrying out the assigned tasks in the foreseen time, working with the indicated sources of information, in accordance with the guidelines set by the teaching staff. Since the 10–11 academic year, the author of this communication has asked his students to put together a video with a cinematic animation of his project. The best project videos can be seen in a YouTube playlist. The videos are a complementary tool for the development of the graphic engineering Project.

If we consider the paintings of Altamira and Lascaux caves as the first examples of two-dimensional images, we see that human beings from the beginning were looking for a way to express their feelings, exploring the territory and later with an artistic approach. Now with the growth of technology 2D images has been replaced by 3D images, and this industry is expanding day by day. Today, much software is used to create and produce 3D images. One of this software is Agisoft. In this software, using Photogrammetry, the existing samples are taken, and the images are converted into three-dimensional models through the software. In this article, a study is done by using this software that has high accuracy and detail and other tools. The results of this process shows although there are several examples of 3D software, this software due to its availability, high accuracy, less process, detail retention, accurate ratios, and measurement capability, etc.

This study shows the results of competences’ self-assessment and the initiatives proposed by Industrial Engineering Degree students at the XXXX, to improve them. The development process was carried out in the first course subject of Graphic Engineering. Main objective is to try to improve those worst competencies, obtained in their self-assessment global report, in our students, analyzing the collected proposals. To make it, results of the self-evaluation must be previously known to subsequently carry out the pertinent actions. This study is made in four different stages: pre-evaluation, evaluation, and post-evaluation and proposal actions. We obtained 78 student’s answer through the Cycloid tool as a part of an ICT platform called Evolute. When self-assessment outcome is known, it is prepared an open questionnaire where students can explain, propose activities or actions to improve their competences. The analysis of this test results shows the opportunity of using this application to evaluate students’ interest and to know their competences level. Also, the questionnaire provided an important number of contributions from students to apply in different subject development.

The students of Industrial Design Engineering and Product Development degree at Jaume I University (UJI) in Castelló (Spain) receive an integrated training in Technical Drawing and Computer Aided Design (CAD). Learning starts from graphic representation techniques knowledge to a progressive introduction of 2D CAD and 3D CAD. Recently the degree has been adapted to a new curriculum considering that future industrial designers must master 3D modelling CAD to produce quality 3D models, without overlooking the fact that they must also obtain standardization knowledge and skills in 2D drawing. Thus, students should acquire modelling skills at an early stage of their training. This work describes the experience carried out in CADI subject, previously devoted to learning 2D technical drawings with an anecdotal introduction of 3D modelling. During first semester of 2021/2022 course, important changes have been performed so that not only geometric software but also parametric one have been used, introducing 3D modelling of simple parts, without losing sight of obtaining accurate 2D technical drawings, either drawing directly with the 2D software or obtaining views from the 3D model and finishing the technical drawing with the 2D software to be properly standardized. Students value the use of both software and the learning material provided. The experience has been positive, allowing not only the obtaining of proper technical drawings, but also the introduction of parametric models design. Some little changes will be performed in future for a better learning of quality 3D models allowing reusability.

Parametric software currently used for technical drawing learning in engineering careers allows the generation of 3D models of parts, including restrictions and relations between elements, and even different configurations of a same part. Therefore, models incorporate a large amount of information about design intent, so the criteria assuring quality (such as model consistency, or design intent conveyance) should be considered. Moreover, new teaching–learning trends incorporate the application of methodologies that make the student more involved in the learning process, such as the flipped classroom, in which the student is asked to do some work prior to the face-to-face class. This study aims to analyse the effectiveness of the flipped classroom methodology, when applied to improve the performance and evaluation of 3D modelling parts. To achieve it, quality criteria for modelling, established in a formative rubric used in the subject, have been applied. The study has been developed in the context of an engineering first course subject about Graphic Expression. Seventy-four students from different engineering degrees participated in the experience and answered a questionnaire. Results showed that the flipped methodology was positively considered in terms of studying and learning as well as for peer and self-assessment. In addition, using the formative rubric was assessed as appropriate and understandable.

The virtual modelling and animation of a turbo propeller with Catia is of great significance in regard to facilitate its visualization and analysis, offering multiple possibilities in the field of teaching–learning of air-breathing jet engines in aeronautical engineering studies. This work shares the teaching experience carried out, during the two academic courses of the pandemic (19/20 and 20/21), to explain the assembly and operation of the Garrett TPE331 turbo propeller, without the need to own it physically, only using its virtual modelling and animation and the Blackboard Collaborate virtual teaching platform. The results achieved in these courses are presented to be compared to those prior to Covid to verify the effectiveness of the teaching process applied. Lastly, it is intended that this model serve as support for its implementation through apps to the world of virtual reality, being able to combine the theory related to the engine with three-dimensional representations, thus facilitating the complex educational task that involves explaining the operation of this or any other engine that are not physically available.

The current development of technology has caused the teaching method of conventional sketching techniques in the degree of Engineering in industrial design and product development to progressively evolve, becoming familiar with technologies focused on digital sketching. The objective of this work is to propose the inclusion of the digital sketch in the teaching of graphic engineering for the design and development of products in the areas of artistic expression. For this, a methodology composed of different essential steps based on the main advantages of digital sketching over traditional sketching is described. Mechanics of lighting, shading, and rendering of materials are treated in this work. To validate this methodology, two case studies carried out by a student are presented, focused on the rendering of sketches through the use of digital tools. The objective of this method is that students can obtain more realistic results in the sketching process for a better transmission of ideas and concepts, as well as to bring their education closer to the new trends and needs of design in the industry. An evaluation of the quality of the result is obtained from the work. On the other hand, the perception of aesthetics and function is evaluated from the point of view of product communication according to its main characteristics. For this, a comparison between the sketches made digitally versus a version of the same previously made by traditional technics has been carried out.

The growth in the use of new technologies has carried to the teachers of engineering studies to introduce them also in their classes. In addition, programs that allow correct solutions instantly are having high popularity among teachers. Focused on this, the authors have developed an application called TrainCAD, that allows to the students perform corrections of the exercises that the teacher has proposed in AutoCAD. In this way, each student will be able to use the application as part of their personal study, being able to check immediately if the proposed exercise has been properly done. TrainCAD also offers advantages to the teachers, such as getting on real-time the student’s results. Avoiding the manual correction of the proposed exercises. This paper analyses the results obtained during the TrainCAD experience, with the aim of analysing the advantages of the environment to the teaching–learning process of Computer-Aided-Design (CAD). It can be concluded that the use of TrainCAD has allowed students to study for their final evaluation of the subject with a more dynamic and advanced methodology. In addition, students had strengthened their knowledge of CAD and learned from their successes and mistakes at the same time.

Teachers have to be in a constant learning to keep the students motivation during learning. Currently, one of the most innovative methodologies in engineering studies is gamification. Gamification is a technique that aims to bring the mechanics of games to non-ludic contexts, such as the area of training and education, with the aim of increasing student motivation, enhancing their skills and competencies and improving their learning results. This paper analyses and discusses the experience of gamification carried out in the subject of Graphic Expression. A Control Group (CG) that used the traditional methodology and an Experimental Group (EG) that combined the traditional methodology with game mechanics was established. In this way, the study seeks to analyze the influence of gamification on the teaching–learning process. The obtained results show that the group of students who used game mechanics during the learning process have obtained better marks. Likewise, the analysis of these results has also made it possible to determine that the use of this platform can be a motivating element that favours an improvement in the teaching methodology in learning Engineering Drawing.

In this work an application with Augmented Reality (AR) was developed with the intention of accompanying the students of the Graphic Design subject in the 3D visualization of mechanical parts and assemblies. AR provides more information about the parts represented in different drawings, and facilitates the interpretation by visualizing parts or assemblies in 3D. It also helps to understand the assemblies when they need to be used, but thanks to the fact that the parts can be visualized in 3D, the knowledge is fixed and provides greater ease of understanding. In this way, knowledge can be reassured through constant interaction with the parts and assemblies worked on, for example, zooming, rotating, displaying or hiding a plane, part or assembly. Thus, with the help of this technology, students actively participate in the learning/teaching process, carrying out a personal learning itinerary. In addition, the developed application can increase the motivation of students with respect to the subject and not fall behind due to the low ability to visualize parts in 3D.

On many occasions, when a student carries out work involving a design process, he or she tends to prioritise the written work or the 3D product design process, without considering that the work has to culminate in the production of 2D plans in predetermined formats, which will faithfully define the final product and facilitate the understanding of the design for anyone who examines them.This text is intended as a guide so that the student knows how to approach the graphic documentation work phase, which must be carried out in parallel with the design of the product. The student often leaves this phase of graphic formalisation to the last moment of the deadline for the presentation of the work, which usually leads to poorly drawn, undefined and incomplete plans.In addition to graphically defining the product, the student has to personalise the work environment, which will facilitate the different phases of the process, starting from templates and personalising them according to the final finish to be obtained. On the one hand, he/she must define the sheet formats to be used, and on the other hand, he/she will design the title block to be used in the plans, determining the blocks to be included in it. In addition, he has to foresee the standard he is going to work with and must configure the styles to be used, the sizes and type of letter, type of dimension, scales, etc., so that he does not have to carry out this work at the last minute.

The work methodology under electrical risks is a key aspect in an engineer’s development. There are many facilities in which it would be optimal to carry out face-to-face practical session in which to start learning electrical safety protocols focused on real manoeuvres. This implies that subjects such as Low and Medium Voltage Electrical Facilities cannot carry out training practices due to existing restrictions because of the dangerousness of a facility such as electrical substations. Virtual Reality serves as a great tool for the performance of training tasks that entail some dangerousness. A virtual recreation of an electrical substation is proposed, as well as exercises for its installation and maintenance. The objective is to train students for the performing of said tasks, posing them a series of levels that function as an introduction to basic manoeuvres under electrical risk.First of all, an introduction to the essential concepts of video game development will be made. Subsequently, a description of the regulations and the safety manoeuvres used in an electrical substation is shown. Finally, the software used and the design process have been described in detail.

In the Spanish pre-university system, the contents on the representation of the terrain and the Bounded System are really scarce. Many students, in the first university courses of technical careers, have difficulties in interpreting basic concepts of terrain representation, such as the equidistance of contour lines, the slope of a ground plane and the concepts of cut areas and/or fill areas, among others.The development of powerful computer-aided design tools and of certain graphic algorithms oriented to topographic representation and terrain simulation through contour lines or triangulations, have greatly facilitated the cognitive processes of assimilation of these concepts. Even so, many students have difficulties to visualize or imagine three- dimensionally the modifications of the land produced by the projected civil engineering works.On the other hand, in recent years the use of 3D printers for the materialization of three- dimensional objects designed by computer has spread. In this paper, we highlight the advantage of its use to reproduce 3D representations of digital terrain models and details about their modifications through the projected civil engineering works: reservoirs, retaining dams, cut areas, fil areas, ... Despite the complex geometry of a terrain, 3D printing is now capable of building scale 3D models that faithfully reproduce these digital models.In this communication we intend to expose the systematics to follow for a correct 3D printing of digital terrain models and certain civil engineering works, by means of conventional 3D printers. Likewise, the appraisals on the learning results by the students in the last two academic years and the assessment expressed by themselves as a learning methodology are provided.

Over the years of teaching the subject of Technical Drawing, we teachers have verified that many students have significants problems when it is time to learn the topic of mechanical assemblies, in terms of understanding how they work, the position of their parts and the relative displacement between them. These issues are essential for a better standardized drawing of mechanical assemblies. Mistakes in the mechanism's perception lead, inexorably, to errors in the drawing. Mobile Applications in learning environments has been investigated and has been shown to give good results in classroom. The use and properties of this mobile technologies can favor and enrich the teaching–learning process. The application developed facilitates working on the competences in an innovative virtual environment, both in the classroom and in individual work at home by the student. This software allows the movement, manipulation, and visualization of the virtual mechanism being studied in a more optimal and motivating way that neither traditional paper materials nor the manipulation of the real object can provide.

The increasingly difficult design of the Teaching Guides, -in which it is sought that nothing is missing-causes serious difficulties in the deepening of some areas. On the other hand, the wide range of skills that the industrial engineer acquires when he finishes his studies, requires having studied a wide field of knowledge that gives him a global vision of the subject, and that is then essential to coordinate teams and know how to prioritize priorities appropriately. The Build Information Modeling environment (BIM) is gradually opening a gap in the professional practice of engineering, and in all its specializations. It is therefore necessary, a vision of it before graduating and entering the labor market. Although knowledge of the BIM environment means embarking on a path whose mastery would require an amount of time difficult to fit into a Teaching Guide, or in a four-month course, it should not be excluded from the curriculum. For this reason, it is essential to design pills or computer experiences that allow students a quick overview of it that can give them a vision of what the BIM environment consists of and its main values: The development of 3D processes, collaborative work, or digitization in its broadest sense. It is not the purpose of this article to confuse BIM with Autodesk©Revit, or in other words, to confuse a methodology with a tool. But it is based on the conviction that, to get into the methodology thinking strategy, Autodesk© Revit is a good tool.

Today, social and environmental awareness is starting to become a fact of life in our society. Responsible production and consumption has become a requirement for citizens. Thus, concepts such as Circular Economy or Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are introduced and begin to be generalized in companies and universities as well as the 6R concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, Recover, and Remanufacture). 6R concept enables the recovery of products at the end of their useful life into another life cycle for more sustainable manufacturing. The design of the product and its configuration will influence the associated processes and the performance of the system. In this regard, one of the outstanding agents of change are Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Involving students in sustainability actions is an essential factor as knowledge acquired in youth tends to remain. And if we focus on future industrial designers, moreover to generating self-awareness as a citizen, it must be generated self-awareness through knowledge as a professional designer. That is why in this 2021–2022 academic year, and taking some successful experiences as a reference, we have incorporated a reflective approach from the SDGs, recyclability, reuse, etc. to the course exercises. The results of the experience support the methodology used. A high percentage of the students surveyed consider that the proposed practical works have helped them better understand concepts related to the 6Rs and skills related to the circular economy and eco-design that will be practical and useful in the future.

For an Industrial Engineer it is important to have some basic knowledge about standards in Technical Drawing concerning drafts to define a part or an assembly. International ISO standards indicate the way drafts must be correctly drawn. These standards concern many aspects as needed views, cutting planes, auxiliary views, dimensions, etc. Obviously nowadays models in 3D and drafts are done with CAD software. On the other hand, as teachers with long experience of first year in the Higher Technical School of Industrial Engineering of the UPM (Polytechnic University of Madrid) we have observed that new students have little knowledge in this special aspect of Technical Drawing. This communication presents a tool, Constructive Solid Geometry, which provides the student with a systematic way to analyze a part in order to draw the necessary views and dimensions so that the part is completely dimensioned. Three powerful CAD programs with free educational version have been used to design the 3D model and the draft. We consider it is very interesting to compare them with the aim of being the most indicated for our students, always considering the kind of design they must afford. In this communication we will do the 3D model and draft of two parts using Solid_Edge ST2021, Onshape and AutoCad. At the end, we will summarize our experience with the three programs.

In the field of industrial design, means of visual representation are fundamental both for the communication of designs as a support for the processes of ideation, and the definition of products. In particular, ‘sketching’ assumes different roles within the design process and is recognised as a key tool for the promotion of creativity. It is also recognised for its prominence and usefulness in the early stages of the industrial design process. In this work, the various taxonomies on sketching were analysed, as well as the models developed on the design process and the creative process, as a theoretical basis. Then, to propose a model of graphic ideation that aims to integrate the creative process into the design process—through the creative implementation of sketching. In the model, different types of sketches are identified and related to the phases of the process where they display their creative potential. This is an integrated model, as it highlights the importance of incorporating all these elements in order to enrich the creative process and obtain higher levels of innovation. It is concluded that a correct integration of the archetypes of sketches in industrial design, from the point of view of creativity, can improve the results of the process.

Nowadays, the use of big machinery to remove large quantities of rock is commonplace in both mining and civil engineering applications. Although different tools exist to address this necessity, the vast majority of them are formed by several picks that crash against the rock mass. When the impact energy is enough to cause the failure of the material, either the formation of chips or its break into pieces due to crushing may occur. However, the behavior of the rock mass under the dynamic loads imposed by the aforementioned tools is still a topic under debate among the scientific community. A better understanding of the interaction between the rock material and the pick is mandatory. In order to achieve this challenge, DinRock research group has developed three different pendulums that allow to reproduce the excavation phenomenon, while controlling all the relevant variables involved in the process, at a laboratory scale. Each of them is an evolution of its predecessor engineered to improve the reliability of the measures as well as to scale the sample size and testing possibilities. The design process of the latest pendulum, including its validation through numerical analysis and calibration tests, is insightfully exposed. Eventually, it is proved that third pendulum version is a versatile, accurate and novel laboratory equipment to address the research of the dynamic process of rock excavation using picks at a laboratory scale.