Instituto Politécnico de Viseu
Repositório Científico
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Industry 4.0 in Portugal: Validation of a Readiness Assessment Model Through an Empirical Approach
Publication . Guimarães, André; Reis, Pedro; Pereira, Teresa; Antonio J. Marques Cardoso
Purpose – Industry 4.0 requires businesses to adapt strategically and continuously assess their readiness. However, many manufacturing companies struggle to evaluate and implement Industry 4.0 due to the lack of clear assessment frameworks. This study addresses this gap by applying a structured maturity model to assess Industry 4.0 readiness in Portuguese companies. Design/methodology/approach – The study usesthe Shift2Future model, an adaptation of the IMPULS model designed for Portuguese companies. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and empirical research validated the model. The internal consistency of responses, measured by Cronbach’s alpha (0.9040), confirmed its reliability. Findings – The results highlight the importance ofstructured assessmentsin guiding digital transformation. The Shift2Future model helps companies understand their current Industry 4.0 readiness and plan their transition. The study also shows that success requires more than just investing in technology; it demands a holistic approach, including strategy and workforce skills. Practical implications – This research provides a practical tool for companies to assess their Industry 4.0 readiness and identify areas for improvement. It can also help policymakers and business leaders develop strategies to support digital transformation. Originality/value – Thisstudy fills a gap in the literature by offering a structured, validated model tailored to the Portuguese industrial context. The Shift2Future model provides a reliable f
Industry 4.0 in Portugal - Economic Sectors Maturity
Publication . Pedro Reis; Guimarães, André; Reis, Pedro; Cardoso, Antonio J. Marques
Assessing digital maturity is critical to successfully implementing Industry 4.0 in companies. This study evaluates the digital maturity of Portuguese companies across different regions and sectors using the Shift2Future tool, a self-assessment model adapted to the Portuguese context. The model assesses six dimensions: Strategy and Organization, Smart Infrastructure, Smart Operations, Smart Products, Data-Driven Services, and Human Resources, on a Likert scale from 0 to 5. Data was gathered from 610 companies across sectors like automotive, ceramics, and metalworking through a questionnaire conducted between 2022 and 2023. Using STATA 18.0 software, the analysis included Pearson correlation and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The results indicate that companies in the North and Lisbon & Tagus Valley regions exhibit higher digital maturity. Traditional sectors like ceramics and glass show lower maturity due to technological and cultural challenges. This study evaluates the digital maturity of Portuguese businesses and suggests ways to improve their Industry 4.0 competitiveness.
Industry 4.0 - Assessment of Digital Readiness of Manufacturing Companies in Portugal
Publication . Guimarães, André; Reis, Pedro; Charrua-Santos, Fernando
The Portuguese industrial culture is going through some challenges and difficulties in the new phase of digitalization, using the development of several technologies that provide digital solutions aligned with Industry 4.0 (I4.0). To evaluate the digital readiness for I4.0 of industries companies, namely small, medium and large companies, a IMPULS model was used, which allowed quantifying and qualifying their level of readiness to implement I4.0 technologies, considering different dimensions and subdimensions. It is found that not all companies have the same pace and facility in adopting and implementing these technologies, where business strategies are not integrated with I4.0, resulting in the absence of an accurate selfassessment on the real maturity level achieved. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand how companies are facing different challenges and difficulties in the digital transition. This work aimed to assess the level of digital readiness to I4.0 of manufacturing companies in Portugal, in global and dimensional terms for each region. The overall assessment level is low (beginner) and the Smart Infrastructure and Data-driven Services dimensions are weak (outsider).
Comparative analysis of welding processes using different thermoplastics
Publication . Trindade, Adelino; Guimarães, André
This study examined and contrasted three widely utilized welding techniques for modern thermoplastics: hot gas welding, laser beam welding, and friction stir welding. These techniques were employed to join various thermoplastic materials, particularly focusing on polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. The weld quality was evaluated using visual inspections and tensile strength tests. Additionally, Vickers hardness tests were performed on the welded joints to detect microstructural alterations. The research aimed to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms behind these welding processes and assess the welded joints' strength.
Development of a Polymer Shredder: Recycling Waste from 3D Printers
Publication . Lopes, João; Samuel Messias; Guimarães, André; salgueiro marques, José Manuel Neto; Estácio Marques Mendes Gaspar, Daniel Augusto
The increasing use of 3D printers has heightened the need for sustainable solutions to manage the polymeric waste generated, such as PLA. This study presents the development of an innovative shredder capable of processing 3D printing waste and transforming it into reusable granules for the production process. The project involved the design of a knife mill, adapted for PLA, with blades offset by 30°, ensuring efficient distribution of cutting forces and reducing stress on the components. Critical components, such as blades, shafts, and motor, were dimensioned using precise calculations to determine cutting force, torque, and material resistance. The system was validated through finite element analysis (FEA), ensuring structural robustness and an adequate safety factor. The system allows for the adjustment of granule size using sieves with different calibers, making it adaptable to process requirements. It also includes safety devices that ensure reliable operation and protect the operators. The equipment proved versatile and capable of processing common polymers such as ABS, PETG, and PA. The results confirm that the shredder is a practical, efficient, and sustainable solution, contributing to the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of 3D printing. In the future, improvements in design and automation could enhance its scalability and facilitate integration into industrial processes.