The aim of this paper is to present an in-pipe modular robotic system that can navigate inaccessible industrial pipes in order to check their condition, locate leakages, and clean the ventilation systems. The aspects concerning the development of a lightweight and energy efficient modular robotic system are presented. The paper starts with a short introduction about modular inspection systems in the first chapter, followed by design aspects and finalizing with the test of the developed robotic system.

This paper presents results of a research on the possibilities of applying 3D printed casting models for small production series as alternative to traditional tooling production on automated DisaMatch mould production lines. The main task was to verify and compare the dimensions of the 3D printed models before and after moulding process. The paper discusses main advantages and disadvantages of the 3D printing methods used like FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)/FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), SLA (stereolitography) and DPP (Daylight Polymer Printing). Measurement of casting model outside dimension change resulting from moulding sand friction on their surface was made with the use of GOM INSPECT software on the basis of 3D scans made with ATOS TripleScan optical scanner. Hardness of 3D printed models made of ABS, Z-ULTRAT, three different photopolymer resins (from FormLab and Liquid Crystal companies) was verified. The result of the research printed models usability for the foundry industry was presented.

The results of investigations conducted on the prototype of vapour driven micro-CHP unit integrated with a gas boiler are presented. The system enables cogeneration of heat and electric energy to cover the energy demand of a household. The idea of such system is to produce electricity for own demand or for selling it to the electric grid – in such situation the system user will became the prosumer. A typical commercial gas boiler, additionally equipped with an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) module based on environmentally acceptable working fluid can be regarded as future generation unit. In the paper the prototype of innovative domestic cogenerative ORC system, consisting of a conventional gas boiler and a small size axial vapour microturbines (in-house designed for ORC and the commercially available for Rankine cycle (RC)), evaporator and condenser were scrutinised. In the course of study the fluid working temperatures, rates of heat, electricity generation and efficiency of the whole system were obtained. The tested system could produce electricity in the amount of 1 kWe. Some preliminary tests were started with water as working fluid and the results for that case are also presented. The investigations showed that domestic gas boiler was able to provide the saturated/superheated ethanol vapour (in the ORC system) and steam (in the RC system) as working fluids.

This paper deals with production of safety inlay for steam locomotive valve by the Patternless Process method. For the moulds creation was used moulding mixtures of II. generation, whereas binder was used a water glass. CNC miller was used for creation of mould cavity. Core was created also by milling into block made of moulding compound. In this article will be presented also making of 3D model, setting of milling tool paths and parameters for milling.

The paper presents the properties of plastics under the trade names of PMMA and Midas, and of Formowax, Romocast 305 and Romocast 930 casting waxes. Their effect on the quality of foundry patterns used in the manufacture of ceramic moulds for precision casting is also discussed. From the selected materials for foundry patterns, samples were made for testing using the following methods: (i) 3D printing in the case of plastics, and (ii) conventional method based on tooling in the form of metal moulds (dies) in the case of casting waxes.

The most important physico-mechanical properties of materials for foundry patterns were determined, i.e. linear shrinkage, softening temperature, relative elongation and coefficient of thermal linear expansion. Bending tests were carried out on samples of patterns printed and made in metal moulds, including determination of the surface roughness of patterns.

After the process of melting out patterns from the cavities of ceramic moulds in an autoclave, the degree of their melting out was visually assessed (i.e. the residues from pattern removal were evaluated). The ash content after burning out of foundry patterns was also determined. The conducted tests allowed comparing the important parameters of materials used for foundry patterns and assessing the suitability of selected plastics as a material for foundry patterns used in the manufacture of high-quality precision castings.

The Synchronous Reluctance Machine (SynRM) is an electrical machine in which the useful electromagnetic torque is produced due to rotor saliency. Its high power- and torque-to-mass ratio and very good efficiency make it a cheap and simple alternative for permanent magnet or induction motors, e.g. in electromobility applications. However, because of magnetic nonlinearities, the rotational speed and torque control of a SynRM is a nontrivial task. In the paper, a control algorithm based on a Hamiltonian mathematical model is presented. The model is formulated using measurement results, obtained by the drive controller. An algorithm is tested in the drive system consisting of a SynRM with the classical rotor and a fast prototyping card. The drive dynamic response in transient states is very good, but the proposed algorithm does not ensure the best efficiency after steady state angular velocity is achieved.

Article presents results of laser overlaying welding of metal powder Inconel 625. Laser metal deposition by laser engineered net shaping (LENS) is modern manufacturing process for low scale production series. High alloy materials such as Inconel 625 nickel based super alloy have high thermal resistant and good mechanical properties, nevertheless it's hard to machining. Plastic forming of high alloy materials such as Inconel 625 are difficult. Due to high strength characteristic performing components made from Inconel alloy are complex, selective melting of metallic powder using laser beam are alternative method for Inconel tooling. Paper present research of additive deposition of spatial structure made from Inconel 625 metallic powder with CO2 laser and integrated powder feeder. Microstructure analysis as well as strength characteristic in normal condition and at elevated temperature was performed. Possibility of using LENS technology for manufacturing components dedicated for work in high temperature conditions are presented.