A Cost and Resource Consumption Model for Improving Resource Efficiency of Configurable Roll-to-roll Processing

摘要

Roll-to-roll (R2R) processing is the process of creating functional films and printed electronic devices, such as printed RFID and printed lighting, by integrating various large area manufacturing processes into a single manufacturing line. It is poised to be a low-cost and efficient manufacturing technology. However, uncertainty and risk exists for the production of specific products in competition with conventional manufacturing approaches. Therefore, a configurable cost and resource consumption model was developed in order to assess the resource effectiveness of the R2R processing line for a specific product design and to identify areas of improvement. The model considers the technical and parametric relationships in terms of cost, manpower, materials, energy consumption and resource requirements. Using the model, hotspots in the manufacturing line were identified and appropriate recommendations were suggested to minimize resource usage and waste, thereby further reducing the cost of manufacturing and enhancing its commercial viability.