The mechanical properties of die castings correlate with the inner structure of a casting, distribution of the eutectic phases, and with the content and distribution of porous cavities in the casting volume. This submitted paper deals with the issue of the possibility to influence the basic parameters affecting the quality of castings through structural modifications of the gating system. The structural parameter under assessment is the gate height. In the case of the diverse height of the gate, five sets of castings were produced. The individual sets of castings were subjected to examination of selected mechanical properties, i.e., of permanent deformation and surface hardness. At the same time, the individual sets of castings were subjected to metallographic examination of the eutectic structure of the casting. It was proved that the gate height influences the aforementioned properties of the castings and significantly affects the ratio of the eutectic phases in the volume of the casting. The conclusion describes the mutual correlation between the gate structure, the mechanical properties of the casting, and its structural composition.

The application of topological optimization is currently considered one of the current trends. Because the shape of the components thus designed is the result of a design generated based on external influences acting on the model, their form can be considered almost optimal. For example, the extent of material savings resulting from shortening production cycles and reducing energy requirements is significant. Due to the way models are produced by layering the material in 3D printing, this technology makes it possible to get a little closer to the models’ optimal shape, for example, to produce prototype models for the production of injection moulds. The amazing amount of plastic and composite materials that this technology brings allows for a variable change in manufactured models based on requirements or external influences. These materials also include a group of materials and composite materials that are classified as biodegradable due to their composition. This fact, combined with the possibility of achieving the most optimal shape of components, contributes to reducing the environmental burden of such oriented production. This work presents the opportunities for modifying topological optimization outputs based on operating parameters and limits of additive production equipment fused deposition modeling (FDM). It gives the possibilities of using alternative ecological materials, their direct application, and the impact on creating models with the help of this technology. The final phase represents the result of the optimization process of the subsystem mechanism and the influence of the mechanical properties of biodegradable materials on the production process and the energy intensity of production. The aim of this work is to point out the fact and possibilities of using composite materials on a natural basis and their possible impact on reducing the environmental burden.

The article describes modifications to the effector of a manipulator arm proposed in order to increase the accuracy of jaw force measurements. Gripping force measurement is performed using strain gauges. Their proper positioning and connection minimize not only the influence of the position of the centre of gravity of the manipulation object on the jaws but also the effect of temperature changes around the measuring area. The possibility of altering the magnitude of gripping force was incorporated into the robot control application. This greatly increases the security of handling and increases the number of items that can be possibly gripped. Modified effector parts were subjected to stress analysis, with emphasis on the elimination of stress peaks that would not occur in real parts. The article also describes the design of the mechanical modification of the effector, which would allow the continuous rotation of the jaws of the effector.

The design of the gating system and the adjustment of the technological parameters of high pressure die casting are closely correlated. Correct connection of the gating system structure and technological parameters will be reflected in the final casting quality. Significant influence on the filling progress of a mold cavity has a gate and its geometry. Within the gate, the final increasing of melt flow velocity arises and determines the filling mode. The contribution is devoted to the influence of the gate height on selected technological parameters. The obtained data are being evaluated and on the basis of the experimental results assessment, the recommendations applicable in the foundry industry are being deduced.

The paper aims to study the surface quality dependency on selected parameters of cuts made in Hardox™ by abrasive water jet (AWJ). The regression process was applied on measured data and the equations were prepared for both the Ra and Rz roughness parameters. One set of regression equations was prepared for the relationship of Ra and Rz on cutting parameters—pumping pressure, traverse speed, and abrasive mass flow rate. The second set of regression equations describes relationships between the declination angle in kerf as the independent variable and either the Ra or the Rz parameters as dependent variables. The models can be used to predict cutting variables to predict the surface quality parameters.