Nonconventional Technologies Review
type: channel
description: The Nonconventional Technologies Review (Revista de Tehnologii Neconvenţionale) is a scientific engineering journal published by Editura Politehnica din Timișoara on behalf of the Romanian Association for Nonconventional Technologies (Asociaţia Română pentru Tehnologii Neconvenţionale – ARTN - www.artn.ro), which has started in 1997, with trimestrial appearance. The publication is addressed to all engineers and scientists interested in nonconventional technologies.
publisher: Romanian Association for Nonconventional Technologies
language: en
publication name: Nonconventional Technologies Review
issn: 2359-8646
items: DEVELOPING AN AI ALIGNMENT REGIMEN FOR SUPPORTING PRODUCTION ENTREPRENEURS
items: MAPPING THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGES FOR PRODUCTION FACILITY PLANNING/MANAGEMENT
items: DESCRIPTION AND OPTIMIZATION OF AN SMD PRODUCTION LINE: PROCESSES, THERMAL CONTROL AND AUTOMATED INSPECTION
items: PRINTING WITH THE METAL X PRINTER IN THE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT
items: ANALYSIS OF THE MATERIAL REMOVAL IN HYBRID ELECTROCHEMICAL-ULTRASONIC MACHINING OF A 12% Cr STAINLESS STEEL
items: VIBRATION AND CONDICION MONITORING OF THE ROTATING MACHINES
items: RESEARCH CONCERNING MATERIAL REMOVAL AT SINGLE PULSE LASER
items: DETERMINATION OF THE SHRINKAGE AND DENSITY OF THE FINAL PRODUCT AFTER CONVENTIONAL AND NONCONVENTIONAL DRYING
items: EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF EDM PROCESS PARAMETERS THROUGH MODELING OF MATERIAL REMOVAL AND ELECTRODE WEAR BEHAVIOR
items: VACUUM COOLING OF BAKERY PRODUCTS: PARAMETERS AND FEATURES IN CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION
items: OPERATIONALIZING ETHICAL AND REGULATORY STANDARDS THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF ISO/IEC 42001 ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RISK-AWARE AUTONOMOUS NONCONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES
items: PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF NONCONVENTIONAL RADIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES USED IN NEUROSURGERY CONSIDERING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
items: ASSESSING THE INTERACTION OF A LASER BEAM AND POLYMERIC POWDERS IN POLYMER LASER SINTERING
items: A word from our Editor-in-Chief
items: USING THE IDEAS DIAGRAM METHOD TO DESIGN ABRASIVE WEAR TESTING EQUIPMENT
items: LASER DED TECHNOLOGY: MATERIALS, PARAMETERS AND APPLICATIONS. A REVIEW OF RECENT LITERATURE
items: ASPECTS REGARDING FRICTION STIR PROCESSING IN TWO WORKING MEDIUMS OF EN AC 5083 CAST ALUMINUM ALLOY
items: NON-CONVENTIONAL CONVERTING METHOD OF AN INERT RESIDUAL GLASSY MATERIAL INTO POZZOLANIC GLASS AS A TRADITIONAL CEMENT SUBSTITUTE TO PRODUCE STRENGTH-CONCRETE
items: THE ROLE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NONCONVENTIONAL RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGIES
items: MICROWAVE-ASSISTED PRODUCING CLOSED-CELL ALUMINUM FROTH
items: DEVELOPMENT OF AN INSULATED ELECTROMECHANICAL ARC TEST BENCH FOR POLARITY-DEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS
items: THE ISSUE OF POWDER DOSING IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
items: CONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES VERSUS NONCONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES: ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CRITERIA
items: ADVANCED STRATEGIES FOR RISK ASSESSMENT IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPLIED IN THE FIELD OF NONCONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES
items: MAKING LARGE CLOSED CELL-METAL FOAM FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS
items: OHS RISK ASSESMENT IN THE EDM PROCESS
items: CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MODELING AND SIMULATION OF A BIPED WALKING ROBOT
items: FEASIBILITY STUDY OF POLYMER-BASED BENDING DEVICES MANUFACTURED VIA MATERIAL EXTRUSION ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FOR SMALL-BATCH PRODUCTION AND PROTOTYPING

DEVELOPING AN AI ALIGNMENT REGIMEN FOR SUPPORTING PRODUCTION ENTREPRENEURS
type: item
description: This paper analyzes the need to infuse human-centric values characteristic of the management style of production entrepreneurs into the AI instruments to be used in industrial companies. A careful detailing of the human related elements, the sustainability related functions and the technological features is performed in relation to the need to customize the training of AI systems that are employed in production processes, along the value creation chain. This is then compared with the results of a focus group of specialists in the field of production in order to generate an action plan and regimen to support AI alignment with minimal disruption to the companies’ results and performance.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Mihai Dragomir
creator: Daniela Popescu
creator: Ștefania Chiribău-Vitlinger
creator: Diana Dragomir
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-17
publication date: 2026-06-17

MAPPING THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGES FOR PRODUCTION FACILITY PLANNING/MANAGEMENT
type: item
description: The digital transformation is one of the driving forces of economic and societal change for the past 25 years, being accelerated in the past years by the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunities brought forth by the tools of generative artificial intelligence. Production management is one of the fields that has a more classical appeal to it and as such there are many benefits and opportunities related to digital transformation that are not being used to their full potential. The current paper aims to perform a mapping of the situation related to digital transformation of production companies in the sub-field of facility planning and management, which has the potential to set the direction for a considerable number of years in the administration of a factory or related production unit
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: facility planning
  topic: keywords
subject: facility management
  topic: keywords
subject: digital transformation
  topic: keywords
creator: Mihai Dragomir
creator: Daniela Popescu
creator: Mirela Simijdean
creator: Diana Dragomir
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

DESCRIPTION AND OPTIMIZATION OF AN SMD PRODUCTION LINE: PROCESSES, THERMAL CONTROL AND AUTOMATED INSPECTION
type: item
description: The SMD (Surface-Mount Devices) production lines are essential infrastructures in modern electronics manufacturing, due to their flexibility and high level of automation. The typical process includes steps such as stencilling, pick-and-place, reflow soldering and post-process inspections. Optimizing the technological flow aims to increase yield, reduce defects and lower production costs. The thermal control is a critical element, as the reflow profiling must be adapted to the board topology and component characteristics, ensuring a controlled temperature ramp, adequate time above the melting point and uniform cooling. Parameters such as “time above liquids”, ramp speed and peak temperature directly influence the formation of solder joints and the reliability of the final product. The automated solder paste inspection (SPI), automated optical 2D/3D inspection (AOI 2D/3D) and the automated X-ray Inspection (AXI) plays a central role in early detection of defects, allowing for rapid corrections and reducing the rework rate. The integration of these systems into a statistical process control (SPC) framework and digital traceability contributes to optimizing quality and increasing the performance indicators like the overall equipment effectiveness indicators (OEE), first pass yield (FPY) indicators, and defects per million opportunities (DPMO) indicators. Thus, an optimized SMD line combines well-defined processes, rigorous thermal control and advanced automated inspection, resulting in electronic products with high reliability and competitive manufacturing costs.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: SMD
  topic: keywords
subject: optimization
  topic: keywords
subject: thermal processes
  topic: keywords
subject: control
  topic: keywords
subject: automation
  topic: keywords
creator: Erdodi Geza
creator: Elena Stela Wisznovszky
creator: Lavinia Ioana Culda
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

PRINTING WITH THE METAL X PRINTER IN THE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT
type: item
description: Currently, the creation of complex structures that cannot be produced by conventional production methods can be easily achieved through 3D Printing. Highly complex models have the advantage of being 3D printed as a single piece, thus eliminating the costly use of several work stages in classical production. In this paper, we present the system purchased by Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad. This system offered by the Markforged company is intended to be used by students of the Faculty of Engineering in the learning process. At the same time, in this paper, we also make a comparison between filament printing systems, a comparison that aims to present the efficiency of the system we opted for.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: 3D printing
  topic: keywords
subject: filament
  topic: keywords
subject: sintering
  topic: keywords
subject: CAD/CAM
  topic: keywords
subject: education
  topic: keywords
creator: Lavinia Ioana Culda
creator: Elena Stela Wisznovszky
creator: Erdodi Geza
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

ANALYSIS OF THE MATERIAL REMOVAL IN HYBRID ELECTROCHEMICAL-ULTRASONIC MACHINING OF A 12% Cr STAINLESS STEEL
type: item
description: The paper deals with the presentation of an analysis for material removal process in the hybrid electrochemical-ultrasonic machining of a 12% Cr stainless steel. The Comsol Multiphysics software was used for the numerical simulation of the material removal process of the 12% Cr stainless steel. It was necessary to parameterize the models in order to study the behavior of the steel with Cr carbide constituents. A scanning electron microscope from POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, named SEM QUANTA INSPECT F50, was employed to highlight the morphological structure of the machined surfaces. The influence of the material removal process on surface roughness was studied by varying the parameters of consumed ultrasonic power and current intensity.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: electrochemical machining
  topic: keywords
subject: simulation
  topic: keywords
subject: roughness
  topic: keywords
subject: modeling
  topic: keywords
creator: Cornel-Cristian Enciu
creator: Liviu-Daniel Ghiculescu
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

VIBRATION AND CONDICION MONITORING OF THE ROTATING MACHINES
type: item
description: With the advent of increasingly complex and demanding technical systems is becoming crucial need for the development and application of appropriate diagnostic system to provide high availability and reliability of these systems. Direct supervision and diagnostic analysis of the situation, with the specified diagnostic methods, we get good insight on the current state of technical systems and the maintenance actions carried out when needed. The paper considered importance of data selection and implementation of appropriate diagnostic techniques with particular emphasis on the analysis of the dynamic behavior of rotating machinery. Shown are some of the results of diagnostic analysis that have been conducted on the machines in a real operation, applying advanced methods of technical diagnostics.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: rotating machines
  topic: keywords
subject: monitoring
  topic: keywords
subject: diagnostics
  topic: keywords
creator: Ranko Antunović
creator: Branko Savić
creator: Nenad Janjić
creator: Ninoslava Tihi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

RESEARCH CONCERNING MATERIAL REMOVAL AT SINGLE PULSE LASER
type: item
description: The paper deals with experimental research on single pulse laser of some useful material used in different industries as Al 1050, aluminum alloy anodized, stainless steel AISI 304, and Ti technical pure, grade 2. Some data concerning the state of art laser ablation, applicability, and working parameters are presented. The surfaces obtained by single pulse laser machining were studied by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and correlations between experimental data and working parameters. Numerical simulations of the single pulse laser were approached for deeper understanding of the specific removal mechanism at different working parameters.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: laser ablation
  topic: keywords
subject: Al 1050
  topic: keywords
subject: AISI 304
  topic: keywords
subject: Ti
  topic: keywords
subject: numerical simulation
  topic: keywords
creator: Daniel Ghiculescu
creator: Andrei Rusu
creator: Cornel Enciu
creator: Alexandra Barascu
creator: Alina Chifelea
creator: Irina Grigore
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

DETERMINATION OF THE SHRINKAGE AND DENSITY OF THE FINAL PRODUCT AFTER CONVENTIONAL AND NONCONVENTIONAL DRYING
type: item
description: The shrinkage and density of food during drying affect the quality of the dehydrated material. The deformation of pears during hot-air drying was greater than that during mid-infrared, vacuum and freeze-drying. The high material deformation during hot-air drying was due to the high temperature of the drying air and uneven heat distribution. Rapid drying rate conditions are used in infrared drying, which contributes to a relatively high shrinkage. There was a minimal difference between the infrared- and vacuum-dried samples, although the vacuum-dried samples were favored by low pressure. Less material deformation was observed during freeze-drying. The effect of vacuum and low drying temperature during freeze-drying generally leads to much less deformation. The product density changed similarly to the shrinkage. The following ranking was established based on the increase in density: freeze, vacuum, infrared, and hot air drying. In the case of the freeze-dried samples, we observed that the density changed by +4% compared to that of the raw sample.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: material deformation
  topic: keywords
subject: density
  topic: keywords
subject: pear
  topic: keywords
subject: drying 2 and 3D imaging
  topic: keywords
creator: Tamás Antal
creator: László Sikolya
creator: Zoltán Kovács
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF EDM PROCESS PARAMETERS THROUGH MODELING OF MATERIAL REMOVAL AND ELECTRODE WEAR BEHAVIOR
type: item
description: This paper presents an experimental approach to analyze and optimize the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). The study's core methodology involves developing a model of the process to determine the functional relationship between the input parameters and the resulting Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Tool Wear Rate (TWR).The research demonstrated that impulse energy (Wi) is the most influential factor on MRR, while electrode diameter (De) is the most significant for TWR. It was also observed that brass electrodes have a higher wear rate than copper ones, due to their inferior electrical and thermal conductivity. The surface analysis confirmed that brass electrodes produce greater roughness, while copper electrodes provide superior surface quality. The study established two optimal parameter configurations for maximizing performance. For the brass electrode, the optimal combination was at a Wi of 0.45 J and a De of 10 mm, resulting in an MRR of 114.58 mm3/min and an TWR of 5.92%. For the copper electrode, the optimal settings were a Wi of 0.60 J and a De of 8.59 mm, which led to an MRR of 102.24 mm3/min and an TWR of 4.98%. The results highlight the importance of parameter optimization to ensure process productivity and efficiency.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: electrical discharge machining
  topic: keywords
subject: full factorial experiment
  topic: keywords
subject: material removal rate
  topic: keywords
subject: electrode wear rate
  topic: keywords
creator: Adelina-Alina Han
creator: Dinu-Valentin Gubencu
creator: Liliana-Georgeta Tulcan
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

VACUUM COOLING OF BAKERY PRODUCTS: PARAMETERS AND FEATURES IN CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION
type: item
description: This article examines the features of the vacuum cooling process of bakery products in continuous production conditions. It has been established that the critical parameters limiting the rate of pressure reduction in the vacuum chamber are the crust gas permeability (0.32–0.42 m³/(m²·s)) and the structural-mechanical properties of the crumb. Experimental studies showed that the crust acts as the main barrier for vapor release, while the crumb has practically no effect on the process. A dependence of crumb strength on temperature was revealed: as temperature increases, the strength limit decreases, which should be taken into account when determining cooling regimes. For a 0.5 kg wheat bread, the optimal process parameters were determined: the pressure reduction rate in the vacuum chamber does not exceed 4.5 kPa/s, and the cooling time is 66 s, allowing the traditional cooling time of 1–2 hours to be reduced to 66 s. The obtained results allow assessing the impact of vacuum cooling on the physico-mechanical properties of products and provide a basis for improving existing equipment and developing new ones, increasing the efficiency and energy saving of bakery production. The practical application of these results contributes to improving product quality and reducing technological time at enterprises.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: vacuum cooling
  topic: keywords
subject: bakery products
  topic: keywords
subject: crust gas permeability
  topic: keywords
subject: structural-mechanical properties
  topic: keywords
subject: cooling in continuous production
  topic: keywords
creator: Oleksandr Kozak
creator: Volodymyr Telychkun
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

OPERATIONALIZING ETHICAL AND REGULATORY STANDARDS THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF ISO/IEC 42001 ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RISK-AWARE AUTONOMOUS NONCONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES
type: item
description: The accelerated development of artificial intelligence has introduced a growing disconnect between technological capabilities and the governance mechanisms required to manage them responsibly. While AI systems are increasingly deployed in critical domains, the lack of structured and unified governance approaches raises concerns related to accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance.This paper proposes a conceptual and operational framework that integrates ISO/IEC 42001, as a management system standard for artificial intelligence, with the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, which introduces a risk-based regulatory model. The objective is to move beyond theoretical principles and provide a structured approach for embedding ethical and regulatory requirements into the lifecycle of AI systems. The proposed solution is based on a layered governance model, designed to separate strategic decision-making from operational execution and real-time monitoring. In addition, a risk-based audit methodology is introduced to support continuous validation and early detection of deviations. The paper argues that the integration of management standards with regulatory frameworks creates a more coherent and actionable governance structure, particularly in the case of complex and adaptive AI systems. The approach contributes to the development of trustworthy AI by offering a practical pathway for aligning innovation with accountability.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Artificial Intelligence Governance
  topic: keywords
subject: ISO/IEC 42001
  topic: keywords
subject: EU AI Act
  topic: keywords
subject: Risk-Based Audit
  topic: keywords
subject: Trustworthy AI
  topic: keywords
creator: Claudiu Florin Iuonas
creator: Mihail Aurel Titu
creator: Dan Nitoi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF NONCONVENTIONAL RADIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES USED IN NEUROSURGERY CONSIDERING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
type: item
description: The manuscript examines unconventional radiological practices, focusing on intraoperative ultrasound in neurosurgery and its clinical applicability for certain pathological entities. It argues that ultrasonographic methods offer practical benefits for patients and healthcare systems, including shorter operating times, improved tumour delineation, and real-time monitoring of procedures. Their relative availability, low costs, and ease of implementation make these procedures appealing alternatives for units with limited resources. Defining clear indications and optimising protocols remain key challenges, requiring standardised methodologies and specialised training programmes. We assess clinical efficacy and safety by implementing protocols, standards, and guidelines at national and international levels, protecting patients and maintaining system integrity. We suggest conducting multicentre studies, quality audits, and developing standardised protocols adaptable to diverse institutional capabilities. Ultimately, integrating intraoperative ultrasound into neurosurgery requires a multifaceted, evidence-based approach, ongoing education, and health policies that promote the responsible adoption of the technology for patient benefit. Economic, ethical, and legal considerations should also be incorporated into planning, including cost-effectiveness analyses, informed consent, and intellectual property protections. International collaboration is essential for uniform and sustainable implementation.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: radiology
  topic: keywords
subject: ultrasonography
  topic: keywords
subject: management planning
  topic: keywords
subject: healthcare evaluation
  topic: keywords
creator: Dan Theodor Andronic
creator: Mihail Aurel Titu
creator: Constantin Oprean
creator: Viorel Bucur
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

ASSESSING THE INTERACTION OF A LASER BEAM AND POLYMERIC POWDERS IN POLYMER LASER SINTERING
type: item
description: Polymer laser sintering (PLS) has received considerable attention for the last four decades. However, some of its aspects are not well understood to date. This study aims to shed light on the complex interaction between a laser beam and polymeric powder particles during sintering, which is a critical stage in PLS. In this work, an analytical model linking the degree of fusion of particles of powder with their material properties together with process-parameters was developed using dimensional analysis and the Buckingham Π theorem. It was proved using experimental data that the developed analytical model can be used to optimise different process-parameters by establishing a set of parameters providing the highest value of a proposed parameter to represent the degree of fusion of particles (Ω). This value for polypropylene powder (Ultrasint PP nat 01 from BASF) was approximated as 0.25, based on suitable process-parameters. Numerical modelling was conducted using Flow 3D software to investigate the characteristics of depth and width of a melt pool because these aspects are essential indicators of the stability of PLS and the quality of the final parts printed using polymer laser sintering. The obtained simulation results showed that melt pool width and depth increased with increasing laser power and decreased with increasing scanning speed.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: polymer laser sintering
  topic: keywords
subject: analytical model
  topic: keywords
subject: degree of fusion
  topic: keywords
subject: process-parameters
  topic: keywords
subject: material properties
  topic: keywords
creator: Fredrick Mwania
creator: Maina Maringa
creator: Jacobus van der Walt
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

A word from our Editor-in-Chief
type: item
description: The International Conference of Nonconventional Technologies 2026 will be organized by the: · Romanian Association for Nonconventional Technologies · Romanian Association for Alternative Technologies Sibiu · Technical University of Cluj-Napoca · Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu · The Romanian Academy of Scientists in the capital of Transylvania - Cluj-Napoca, at Grand Hotel Italia. The event, now in its 25th edition, brings together the nonconventional technologies community in Romania and its partners.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Mihail Aurel Titu
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-06-30
publication date: 2026-06-30

USING THE IDEAS DIAGRAM METHOD TO DESIGN ABRASIVE WEAR TESTING EQUIPMENT
type: item
description: The manufacture of concrete pavers may require the use of molds whose active elements are subject to abrasion wear. For this reason, the active elements are made of steels characterized by high wear resistance. The need to test the wear resistance of these steels required the design of equipment that would simulate, at least partially, the working conditions of the punches and active plates used in the manufacture of pavers. To identify an equipment solution that would meet the initial requirements, the ideas diagram method was used. The application of this method led to the obtaining of information on possible solutions for the desired equipment. By using certain evaluation criteria and an overall assessment, it was possible to gradually outline a solution for the equipment intended to allow tests to be carried out to determine the wear resistance of cylindrical steel specimens
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: pavers manufacturing
  topic: keywords
subject: molds
  topic: keywords
subject: abrasive wear
  topic: keywords
subject: testing equipment
  topic: keywords
subject: ideas diagram method
  topic: keywords
creator: Ștefan Jureschi
creator: Margareta Coteață
creator: Ioan Surugiu
creator: Felicia Banciu
creator: Roxana Hobjâlă
creator: Laurențiu Slătineanu
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

LASER DED TECHNOLOGY: MATERIALS, PARAMETERS AND APPLICATIONS. A REVIEW OF RECENT LITERATURE
type: item
description: Direct Energy Deposition (DED) for metal additive manufacturing has recently become an important solution for industries like aerospace, energy, automotive, and medical. Laser DED melts the material, which can be in powder or wire form, locally and deposits it layer by layer onto a substrate. This makes it possible to fix and upgrade important parts as well as make new, complex, or large parts. Powder-based technologies give you precise control over the microstructure, making them perfect for uses where detail and material properties are very important, like in aerospace or biomedical parts. Wire-based processes are known for their high deposition rate and material efficiency. They are good for quickly making large parts or fixing things in factories. You can use a lot of different materials, such as high-entropy alloys (HEAs), ODS, and functionally graded composites, as well as titanium alloys, nickel superalloys, and stainless steels. To get the desired properties, it's important to choose the right DED configuration and process parameters. Combining DED with traditional machining makes it possible to create custom, high-performance solutions for any modern industry.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: laser DED
  topic: keywords
subject: DED-LB/M
  topic: keywords
subject: process parameters
  topic: keywords
subject: mechanical properties
  topic: keywords
subject: optimization
  topic: keywords
subject: HEA
  topic: keywords
subject: ODS
  topic: keywords
creator: Caius Stanasel
creator: Traian Buidos
creator: Iulian Stanasel
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

ASPECTS REGARDING FRICTION STIR PROCESSING IN TWO WORKING MEDIUMS OF EN AC 5083 CAST ALUMINUM ALLOY
type: item
description: One of the materials processing processes, currently in use by researchers and at an international industrial level, is Friction Stir Processing (FSP), an innovative solid-state processing process for the surfaces of metallic materials, developed from the friction stir welding process FSW. The FSP process is environmentally friendly and versatile, used for local processing, on well-defined areas, of the surfaces of metallic materials used in various applications. An interesting FSP processing method is the one in which the process takes place in a liquid working medium. Due to the water used as a working medium, the process temperature can be better controlled, avoiding excessive heating of the processing tool and the material to be processed, thus increasing the service life of the processing tool. Cast aluminum alloys are found in various industrial applications. The cast aluminum alloy EN AC 5083 has good mechanical properties, corrosion and chemical resistance, with applicability in the shipbuilding, aeronautics, automotive, chemical industries, etc. The paper presents results of experimental research carried out at ISIM Timișoara on friction stir processing in two different working mediums (underwater - SFSP and in ambient environment - FSP), in one pass and in multiple passes, of the cast aluminum alloy EN AC 5083 of 5 mm thickness. A comparison of the results obtained after evaluating the processed material by visual examination, with penetrating radiation, structural analysis, mechanical tensile and static bending tests is also presented, these being more favorable in underwater processing conditions.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: friction stir processing FSP
  topic: keywords
subject: submerged friction stir processing SFSP
  topic: keywords
subject: EN AC 5083 cast aluminum alloy
  topic: keywords
subject: experiments
  topic: keywords
subject: structural analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: mechanical properties
  topic: keywords
creator: Lia-Nicoleta Boțilă
creator: Ion-Aurel Perianu
creator: Iuliana Duma
creator: Gabriela-Victoria Mnerie
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

NON-CONVENTIONAL CONVERTING METHOD OF AN INERT RESIDUAL GLASSY MATERIAL INTO POZZOLANIC GLASS AS A TRADITIONAL CEMENT SUBSTITUTE TO PRODUCE STRENGTH-CONCRETE
type: item
description: The current work concerns the technical feasibility of partially replacing Portland cement, the production of which creates huge environmental problems globally, with the widely available waste glass in the process of manufacturing construction concrete. The transformation of glass from an inert material into one with pozzolanic properties similar to those of cement by fine grinding of the glass represents a suitable method to achieve this objective. The experiment described in this paper allowed the replacement of cement with pozzolanic glass in proportions of up to 36 %. Using for the first time recycled amber glass from post-consumer drinking bottles together with cement as binders, common fine and coarse aggregates, sodium lignosulfonate as a water-reducing superplasticizer, and water, four concrete versions were made, in which the compressive strength was increased up to 49.8 MPa corresponding to the use of 36 % cement replacement and at the end of the 56-day curing process. Also, flexural strength reached a maximum value of 11.4 MPa under the same conditions.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: residual glass
  topic: keywords
subject: amber glass
  topic: keywords
subject: Portland cement
  topic: keywords
subject: pozzolanic properties
  topic: keywords
subject: plasticizer
  topic: keywords
subject: compressive strength
  topic: keywords
creator: Bogdan Valentin Paunescu
creator: Lucian Paunescu
creator: i Adrian
creator: Eniko Volceanov
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

THE ROLE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NONCONVENTIONAL RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGIES
type: item
description: At the beginning of this century, the attitude towards conventional and nonconventional public relations changed fundamentally. James K. Galbraith (from Harvard University), Nobel Prize laureate in Economics, characterized the phenomenon of complementing direct communication with feedback through the expression: "A person wants to be heard." In the current context, shaped by the development of Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence, the human factor is being redefined, considering its importance in domains like economic, political, and spiritual development of society. The "partnership" model, adopted in numerous public relations and management events and organizations, has made a significant contribution to the process of identifying nonconventional resources and implementing/developing nonconventional technologies. The interactions between organizations and specialists, between education and industry, have enabled the creation of new connections that have led to the identification and implementation of the interests and needs of various groups, including those involved in the use of nonconventional resources and technologies.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: nonconventional technologies
  topic: keywords
subject: nonconventional resources
  topic: keywords
subject: public relations
  topic: keywords
subject: nonconventional public relations
  topic: keywords
creator: Claudiu Pirnau
creator: Liviu-Daniel Ghiculescu
creator: Cornel-Cristian Enciu
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

MICROWAVE-ASSISTED PRODUCING CLOSED-CELL ALUMINUM FROTH
type: item
description: This work constitutes a contribution of authors to making microwave-assisted closed-cell aluminum froth. The required aluminum powder was obtained as a result of the own method applying by nitrogen jet atomization of the molten metal through rapid microwave heating, the solidified aluminum grains being very fine (under 10 µm). Reducing the aluminum powder granulation influenced the foam denseness decrease in the range of 0.45-0.82 g·cm-3 and the increase of its porousness up to 80.8 %. Depending on the size of the cell structure, the compression strength varied between 3.8-7.3 MPa. The main application areas of these froths are energy and respectively, sound absorption, electromagnetic shielding, and vibration damping.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: aluminum froth
  topic: keywords
subject: closed-cell
  topic: keywords
subject: microwave
  topic: keywords
subject: high-strength
  topic: keywords
subject: high durability
  topic: keywords
creator: Lucian Paunescu
creator: Sorin Mircea Axinte
creator: Ioana Adrian
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INSULATED ELECTROMECHANICAL ARC TEST BENCH FOR POLARITY-DEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS
type: item
description: A major challenge in evaluating contactor reliability under arc erosion is the inability to observe contact surfaces during testing, as inspection typically requires disassembly of the device. To address this limitation, an insulated electromechanical arc test bench was developed to study polarity-dependent erosion in Cu–Al contacts under controlled DC switching conditions. The system uses dual-solenoid actuation to ensure stable vertical motion and repeatable arc initiation, while 3D-printed polymer components provide electrical insulation and confine the arc to the contact interface. Repeated switching cycles produced localized melting, shallow crater formation, and surface oxidation at the arc attachment region. Electro-thermal finite element simulations confirmed strong current density constriction and localized Joule heating. These results demonstrate that the proposed platform enables reliable and systematic investigation of arc-induced contact erosion.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: arc test bench
  topic: keywords
subject: electrical contact erosion
  topic: keywords
subject: polarity-dependent degradation
  topic: keywords
subject: electro–thermal finite element analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: additive manufacturing insulation
  topic: keywords
creator: Andrei-Dan Tomse
creator: Gabriel Remus Chereghi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

THE ISSUE OF POWDER DOSING IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
type: item
description: The precise dosing of powders represents a critical stage in the realization of advanced technological processes, based on the use of metallic and non-metallic powders. Technologies such as Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) or Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) require rigorous control of the quantity and flow rate of powders in order to ensure the quality and repeatability of the process. Through the targeted use of high-quality metallic powders, companies can make their production processes significantly more efficient while also reducing costs. The present study highlights the current types of powder feeders, the main problems encountered in their use, and argues for the necessity of developing a new system adapted to the specific requirements of these advanced technologies.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: dosing
  topic: keywords
subject: powders
  topic: keywords
subject: technologies
  topic: keywords
subject: precision
  topic: keywords
subject: automation
  topic: keywords
creator: Eugeniu Ungureanu
creator: Pavel Topala
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

CONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES VERSUS NONCONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES: ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CRITERIA
type: item
description: In practice, decision-makers in manufacturing and related industries often face a critical challenge: should they continue investing in established, conventional technologies, or adopt newer, non-conventional alternatives that offer improved sustainability but involve higher complexity and operational uncertainty? These decisions require careful consideration, as they involve trade-offs between cost, environmental impact, social benefits, and long-term operational resilience. This study presents a practical decision-making framework based on the Analytical Criteria Method Matrix (ACMM), a form of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), to systematically evaluate conventional and non-conventional CNC technologies. The framework enables organizations to align technology adoption with strategic objectives—whether prioritizing operational efficiency, reducing environmental footprint, or enhancing workplace safety and employee well-being. The framework is applied to a comparative case study of conventional CNC systems using standard coolant and fossil-based energy versus non-conventional systems employing cryogenic cooling and renewable energy. The results demonstrate that while conventional technologies are often more cost-effective in the short term, non-conventional alternatives achieve superior overall sustainability when economic, environmental, and social factors are considered holistically. This framework is intended for engineers, project managers, and decision-makers in manufacturing who require a structured yet flexible tool for evaluating technology options. Beyond supporting smarter investments, it encourages the adoption of responsible and sustainable innovations in both emerging and established industrial practices.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: CNC Technology
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainable Manufacturing
  topic: keywords
subject: Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)
  topic: keywords
subject: Analytical Criteria Method Matrix (ACMM)
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental and Social Performance
  topic: keywords
creator: Radu Marian Bujdoiu
creator: Aurel Mihail Titu
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

ADVANCED STRATEGIES FOR RISK ASSESSMENT IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPLIED IN THE FIELD OF NONCONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES
type: item
description: In the rapidly evolving landscape of nonconventional technologies, effective project management depends on risk assessment strategies that can address high uncertainty, complex interdependencies, and limited historical data. Traditional approaches often underperform in innovative environments such as renewable energy systems, where technical novelty and operational variability increase the likelihood of schedule, cost, and performance deviations. This paper presents an applied perspective on advanced risk assessment in project management through a case study involving the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors in a wind turbine and the deployment of software that combines IoT data streams with artificial intelligence (AI) to enable preventative maintenance. The approach integrates structured qualitative techniques (expert elicitation, risk workshops, and risk registers) with quantitative and data-driven methods, including scenario analysis, probabilistic reasoning, and continuous monitoring using machine learning-based anomaly detection. The case study illustrates how real-time risk intelligence supports earlier identification of degradation patterns, improved prioritization of maintenance actions, and more adaptive response planning across the project lifecycle. As a result, the analyzed implementation demonstrates improved operational quality through higher asset availability and more predictable service delivery, while also contributing to increased customer satisfaction through enhanced transparency and reliability. The findings support the conclusion that embedding advanced, data-driven risk assessment methodologies into project governance strengthens resilience and improves outcomes in nonconventional technology projects.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Advanced risk assessment
  topic: keywords
subject: Nonconventional technologies
  topic: keywords
subject: Wind turbine maintenance
  topic: keywords
subject: IoT and AI integration
  topic: keywords
subject: Continuous risk monitoring
  topic: keywords
creator: Nicoleta-Madalina Stan
creator: Aurel Mihail Titu
creator: Camelia Cristina Dragomir-Panzaru
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

MAKING LARGE CLOSED CELL-METAL FOAM FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS
type: item
description: Commercially recycled aluminum scrap was processed by an own method of melting under the influence of microwaves and atomizing the melt with nitrogen gas jets. Fine aluminum granules together with titanium hydride as an expanding agent and a subsequent addition of very fine alumina powder as a foam stabilizer constituted the materials used to produce large-cell aluminum foam for light structural applications. The material mixture was heated to 753-768 ℃ in a microwave oven functionally adapted for high temperatures. The use of microwave irradiation of the material allowed to obtain extremely high heating rates (53.4-91.6 ℃·min-1) and very short process times. The aluminum foams made in this way had excellent features regarding thermal insulation properties (low values of density and thermal conductivity), a sufficiently high compressive strength and cell size of the foam structure up to almost 2 mm, being suitable for light structural industrial applications.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: aluminum foam
  topic: keywords
subject: own method
  topic: keywords
subject: titanium hydride
  topic: keywords
subject: alumina powder
  topic: keywords
subject: heating rate
  topic: keywords
subject: structural application
  topic: keywords
creator: Lucian Paunescu
creator: Sorin Mircea Axinte
creator: Ioana Adrian
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

A word from our Editor-in-Chief
type: item
description: The Nonconventional Technologies (NT) were celebrated after seven years, again in Timisoara, on the organization, between October 22-24, 2025, of the XXIVth edition of the International Conference on Unconventional Technologies – ICNcT.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Dumitru Mnerie
creator: Mihail Aurel Titu
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Nonconventional Technologies Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0
date: 2026-03-31
publication date: 2026-03-31

OHS RISK ASSESMENT IN THE EDM PROCESS
type: item
description: This paper evaluates occupational health and safety (OHS) risks in the electrical discharge machining (EDM) process and examines how different operational scenarios affect these risks. Building on a previous study, four scenarios were tested to determine the most efficient setup in terms of machining time, material removal rate (MRR), and electrode wear rate (EWR), and the most favourable one was identified. The methodology includes mapping the EDM process flow, linking activities to potential risks, assessing probability and severity using a risk matrix, and proposing preventive measures to reduce hazards. The study highlights the scenario that best balances efficiency and safety, demonstrating that proper risk management can optimize employee well-being.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: EDM process
  topic: keywords
subject: risk assessment
  topic: keywords
subject: OHS risks
  topic: keywords
creator: Diana Ilea
creator: Mihai Dragomir
creator: Denisa Adela Szabo
creator: Mihail Aurel Titu
rights: Copyright (c)
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31

A word from our Editor-in-Chief
type: item
description: Dimensional processing technologies known as "Concentrated Energy Processing Technologies", "Nonconventional Technologies" or "Alternative Technologies" can be characterized by exceptional dynamics of use, perhaps the highest of all technologies applied in machine building. Practically, these new technologies have gone through all the phases from their "invention" to their wide industrial use in only about 65 years, currently becoming alternative technologies, complementary to classical technologies.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
creator: Mihail Aurel Titu
rights: Copyright (c)
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MODELING AND SIMULATION OF A BIPED WALKING ROBOT
type: item
description: This study presents the modeling and simulation of a biped walking robot using MathWorks® simulation tools. The project focuses on developing a parametric and dynamic model that accurately represents the mechanical structure, joint kinematics, and actuator behavior of a bipedal robot. The methodology involves 3D modeling of the robot’s components, simulation of foot–ground contact forces, and comparative analysis of different actuation strategies—motion-based, torque-driven, and motor-based systems. By integrating mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems, the study evaluates trade-offs between model fidelity and simulation speed. Results indicate that while motor-actuated models provide higher physical realism, they significantly increase computational complexity. The work also highlights the importance of appropriate damping, force modeling, and control architecture (PID) for ensuring stable gait dynamics. Future developments include hardware implementation, enhanced actuator modeling, and machine learning approaches for optimizing walking performance.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: bipedal robot
  topic: keywords
subject: walking robot
  topic: keywords
subject: mechanical structure
  topic: keywords
subject: foot joints
  topic: keywords
creator: Daniel Mircea Popescu
creator: Liviu Marian Ungureanu
creator: Catalin Gheorghe Amza
rights: Copyright (c)
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31

FEASIBILITY STUDY OF POLYMER-BASED BENDING DEVICES MANUFACTURED VIA MATERIAL EXTRUSION ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FOR SMALL-BATCH PRODUCTION AND PROTOTYPING
type: item
description: This research explores the technical viability of utilising Material Extrusion (MEX) Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology for the fabrication of bending devices. The primary objective of this undertaking is to investigate the potential for decreasing production costs and accelerating lead times. The present study builds upon the findings of earlier investigations by means of an examination of the performance of polymer-based devices, which had previously been subjected to finite element analysis (FEA). The method advances the field by using a polymer-based die. The findings suggest that this method has potential application in small-batch production and prototyping, with a consistency between the experimental results and the predictions made via finite element analysis.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: additive manufacturing
  topic: keywords
subject: bending die
  topic: keywords
subject: material extrusion
  topic: keywords
subject: metal bending
  topic: keywords
subject: PLA
  topic: keywords
subject: sheet metal
  topic: keywords
creator: Cristian Giolu
creator: Catalin Gheorghe Amza
rights: Copyright (c)
date: 2025-12-31
publication date: 2025-12-31