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Long-term data on drug-coated balloon (DCB) outcomes in complex femoropopliteal atherosclerotic lesions are limited. The authors sought to report 5-year safety and effectiveness outcomes of a paclitaxel DCB for the treatment of de novo in-stent restenosis (ISR), long lesions (LL), or chronic total occlusions (CTOs) in the prespecified imaging cohorts of the IN.PACT Global Study. The IN.PACT Global study was a prospective, international single-arm study. Assessments through 5 years included freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), a safety composite (freedom from device- and procedure-related death to 30 days, and freedom from major target limb amputation and freedom from clinically driven target vessel revascularization within 60 months), and major adverse events. The prespecified imaging cohorts enrolled 132 de novo ISR, 158 LL, and 127 CTO participants. Kaplan-Meier estimates of freedom from CD-TLR through 5 years were 58.0% (ISR), 67.3% (LL), and 69.8% (CTO). The cumulative incidences of the composite safety endpoint were 56.0% (ISR), 65.7% (LL), and 69.8% (CTO). The 5-year freedom from all-cause mortality with vital status update were 81.4% (ISR), 75.2% (LL), and 78.2% (CTO). Within the ISR cohort, 15.9% of participants experienced 2 or more TLRs, compared with 9.5% and 5.5% in the LL and CTO groups, respectively. Results demonstrate long-term safety and effectiveness of this DCB in all 3 cohorts, with low reintervention rates in the LL and CTO cohorts and no safety issues. These results support the inclusion of this DCB into the treatment algorithm for complex femoropopliteal disease. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper the Continuous Friction Stir Extrusion process (CFSE), derived from the already known Friction Stir Extrusion (FSE), is proposed for effective solid-state recycling of metal scraps. A new dedicated machine tool was designed and developed. A Lagrangian implicit thermomechanical numerical model was set up and used to determine the proper ranges of the most relevant process parameters. An effective case study is proposed, involving the actual extrusion of a recycled wire in a continuous way. Metallurgical observations and mechanical characterization tests were carried out on the obtained specimen showing the potential of the process and its industrial feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the main cardiac cause of stroke, but it frequently remains undetected. In patients with cryptogenic stroke an Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring for AF is recommended. To evaluate the prognostic role of Non-Conducted Premature Atrial Complexes (ncPACs) recorded on Holter ECG. We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients admitted to the Stroke Unit of our hospital with a diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke between December 2018 and January 2020; all patients underwent 24-h Holter ECG monitoring during hospitalization. Two follow-up visits were scheduled, including a 24-h Holter ECG at 3 and 6 months to detect AF. Among 112 patients, 58% were male with an average age of 72.2 ± 12.2 years. At follow-up, AF was diagnosed in 21.4% of the population. The baseline 24-h Holter ECG burden of ncPACs and Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs) was higher in patients with AF detected on follow-up (13.5 vs 2, p = 0.001; 221.5 vs 52; p = 0.01). ROC analysis showed that ncPACs had the best diagnostic accuracy in predicting AF (AUC:0.80; 95% CI 0.68–0.92). Cut-off value of ≥7 for ncPACs burden showed the highest accuracy with sensitivity of 62.5% and specificity 97.7% to predict AF onset at follow-up. Moreover, at multivariate Cox-proportional hazard analysis ncPACs burden ≥7 was a powerful independent predictor of AF onset (HR 12.4; 95% CI 4.8–32.8; p < 0.0001). NcPACs burden ≥7 represents a new predictor of AF that could guide the screening of this arrhythmia in cryptogenic stroke patients. • AF is the main cardiac cause of stroke, frequently undetected. • ECG monitoring for AF screening is recommended in cryptogenic stroke patients. • Non-conducted premature atrial complexes represents a new predictor of AF onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2004.10.045 Byline: Cesare de Gregorio, Antonio Micari, Patrizia Grimaldi, Thanjavur Bragadeesh, Francesco Arrigo, Sebastiano Coglitore Abstract: The assessment of coronary flow velocity is becoming crucial in the diagnosis and management of several cardiac dysfunctions and conventional Doppler echocardiography is currently the technique most widely used for detecting their abnormalities noninvasively. Author Affiliation: Clinical and Experimental Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitative Unit, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy Article History: Received 5 April 2004; Accepted 15 October 2004 Article Note: (miscellaneous) Drs. de Gregorio and Micari equally contributed to the study.

Background: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance permits assessment of irreversible myocardial fibrosis and contractile function in patients with previous myocardial infarction. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of myocardial fibrotic tissue with preserved/restored contractile activity. Methods: In 730 consecutive myocardial infarction patients (64 ± 11 years), we quantified left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes, ejection fraction (EF), regional wall motion (WM) (1 normal, 2 hypokinetic, 3 akinetic, 4 dyskinetic), and WM score index (WMSI), and measured the transmural (1–50 and 51–100) and global extent of the infarct scar by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Contractile fibrotic (CT-F) segments were identified as those showing WM-1 and WM-2 with LGE ≤ or ≥ 50%. Results: During follow-up (median 2.5, range 1–4.7 years), cardiac events (cardiac death or appropriate implantable defibrillator shocks) occurred in 123 patients (17%). At univariate analysis, age, LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF, WMSI, extent of LGE, segments with transmural extent > 50%, and CT-F segments were associated with cardiac events. At multivariate analysis, age > 65 years, LVEF < 30%, WMSI > 1.7, and dilated LVEDV independently predicted cardiac events, while CT-F tissue was the only independent predictor of better outcome. After adjustment for LVEF < 30% and LVEDV dilatation, the presence of CT-F tissue was associated with good prognosis. Conclusions: In addition to CMR imaging parameters associated with adverse outcome (severe LV dysfunction, poor WM, and dilated EDV), the presence of fibrotic myocardium showing contractile activity in patients with previous myocardial infarction yields a beneficial effect on patient survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing can rapidly fabricate the desired components by selectively melting and solidifying feedstock, rather than conventional subtractive machining. However, the difference between the two routes in terms of surface integrity of the final component is relevant. This paper presents a strategy to control the surface characteristics of additively manufactured stainless steel by roller burnishing. In particular, process parameters have been carefully selected to improve the surface integrity of the worked material. The quality of the surface has been analyzed in terms of roughness, hardness, microstructure and residual stresses. The overall product endurance under high cycle fatigue load has been evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of a charging infrastructure network is the necessary prerequisite for the diffusion of Electric Vehicles (EVs). In this paper a methodology to calculate the required number of charging stations for EVs and to set their position in a road network is proposed. The aim is to planning the distribution of services area to host charging infrastructures. Using the demand (the flow of EVs) and the supply (the road network where they will be positioned) through a two-level model were the locations initially identified (first level) and thereafter the number of charging stations for each service area (second level) evaluated. The paper deals with the intersection of three main topics: the vehicle technologies (engine and battery pack specifications), the charging station characteristics and the EVs flow. After verifying the model and the solution procedure on a test road network, the methodology is applied in a high dimension case, considering the Italian highway network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many actions have been recently carried out within European cities with the aim of reduce the negative impacts on traffic and environment caused by transport. New technologies for vehicles and traffic management are the key to lower transport emissions and the electric approach is a promising line to achieve EU's emissions reduction target for 2030 and 2050. Electric Vehicles (EVs) include vehicles with different technologies such as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) or Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). BEVs operate purely on the battery power but the energy storage system remains one of the main critical elements due to vehicle autonomy, weight and charging time. FCV outperform BEV for its high autonomy and it is possible to perform a hydrogen recharge in short time but the costs remain high. Different from these last, hybrid configurations carried out through Batteries and Fuel Cell System (FCS) show advantages for both technologies. Within an Italian research project, CNR TAE Institute has been involved in a Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FCHEV) development for public transportation. The hybrid vehicle provides the use of a FCS that distributes the electrical power in the connection between batteries and traction inverter via a DC/DC converter for the extension of the daily autonomy with respect to pure electric mode. This work describes the possibilities for sustainable development of public passenger transport based on hydrogen technologies presenting the development phases of the powertrain and preliminary on road tests in the context of smart cities applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Patients with failed bioprostheses are an increasing population at high risk for redo surgery. Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a promising alternative but a limited number of first-generation devices have proven efficacy in all cases. Methods Patients with degenerated bioprostheses at high risk for redo surgery were included in the registry after being assigned to valve-in-valve intervention by a local heart team. Main basal and follow-up data (at 1 month and 6 months) of patients undergoing valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the Lotus valve system (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) in three high-volume Italian centers were entered in the registry. Results Twelve patients (aged 71.1 ± 14.1 years, 66% male, logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score 28.8 ± 22.9) were included in the registry. Implantation success rate was 92%; in 1 patient, the valve was completely retrieved because of unsatisfactory gradients after valve positioning. All procedures were done through femoral access, and all but one required only local anesthesia. In patients with stenosis as pure or mixed mechanism for degeneration (n = 7), mean ventriculoaortic gradient decreased from 46.7 ± 7.0 mm Hg to 16.6 ± 5.7 mm Hg ( p < 0.001). No patients had more than mild aortic regurgitation at hospital discharge. Results where confirmed at 1-month and 6-month follow-up, with improvement of New York Heart Association functional status in all patients (functional class I to II in 100% of patients). Conclusions The valve-in-valve procedure using the Lotus valve is a feasible alternative to repeat surgery in high-risk patients with degenerated bioprostheses. Using the Lotus valve in this challenging and increasingly frequent scenario could offer a safe and effective strategy that should be explored in larger clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to appraise 2-year outcomes after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of long femoropopliteal artery disease using paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs). Background Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with PCBs for TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus types C and D femoropopliteal artery disease has provided favorable results ≤12 months but no prospective studies performed longer term follow-up assessment. Methods Consecutive patients with Rutherford class 2 to 4 disease due to femoropopliteal lesions >15 cm long were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter study. The primary study endpoint was primary patency (i.e., freedom from the combined endpoint of clinically driven target lesion revascularization and >50% restenosis in the treated lesion as appraised by a duplex ultrasound peak systolic velocity ratio of >2.4) at 24 months. Secondary endpoints included major adverse events (the composite of death, target limb amputation, thrombosis at the target lesion, or clinically driven nontarget lesion revascularization), changes in Rutherford class, and quality of life ≤24 months post-procedure. Results A total of 105 patients (age 68 ± 9 years; 81.9% men) successfully treated with PCBs were included (treated lesion length was 251 ± 71 mm; 49.5% total occlusions). The 24-month follow-up data were available in 98 patients; they showed a primary patency rate of 70.4%, with major adverse events occurred in 10 patients (10.2%, 5 non–procedure-related deaths) and persistently significant clinical benefits in Rutherford class (51% of asymptomatic patients at 24 months). Conclusions PCBs benefits on primary patency and target vessel revascularization satisfactorily extend over 24 months in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for symptomatic femoropopliteal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to appraise 1-year outcomes after percutaneous treatment of long femoropopliteal artery disease using paclitaxel-coated balloons. Background Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with paclitaxel-coated balloons for TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus types A and B femoropopliteal artery disease has provided favorable results. Methods Consecutive patients with Rutherford class 2 to 4 disease due to femoropopliteal lesions >15 cm long and with 4- to 7-mm reference vessel diameter were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter study. The primary study endpoint was primary patency at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included major adverse events (the composite of death, major target limb amputation, thrombosis at the target lesion site, or clinically driven non–target lesion target vessel revascularization), changes in Rutherford class, ankle-brachial index, and quality of life up to 24 months post-procedure. Results A total of 105 patients (mean age 68 ± 9 years, 81.9% men) treated with paclitaxel-coated balloons and provisional stenting were enrolled, and final procedural success was obtained in all. The mean treated lesion length was 251 ± 71 mm, including 63.4% moderate to severely calcified lesions and 49.5% total occlusions. The bailout stent rate was 10.9%. Follow-up after 12 months was obtained in 101 patients (96.2%), showing that primary patency was maintained in 84 (83.2%), and major adverse events had occurred in 7 (6.2%), with persistently significant clinical benefits in Rutherford class. Conclusions Paclitaxel-coated balloons are associated with favorable functional and clinical outcomes at 1 year in patients with long femoropopliteal artery disease requiring percutaneous revascularization. (Drug Eluting Balloon [DEB] and Long Lesions of Superficial Femoral Artery [SFA] Ischemic Vascular Disease [DEB-SFA-LONG]; NCT01658540 ) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of structural light alloys in the aeronautical, automotive and transportation industry is pushing researchers to find new solutions for the production of innovative components. Mixed joints made out dissimilar alloys represent a challenge for engineers to the difficulties arising in welding materials characterized by significantly different mechanical, thermal and chemical properties. In the paper, an overview of the most used process to produce dissimilar joints of aluminum, magnesium and titanium is given. Both fusion based and solid state welding processes can be used. Although the joining of these materials is possible, particular attention must be taken to the choice of process parameters in order to avoid the formation of intermetallics, often resulting in brittle behavior and poor mechanical properties of the joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the safety and performance of the Igaki-Tamai (Igaki Medical Planning Company, Kyoto, Japan) biodegradable stent in patients with occlusive superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease. Background: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) biodegradable stents have been shown to be effective in the coronaries, but no data are available regarding their efficacy in the femoral artery. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized study enrolled 30 patients with symptomatic de novo SFA disease undergoing implantation of Igaki-Tamai bioresorbable stents. Clinical examinations and duplex ultrasound were prospectively performed after 1, 6, 9, and 12 months. The main study endpoints were technical success, restenosis rate, rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR), changes in ankle-brachial index (ABI), and quality of life by evaluating the walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ). Safety was assessed by monitoring the occurrence of major adverse clinical events and serious adverse events. Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.7 years, and 77% were male. The mean lesion length was 5.9 cm. Mean diameter stenosis was reduced from 89.9% to 6.2%, after stent implantation. Technical success was 96.7%. Binary restenosis rate for the 6 and 12 months follow-up was 39.3% and 67.9%, respectively. The TLR rate was 25.0% after 6 months and 57.1% after 12 months. All TLR were successful; the secondary patency rate after 1 year was 89.3%. Between baseline and 12 months, ABI increased in 53.6% of patients. Functional endpoints (WIQ), even if affected by a relatively high reintervention rate, showed improvement in most of the patients. Conclusions: The GAIA (Evaluation of the Biodegradable Peripheral Igaki-Tamai Stent in the Treatment of De Novo Lesions in the Superficial Femoral Artery) study shows that when using biodegradable PLLA stents (Igaki-Tamai), the immediate angiographic results are comparable to the results of metal stents, achieving a high secondary patency rate after 1 year. Modifications of stent characteristics and technical modifications are needed with the goal to reduce the restenosis rate during the reabsorption period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As the scale and complexity of products such as aircraft and cars increase, demand for new functional processes to join mechanical parts grows. The use of plastic deformation for joining parts potentially offers improved accuracy, reliability and environmental safety as well as creating opportunities to design new products through joining dissimilar materials. This paper aims to provide an overview of the state of the art in such joining processes, including cold welding, friction stir welding, self-pierce riveting, mechanical clinching and joining by forming. The paper includes description of the mechanism of joint formation, and analysis of joint performance and applicability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives This study aimed to appraise 2-year outcomes after percutaneous treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease with paclitaxel-eluting balloons. Background Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with paclitaxel-eluting balloons for femoropopliteal artery disease has provided favorable 1-year results. Methods Consecutive patients with Rutherford class 2 to 4 disease due to femoropopliteal lesions ≤15 mm long and with 3- to 7-mm reference vessel diameter were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter registry. Endpoints of interest included primary patency, major adverse events (the composite of death, amputation, or target lesion revascularization), changes in Rutherford class, ankle-brachial index, absolute claudication distance, and quality of life after ≥24 months. Results A total of 105 patients (114 lesions) treated with paclitaxel-eluting balloons and provisional stenting were enrolled, and final procedural success was obtained in all. Follow-up after 27 ± 3 months was obtained in 98 (93.3%) patients, showing that primary patency was maintained in 71 (72.4%), and major adverse events had occurred in 17 (17.5%), with persistently significant benefits in Rutherford class, ankle-brachial index, absolute claudication distance, and quality of life (all p < 0.001). Secondary patency rate was achieved in 89 cases (84.7%). Conclusions PEBs are associated with favorable functional and clinical outcomes at 2 years in patients with femoropopliteal artery disease requiring percutaneous revascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents results of an experimental study of cryogenic machining of hardened AISI 52100 steel, focusing on surface integrity. Experiments were performed under dry and cryogenic cooling conditions using CBN tools varying cutting speeds, workpiece hardness and tool geometry. Surface integrity parameters (surface roughness, white layer thickness, residual stresses, metallurgical conditions including grain size, phase transformation, etc.) were investigated to establish the effects of cryogenic cooling on the surface integrity of the machined component, and results were compared with those from dry hard machining. Overall, cryogenic cooling provides improved surface integrity leading to extended product life and performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: This study evaluated the use of a paclitaxel-eluting balloon (PEB) for treatment of femoropopliteal arterial disease. Background: Conventional balloon angioplasty and stenting in this setting is associated with high restenosis rates within 12 months. Recent data suggest that PEB use may reduce restenosis. Twelve-month outcomes following PEB use with provisional stenting are described. Methods: This prospective registry enrolled patients (Rutherford class 2 to 4) with reference vessel diameter of 3 to 7 mm and lesion/occlusion length ≤15 cm. Endpoints included primary patency rate, target lesion revascularization, and changes in Rutherford class and ankle-brachial index. Walking capacity, absolute claudication distance, and quality of life were also assessed. Results: The registry enrolled 105 patients. Baseline ankle-brachial index was 0.56 ± 0.15. Baseline Rutherford classification was class 2 or 3 for most patients (91.5%). Most lesions were located in the superficial femoral artery (77.1%). Mean lesion length was 76.3 ± 38.3 mm; 29.8% of lesions were total occlusions. The device was successfully used in all patients and only 12.3% of lesions required stenting. At 12-month follow-up, 92 of 105 patients (87.6%) were evaluable; the primary patency rate was 83.7%; the target lesion revascularization rate was 7.6%; 85.6% of patients were Rutherford class 0 or 1; and mean ankle-brachial index was 0.86 ± 0.15. Quality of life and absolute claudication distance showed significant improvement from baseline to 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: PEB treatment of femoropopliteal arterial disease resulted in consistent clinical improvement across multiple endpoints with a low rate of stenting and target lesion revascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper an experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effects of the tool cutting-edge geometry, workpiece hardness, cutting speed, and microstructural changes (white and dark layers) on the residual stresses in dry orthogonal hard machining of AISI 52100 steel. X-ray diffraction technique was used to obtain in-depth residual stresses profiles in both axial and circumferential directions. The results show that tool geometry, workpiece hardness and cutting parameters significantly affect the surface residual stress, maximum compressive residual stress below the machined surface and its location. Moreover, microstructural analysis shows that thermally-induced phase transformations have a significant impact on the magnitude and location of this maximum compressive residual stress peak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: FSW of titanium alloys is nowadays one of the most challenging welding operations, even with a solid state process, due to the thermo-mechanical and thermo-chemical characteristics of such materials. Due to the relevant application of titanium alloys in the aeronautic and aerospace industries, in the recent years few attempts were carried out to develop FSW processes aimed to maximize the mechanical performances of the welded parts. In the paper a new fixture is presented allowing obtaining effective FSW joints of titanium blanks, which were investigated through mechanical and metallurgical tests highlighting the peculiarities of FSW of titanium alloys. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Processes of severe plastic deformation (SPD) are defined as metal forming processes in which a very large plastic strain is imposed on a bulk process in order to make an ultra-fine grained metal. The objective of the SPD processes for creating ultra-fine grained metal is to produce lightweight parts by using high strength metal for the safety and reliability of micro-parts and for environmental harmony. In this keynote paper, the fabrication process of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), accumulative roll-bonding (ARB), high pressure torsion (HPT), and others are introduced, and the properties of metals processed by the SPD processes are shown. Moreover, the combined processes developed recently are also explained. Finally, the applications of the ultra-fine grained (UFG) metals are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper is focused on the 3D numerical prediction of tool wear in metal cutting operations. In particular, an analytical model, able to take into account the diffusive wear mechanism, was implemented through a specific subroutine. Furthermore, an advanced approach to model heat transfer phenomena at the tool–chip interface was included in the numerical simulation. The adopted simulation strategy gave the possibility to properly evaluate the tool wear. The 3D FEM results were compared with some experimental data obtained turning AISI 1045 steel using uncoated WC tool; a good agreement was found out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To develop steel aluminium-tailored hybrids in a butt joint for sheets in a thickness of about 1mm conventional Friction Stir Welding is not feasible due to a high distortion of the welded specimen. Contrary to Friction Stir Welding the tool used for Friction Stir Knead Welding has no pin wherefore higher welding speeds can be realised. Due to the fact that this is a newer process, applied for patent in 2005, the cut contours of the edges and their variations have to be optimised by numerical analysis to transfer a maximum of load in order to improve the formability. The examined materials in this paper are steel DC04, as well as the aluminium alloys AA5182 and AA6016 in sheet thicknesses of 1mm. Accompanying experimental investigations, as tensile tests, will evaluate the quality of the welding mechanism. As the mechanics of the new welding technology is not fundamentally investigated until now, metallographic investigations are performed, and additionally micro hardness measurements are carried out to verify the changes in the hardness distribution in the welding zone after stirring and welding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a new procedure to evaluate the global heat transfer coefficient in orthogonal cutting. The knowledge of the actual heat transfer conditions is a fundamental issue as far as the life, tool wear and tool substitution interval are regarded. More in detail, an Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian approach was utilised to model orthogonal cutting process and the numerical simulations were validated by making experimental tests for identifying cutting forces and internal tool temperatures. A mild steel was cut utilising both an uncoated (WC) and a coated (TiN) tool. On the basis of both experimental and simulative data, a consistent model of the global heat transfer coefficient as function of the local pressure and temperature at the tool-workpiece interface was developed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite the development of high performance finite element-based codes, the simulation of machining still represents a very hard task due to the geometric complexity of the real chip-tool systems and the high cutting speed that requires very long simulation times. For these reasons, many aspects related to machining are not very clear and so easy to simulate. In this paper a rigorous investigation on the role played by the implemented friction model within a 2D simulation of orthogonal cutting was carried out, taking into account different models proposed by the researchers in the last years. The main simulation results were compared with experimental measurements in order to verify if it is possible to identify the best model. Once the comparison with mechanical variables was completed, a subsequent study on temperature predictions utilizing the above friction models was executed as well. The results of this integrated numerical and experimental work are carefully reported in the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Among the innovative sheet metal forming processes, Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) represents the simplest and the cheapest one. Despite its relevant advantages, up to now no specific CAE tools for SPIF were developed and the tool trajectory is generally defined utilizing CAD/CAM software developed for machining applications. In the paper an innovative monitoring and control approach, aimed to define and in-process update the most relevant process parameters during an industrial SPIF operation, is proposed. The strategy utilizes as monitoring variable the punch force trend: a set of preliminary tests demonstrated, in fact, its suitability as “spy variable” of the process mechanics and, in particular, of excessive sheet thinning and material failure approaching. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]