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Optimizing tungsten carbide for 3D printing

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are partnering with General Carbide to optimize tungsten carbide for additive manufacturing. The goal is to improve durability and reduce breakage in 3D printed parts. The project aims to develop better base powders and printing methods to enhance the use of tungsten carbide in metal printing.

NYU researchers pioneer machine learning to speed chemical discoveries, reduce waste

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a machine learning system that pairs artificial neural networks with infrared imaging to control and interpret small-scale chemical reactions. This technique can reduce the decision-making process from one year to weeks, saving tons of chemical waste and energy.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalComputers & Chemical Engineering·DateDec 13, 2018

The stiffest porous lightweight materials ever

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed porous lightweight materials that approach theoretical maximum stiffness, outperforming traditional truss-based structures. These novel plate-lattice materials are stiffer, stronger, and more efficient than their counterparts, opening up new possibilities for various applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 12, 2018

Being employed puts your health at risk

The symposium presentation explores current topics in occupational risk analysis, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and dermal contact with solid metals. Studies have found a lifetime excess risk of CTE in NFL players to be unacceptably high, highlighting the need for regulations.

The smart factory

Researchers at Swansea University are developing data-driven computational models to predict machine failures and optimize production processes in Crown's smart factories. The goal is to increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity while addressing the current lagging productivity levels of UK manufacturers and suppliers.

Memory-steel -- A new material for the strengthening of buildings

Researchers from Empa and re-fer AG have developed a new building material called memory-steel, which uses shape-memory alloys to permanently prestress concrete structures. The material eliminates the need for hydraulic prestressing, reducing space requirements and making it suitable for confined spaces.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateOct 23, 2018

Mechanics of birds' nests subject of NSF research

Experts aim to understand how birds create resilient nests using twigs, leaves, and other materials, with potential applications in building, packaging, self-repairing, and shock-absorption. By studying the collective mechanical interactions of disordered filaments, they hope to develop new technologies inspired by nature.

When it comes to smartphone lifespan, brand name matters more than hardware

A new study by Yale researchers found that brand cache plays a significant role in extending smartphone lifespans, with iPhones lasting up to 67 months compared to Samsung phones' 54.5 months. The study analyzed over 500,000 secondhand phone listings on eBay and found that Apple's brand reputation contributes to its longer lifespan.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateOct 16, 2018

High-performance flexible transparent force touch sensor for wearable devices

Researchers at KAIST have developed a high-performance flexible transparent force touch sensor that overcomes traditional limitations in sensing performance. The sensor features high sensitivity, transparency, bending insensitivity, and manufacturability, making it suitable for industrial-grade applications.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 15, 2018

Leaders may create ineffective cultures because they are stuck in the past, study shows

Researchers from the University of Toronto found that leaders tend to transfer their past cultural experience to new groups, creating ineffective cultures. This 'cultural transfer perspective' highlights the need for leaders to disconnect from their past experiences and analyze current circumstances to create effective cultures.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 26, 2018

Open insulin, 'DIY bio' and the future of pharma

The DIY bio movement is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry with open-source protocols for manufacturing off-patent insulin, increasing competition and potentially making life-saving medicine more affordable. The Open Insulin Project, a case study, aims to develop and release an open-source protocol for manufacturing insulin.

SourceColorado State University·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateSep 13, 2018

Connecting the (nano) dots: Big-picture thinking can advance nanoparticle manufacturing

Researchers at NIST and WTEC advocate for a collaborative approach to nanoparticle manufacturing, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and resources across disciplines. The study identifies common challenges in material, process, and application, suggesting that solving these problems could advance the entire enterprise.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateAug 22, 2018

Calculating a new design

A research collaboration led by Pittsburgh University's Swanson School of Engineering received a $750,000 Department of Energy grant to develop innovative technologies for fossil energy power systems. The team will utilize additive manufacturing and integrated computational materials engineering to design superior alloy components.

Environmental regulations drove steep declines in US factory pollution

A study by University of California, Berkeley economists found that air pollution emissions from US manufacturing fell by 60% between 1990 and 2008 due to stricter environmental regulations. The researchers analyzed data on over 1,400 products and found that changes in production technologies were the primary driver of these decreases.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateAug 8, 2018

Synthetic suede gives high-end cars that luxury feel

The article reveals how Japanese companies have mastered the production of high-quality synthetic suede for luxury cars, offering advantages over natural leather and suede. The development of this material has led to a boom in business for manufacturers, with increased demand prompting expansions and ramped-up production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 1, 2018

How number crunching can optimize crisp frying

A team of mathematicians from around the world collaborated to solve real-world problems faced by industry. By applying mathematical models to the manufacture of stackable fabricated potato chips, they aimed to predict cooking times, optimize chip position, and improve the overall efficiency of the process.

Recycling provides manufacturers with real competitive and economic advantages, study says

A study by Indiana University Kelley School of Business researchers found that recycling can be a strategic supply source for manufacturers, resulting in cost savings per unit, higher quantities, and greater profits. Recycling rare materials like tungsten can insulate manufacturers from market volatility and increase their competitive ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJul 24, 2018

Two faces offer limitless possibilities

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new way to chemically deposit a second face on Janus membranes, resulting in more robust and precisely structured membranes. This breakthrough could help optimize or enable various industrial processes, including wastewater treatment and biofuel production.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJul 19, 2018