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A structured solution

The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering is leading a $1 million project to advance design and manufacture of nuclear plant components via 3D printing. The team aims to develop innovative dissolvable supports, topology optimization, and microstructure design to reduce costs and improve structural integrity.

3D printing achieves more accurate and precise physical models from patient imaging data

Researchers developed a rapid method for creating highly detailed physical models directly from volumetric data stacks, overcoming current limitations in 3D data processing workflows. The new approach enables accurate anatomical details to be replicated in 3D-printed models, improving diagnostics and presurgical planning.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateJul 3, 2018

Monitoring molten steel by laser:

A new laser technology developed by Swansea University has won the Materials Science Venture Prize, allowing for real-time monitoring of molten metal furnaces without stopping production. This innovation saves steel plants up to £4.5 million a year and can be applied to various metals such as aluminium and copper.

3D printed sugar offers sweet solution for tissue engineering, device manufacturing

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a 3D printer that creates delicate networks of hardened isomalt sugar structures, which can be used to grow cells and tissue, or create microfluidic devices. The structures' ability to precisely control mechanical properties makes them ideal for biomedical applications.

Atomic-scale manufacturing now a reality

Researchers have developed an automated atom fabrication process using machine learning, paving the way for mass production of atom-scale devices. This breakthrough aims to reduce energy consumption by 1000 times and increase computation speed a hundredfold, making it a game-changing technology for the information age.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 23, 2018

Plug-and-play diagnostic devices

The MIT researchers developed modular blocks that can be assembled to produce diagnostic devices for diseases such as cancer, Zika virus, and tuberculosis. These 'plug-and-play' devices are inexpensive, easy to use, and can perform multiple biochemical functions, potentially improving access to medical technology in developing countries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 16, 2018

Future tech leaders...start your engines!

Lehigh University, TE Connectivity, and Broughal Middle School collaborate to promote STEM education through a manufacturing course and annual expo. The program benefits students from both institutions, providing hands-on experience with engineering techniques and industry partnerships.

A graphene roll-out

Researchers at MIT have developed a continuous manufacturing process to produce long strips of high-quality graphene. The team's results are the first demonstration of an industrial, scalable method for manufacturing high-quality graphene suitable for membrane applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 17, 2018

New innovations in cell-free biotechnology

A Northwestern University-led team has developed a new way to manufacture proteins outside of a cell, which could have important implications for therapeutics and biomaterials. The team successfully produced high yields of proteins with non-canonical amino acids, opening up possibilities for decentralized manufacturing and distribution...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2018

Virtual testing of parts could replace physical tests

A £1 million funded research project at Swansea University is developing virtual qualification for high-value manufacturing. This technology uses 3D X-ray imaging to create digital replicas of components, allowing for the assessment of performance and reduction of human error. The goal is to reduce testing time from weeks to hours.

Splashdown: Supersonic cold metal bonding in 3-D

Researchers have developed a 3D temperature-based model to understand the CGDS film-growing process. The model connects particle impact velocity, energy transformation, and temperature rise in three dimensions, predicting how the average temperature of the particle impact zone will rise and subside.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Thermal Spray Technology·DateFeb 1, 2018

NTU scientists create customizable, fabric-like power source for wearable electronics

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have created a customizable, fabric-like power source that can be recharged many times and has the ability to store an electrical charge four times higher than most existing stretchable supercapacitors. The editable supercapacitor is made of strengthened manganese dioxide nanowire composit...

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 30, 2018

Small but fast: A miniaturized origami-inspired robot combines micrometer precision with high speed

The milliDelta robot overcomes the miniaturization challenge of Delta robots, operating at millimeter scale with high speed and precision, making it suitable for micromanipulation tasks in manufacturing and medicine. Researchers demonstrated its potential as a hand tremor-cancelling device and explored its use in retinal microsurgeries.

New process could slash energy demands of fertilizer, nitrogen-based chemicals

A new method using sunlight to split atmospheric nitrogen molecules could drastically cut the energy needed for fertilizer production. Researchers at Princeton University used computer simulations to model light's behavior in tiny structures made from gold and molybdenum, which concentrates light energy to boost a catalyst's power.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 16, 2018

'Heart-on-a-chip' process aims to speed up drug testing

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a faster method for manufacturing 'heart-on-a-chip', allowing for quicker testing of new drugs on engineered human heart tissue. This new approach aims to reduce cardiac toxicity and improve the predictability of drug effects, paving the way for safer clinical trials.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateJan 16, 2018

Conquering traffic congestion with mathematics

A new collaborative engineering project funded by NSF aims to make numerical computation of departure rates and route choice faster, enabling rapid rerouting and diversion. The project uses machine learning to develop statistical models of traffic flow, potentially reducing congestion by seconds, minutes or hours ahead of time.

Additive manufacturing and sustainability: The environmental implications of 3-D printing

A new special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology investigates the environmental, energy, and health impacts of additive manufacturing. The research reveals that while 3D printing offers local production and zero-waste potential, its environmental performance depends on machine usage patterns and material configurations.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateNov 16, 2017