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3-D printing goes high speed and high volume

The University of Sheffield's new machine will build parts up to three times larger and 100 times faster than current machines, enabling serious production of volumes over one million. This technology, called high-speed sintering (HSS), selectively fuses polymer powder layer by layer using infra-red-absorbing ink.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateJun 3, 2015

Saving money and the environment with 3-D printing

A Northwestern University team has confirmed a new way to help the airline industry save dollars while also saving the environment. By manufacturing aircraft's metal parts with 3-D printing, airlines could save a significant amount of fuel, materials, and other resources.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJun 2, 2015

Researchers develop new way to manufacture nanofibers

The University of Georgia has developed a new, affordable way to create nanofibers by using magnetospinning. This process allows the production of high-quality nanofibers with various materials embedded within them, such as live cells, drugs, and proteins.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 20, 2015
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scandinavian trade 'triggered' the Viking Age

Researchers identify Vikings visiting Ribe, Denmark's west coast, as early as 725 AD, suggesting a less violent start to the Viking Age. This discovery challenges traditional narratives of the Viking Age as a period of violent expansion and highlights the importance of trade and maritime mobility.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEuropean Journal of Archaeology·DateMay 7, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

3-D printing is so last year! We're onto 4-D printing now

Researchers have developed a new type of 4D printing material that can transform into different shapes in response to water or heat. The technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine and construction, with applications including soft robotics and autonomous valves.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateApr 24, 2015

Taking aircraft manufacturing out of the oven

Aerospace engineers at MIT have developed a carbon nanotube film that can heat and solidify composites without massive ovens, using only 1% of the energy. The technique has been tested on common carbon-fiber materials and found to produce composites with similar properties as traditionally manufactured materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 14, 2015

Robotic materials: Changing with the world around them

Researchers develop robotic materials that can sense their environment and change their properties in response. Inspired by nature, these materials aim to create prosthetics, self-healing bridges, and adaptive vehicles. However, manufacturing techniques remain a challenge, and an education gap must be addressed.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Caltech scientists develop cool process to make better graphene

Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to produce high-mobility graphene in a single step at lower temperatures, resulting in fewer defects and improved electrical properties. The new technique has the potential to pave the way for commercially feasible graphene-based solar cells and electronics.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2015

NNI publishes report on carbon nanotube (CNT) commercialization

The National Nanotechnology Initiative has published a report on the commercialization of carbon nanotubes, outlining common themes and potential future research priorities. The report identifies the need for increased efforts in manufacturing, quality control, and scale-up to produce CNT-based bulk materials with improved properties.

SourceNational Nanotechnology Coordination Office·DateMar 12, 2015

NIST gets new angle on X-ray measurements

Scientists at NIST have developed a new approach to measure X-ray angles with greater precision, reducing errors by three times. This improvement will enable better understanding of newly designed materials and their properties.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetrologia·DateMar 9, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Federal agencies award UT Arlington's TMAC $6.7 million to bolster manufacturing

The University of Texas at Arlington's Technology Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Center (TMAC) has received a $6.7 million federal award to support small and mid-sized manufacturers in the state. The funding will be matched with customer fees to provide services such as network of field engineers, consultants, and experts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMar 6, 2015

New solder for semiconductors creates technological possibilities

Researchers have developed compounds that can be applied as a liquid or paste to join two pieces of a semiconductor by heating them to several hundred degrees Celsius, creating seamless joints. This breakthrough technology has diverse applications in industries such as printable electronics, 3-D printing, and solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2015

Can Lean Management improve hospitals?

A new study from Monash University and RMIT investigated the application of Lean Six Sigma in a hospital emergency department. The researchers found that introducing these methods can help streamline processes, improve costs, and enhance patient discharge processes.

SourceMonash University·DateJan 29, 2015

Research: 'Organizational forgetting' erodes quality gains in supply chains

A study found that organizational forgetting affects 16% of quality gains from autonomous learning and 13% of targeted quality improvement efforts. Firms must continually improve while also acknowledging the erosion of knowledge over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateJan 22, 2015
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Chitosan, a sustainable alternative for food packaging

Researchers have developed chitosan-based coatings to reduce the microbial load of carrots, providing a biodegradable and sustainable solution for food packaging. The use of this material has shown promising results in laboratory tests, but further research is needed to explore its industrial potential.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPostharvest Biology and Technology·DateJan 9, 2015

Functional materials research gets £20 million boost from EPSRC

Seventeen universities and industry partners will receive £32.1 million in funding to develop new materials and technologies, including wearable technology, solar cells, and advanced nanotube applications. The projects aim to accelerate the translation of functional materials science to application and drive economic growth.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateDec 23, 2014

Far-reaching technology for aircraft manufacture that pollutes less

Researchers explore applying additive manufacturing techniques to aero engine market, reducing environmental costs and fuel consumption. The project aims to demonstrate the potential of metal components laser-based additive manufacturing to contribute to the reduction of air transport environmental impact.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·DateDec 10, 2014

Asbestos: An ongoing challenge to global health

The global spread of asbestos is a pressing concern, with over 50 countries banning the substance due to its deadly health risks. India and the US remain among the largest producers and importers of asbestos, contributing to the ongoing challenge to global health.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Global Health·DateDec 8, 2014

New technique offers spray-on solar power

Researchers have invented a new way to spray solar cells onto flexible surfaces using colloidal quantum dots, improving efficiency and making it easier to manufacture. The spray-on solar cell technology has the potential to power three 100-Watt light bulbs or 24 compact fluorescents on a surface as large as a car roof.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 5, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Bioplastic -- greener than ever

A new method to produce lactic acid from glycerol, a waste feedstock, has been introduced, reducing CO2 emission by 30% compared to conventional fermentation. The process also lowers production costs, increasing the potential profit by 17-fold.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 3, 2014

Cutting F-35 manufacturing costs, time earns ONR top award

The Office of Naval Research has developed an automated process to make F-35 canopies, saving $125 million over the life of the program. The new method uses a control system with cameras to ensure uniform shape formation and eliminates worker exposure to hot ovens.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateDec 2, 2014

Lawrence Livermore researchers develop efficient method to produce nanoporous metals

Nanoporous metals with superior qualities have numerous applications due to their high surface area for electron transfer and increased sites for analyte adsorption. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers developed a cost-effective method to manufacture nanoporous metals over various scales, from nanoscale to macroscale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateNov 25, 2014

Better micro-actuators to transport materials in liquids

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new production technology and material to manufacture tiny actuators that can swim through liquids. The actuators have helical shapes, are magnetic, and possess shape-independent magnetic properties.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 18, 2014

Western retailers in China boost Chinese manufacturing supremacy

A new study by the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business finds that Western retailers like Walmart enhance Chinese suppliers' export capabilities through improved productivity, efficiency, and quality. The study reveals a significant boost in exports from Chinese cities when foreign retail outlets increase.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateNov 3, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Three-dimensional metamaterials with a natural bent

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a method to manufacture highly symmetric, three-dimensional metamaterials with isotropic optical responses. The team created a large metamaterial, up to 4 mm x 4 mm2 in size, using a combination of top-down electron lithography and bottom-up self-folding mechanism.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateOct 24, 2014

ORNL research reveals unique capabilities of 3-D printing

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated a novel additive manufacturing method that controls the microstructure of metal components with unprecedented precision. This innovation holds significant potential for engineering, design, and energy-efficient transportation applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateOct 15, 2014

New advances in additive manufacturing using laser solid forming to produce metallic parts

Researchers have made significant advancements in additive manufacturing using laser solid forming (LSF) to produce high-performance metallic components. The LSF technique allows for the direct fabrication of metallic components with excellent mechanical properties similar to those produced by casting or forging.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateOct 9, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Southampton scientists grow a new challenger to graphene

Researchers from the University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre have grown a new material, molybdenum di-sulphide (MoS2), with properties similar to graphene. This development expands the potential applications of MoS2 for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNanoscale·DateSep 23, 2014

Pitt engineers receive grants to enhance additive manufacturing

Engineers at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering are proposing enhanced modeling and simulation technology and new qualification standards for additive manufacturing. The research aims to improve quality and product integrity while reducing manufacturing time and costs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateSep 22, 2014

Novel capability enables first test of real turbine engine conditions

A team of researchers has developed a novel capability to simulate extreme turbine engine conditions, allowing scientists to study the microstructure and internal strain in coated test blades during real operating conditions. This breakthrough could lead to improved material lifespan estimates and coatings for energy-efficient turbines.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Crystal Solar and NREL team up to cut costs

The new epitaxial system produces up to 500 wafers per hour, reducing wafer cost to 13 cents per watt and potentially making solar energy more competitive with fossil fuels. The technology has the potential to create American jobs and stem the flow of solar cell manufacturing overseas.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateSep 9, 2014

Yale journal explores advances in sustainable manufacturing

A Yale School of Environment special issue examines life cycle engineering for a more sustainable manufacturing sector. The study finds that product design and maintenance can significantly reduce environmental impact.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateAug 26, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Eco-friendly 'pre-fab nanoparticles' could revolutionize nano manufacturing

Researchers at UMass Amherst develop a water-based method to control molecular assembly of nanoparticles, reducing the need for toxic solvents and increasing efficiency. The new technique enables faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly production of organic photovoltaics and other electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 13, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Can our computers continue to get smaller and more powerful?

Researchers examine limitations in manufacturing, engineering, power, time, and computational complexity to determine achievable advancements. Emerging technologies like carbon nanotubes may overcome traditional limits, but fundamental constraints still pose significant obstacles.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2014

Robot folds itself up and walks away

A team of engineers developed a robot that assembles itself into a complex shape in four minutes flat and crawls away without human intervention. The robot uses an origami-inspired approach to fold itself up, with the potential for exotic applications such as space-based robotic satellites.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

NASA engineer set to complete first 3-D-printed space cameras

Jason Budinoff's project uses additive manufacturing to create fully functional imaging telescopes with a reduced number of components. The technology enables the production of complex geometries and mitigates risks associated with traditional manufacturing methods.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2014

3-D printing finds its 'sweet spot' through 'nifty shades of gray'

Researchers at the University of Sheffield discover 'sweet spot' in 3D printing by manipulating ink density and strength. By printing in greyscale, they can maximize strength while reducing weight, opening up applications in aerospace, automotive, and sports footwear industries.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateAug 4, 2014

NSF grant to Wayne State supports new concept for manufacturing nanoscale devices

A Wayne State University professor has received a $330,000 NSF grant to explore a novel method for manufacturing nanoscale devices using solution-based processes and inexpensive raw materials. The research aims to overcome the current bottleneck in scaling up nanotechnology by connecting different functional materials into one device.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJul 30, 2014

A new way to make microstructured surfaces

Researchers developed a new technique to manufacture microstructured surfaces with specific textures, exhibiting controllable mechanical stiffness and strength. The process involves self-assembly of carbon nanotubes and can be used to create large expanses of structures simultaneously.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2014

Discovery is key to metal wear in sliding parts

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown mechanism for wear in metals, which could lead to improved durability of metal parts. The findings show that tiny bumps and surface defects can form through a swirling, fluid-like behavior in solid metals, leading to cracks and wear particles.

SourcePurdue University·DateJul 23, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Search for more accurate system reliability and failure prediction in auto industry

The research aims to improve the accuracy of failure and reliability prediction in ultra-high strength steel autobody manufacturing systems. By incorporating material microstructure and micro-damage information, the study may lead to solutions for manufacturers in reducing tool failures and improving product quality.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJul 22, 2014

Fundamental chemistry findings could help extend Moore's Law

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and Intel have developed a new kind of resist that combines the best properties of two existing types, offering improved light sensitivity and mechanical stability. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of even smaller microprocessors with increased computation and energy efficiency.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNanotechnology·DateJul 15, 2014

Manufacturing process developed for HIV microbicide

Scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have successfully produced a drug compound featuring the 5P12-Rantes molecule, which could prevent HIV from attaching to human cells. The facility has delivered its first batch of the compound to Mintaka Foundation for formulation as a vaginal cream for clinical trials in South America.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateJul 3, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Making dreams come true: Making graphene from plastic?

A domestic research team created a carbon material without artificial defects, maintaining graphene's characteristics, and developed a simpler production process. The new method can mass-produce high-quality graphene substitutes for solar cells and semiconductor chips.

SourceKorea Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNanoscale·DateJul 2, 2014

Silver lining found for making new drugs

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a new chemical to aid drug manufacturing processes, making it more environmentally-friendly and easier to scale up for industry. The team found that a positively charged molecule known as TMA can replace silver in the manufacturing process, reducing costs and waste.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 26, 2014