Articles tagged with Manufacturing
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing a novel way to manufacture metal-ceramic composites for use in vehicles. The new technique involves the formation of nano-reinforcements directly within the molten metal, resulting in less expensive and more flexible materials.
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.
Researchers at UT Arlington have developed a scalable data-mining framework that can help manufacturers quickly discover desired materials. The framework, which uses genomic data, aims to reduce the time it takes for materials to go from discovery to market.
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.
Researchers found that while blue-collar workers in male-dominated occupations are more likely to be laid off, frontline healthcare jobs offer better pay and stability. Men without a college degree may benefit from entering these high-growth, technically-advanced positions.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a grant from the Walmart Foundation to develop a robotic small motors assembly and testing system. This project aims to reduce manufacturing costs and enable goods produced in the US that were formerly built overseas.
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.
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.
Professor Jamie Rogers has been recognized as an Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) Fellow for her outstanding contributions to sustainable engineering. She has received over $3.6 million in research funding and served on the National Science Foundation-funded Engineering Sustainable Engineers project.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Mark DeCoster from Louisiana Tech University is presenting a lecture on developing a matrix-free method for generating 3D cell spheroids that combines knowledge from bioprinting methods on 2D surfaces. The presentation aims to study the complex interactions between cells and their environments in both 2D and 3D settings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The use of new technologies such as pulsed light, cold plasma, and controlled condensation steam processes helps to limit spice contamination. These technologies aim to eradicate pathogens during the production process, improving overall spice safety.
A new digital fabrication technique enables the construction of mortar-less brick building assemblies at greater scales using 3D-printed ceramic PolyBricks. The PolyBrick system allows for customized, prefabricated ceramic building blocks to interlock and assemble easily into larger units.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new and efficient approach to 3D metal parts using selective laser melting. They used simple simulations and experiments to identify optimal parameters for high-density metal parts, which can be used to certify properties of metal parts built using SLM.
Bacteria have been found to use new mechanisms to produce lipids, which can be used for industrial manufacture and pharmaceutical applications. Researchers have identified enzymes that can generate multiple different lipids, including phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin.
Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully produced high-quality nanoparticles using microwave-assisted heating in a continuous flow reactor. This technology has the potential to revolutionize electronics manufacturing by reducing costs and improving performance.
A new supersonic spray system produces a smooth, defect-free graphene layer by dispersing and restructuring graphene flakes. This method enables the production of high-quality graphene on various substrates without post-treatment or introducing defects.
The University of Rochester's Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences will lead the development of a national roadmap for photonics manufacturing. The initiative aims to address critical gaps and strengthen the US's share in global photonics manufacturing, which has dropped to less than 10%.
Researchers at EMPA have developed a water-based method for applying transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films, reducing energy consumption and costs. The new process uses molecular self-organisation to grow the TCO film without high-temperature thermal treatment.
An international group of scientists led by Heidi Kreibich has proposed a new integrated cost assessment cycle for managing natural hazards. This approach aims to improve the early detection of inefficient risk mitigation strategies and enable more efficient decision-making.
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded AltaSim Technologies nearly $150,000 to further develop additive manufacturing technologies through its Small Business Innovation Research program. The award boosts momentum for the AweSim initiative, a public-private partnership aiming to increase industrial use of modeling and simulation.
Engineers at UC San Diego have created new ceramic materials that can store hydrogen safely and efficiently. The compounds are manufactured using a simple, low-cost combustion synthesis method, reducing production time and cost compared to traditional methods.
Researchers at the University of Southampton are creating a hybrid technology that uses electronic components as chemical sensors on printed circuit boards to provide instant diagnosis. This device could replace traditional diagnostic methods, which are lengthy and costly, allowing for continuous monitoring of disease progression.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a new substance to simplify stem cell manufacturing, enabling mass-production of complex living materials. The innovation allows for both self-renewal and differentiation in a single step process, with implications for regenerative medicine.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute have developed a method to simulate product design, manufacturing, and testing on computers, allowing for simultaneous planning and building of products and production plants. This enables small and medium-sized companies to reduce development time and costs, while improving design quality.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute develop new technologies to conserve energy and resources in manufacturing processes, including a mobile environment monitoring box and smart devices. Pilot applications will be tested in four locations by 2016 to raise awareness of sustainable production issues.
A UBC study shows corporate leaders rush into new innovations without scrutiny, leading to inferior products and tragic consequences like the DC-10 airline disasters. The authors warn that history may repeat itself as Boeing's 787 Dreamliner faces competition from Airbus.
The Technology Performance Exchange (TPEx) helps manufacturers and consumers exchange information on building-related products' energy performance. This enables apples-to-apples comparisons of products, supporting the deployment of high-impact technologies.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM developed an interactive driving simulator to analyze realistic human-vehicle interaction. The facility features a real vehicle interior, robotic system, and motion cueing algorithms to match visual input with driver behavior.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT showcase security tools to protect manufacturing data from unauthorized access. The software application encrypts data as it emerges, ensuring only licensed actions are executed.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a method to manufacture large objects using a fully degradable bioplastic isolated from shrimp shells. The bioplastic exhibits properties similar to synthetic plastics, but without environmental threats.
Volume 16 of the Wakefield Court Rolls series edited by Dr John A. Hargreaves details proceedings from 1812 to 1813, showing how the textile industry continued to thrive despite Luddite attacks and economic hardship. The volume includes transcripts of wills, revealing new information on women's rights and property deals.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is leading a national research effort focused on developing new lightweight materials for fuel-efficient cars and aircraft. The initiative aims to improve vehicle performance, safety, and energy efficiency by reducing material weight while maintaining strength.
The WPI Metal Processing Institute will contribute its expertise in lightweight metal casting and heat treatment to a new $148 million national manufacturing initiative. The initiative aims to create over 10,000 new metals manufacturing jobs and spur innovative research and development in lightweight metals processing.
The new journal will address key issues in policy, law, intellectual property, safety, and liability, among others. It aims to facilitate collaboration across disciplines to drive innovation and industrial competitiveness.
Researchers at Oregon State University created a new approach to sustainable manufacturing that incorporates the human component, addressing economic, environmental, and social impacts. The method considers various facets of sustainability, including energy usage, materials, worker safety, and satisfaction, to create a holistic process.
Researchers demonstrate low-power photonic devices fabricated using standard chip-making processes, achieving energy efficiencies competitive with electronics. The advancements enable the commercialization of photonic technology, accelerating its adoption in computing and communication applications.
Research published in Acupuncture in Medicine found that widely used acupuncture needles have significant surface irregularities and inconsistencies, which could lead to painful reactions, bleeding, or bruising. The study calls for manufacturers to review and improve their quality control procedures for needle fabrication.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are converting the laser hot-wire welding process into a high-output 3D additive manufacturing process with partners Lincoln Electric and other industry leaders.
NASA is exploring the potential of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, to create customized spacecraft and instrument components. The agency has launched several formal programs to prototype new tools using this emerging technology.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are investigating ways for robots to work alongside humans in settings like manufacturing plants and elderly homes. They aim to develop algorithms that enable robots to collaborate with people on tasks, enhancing productivity without compromising safety.
A study by Alexandra Kalev found that corporate downsizing negatively impacts managerial diversity, particularly for white women and blacks, but performance-based layoffs mitigate this effect. The research also highlights the importance of internal legal counsel in promoting diversity during downsizing.
The Next Generation Power Electronics Innovation Institute aims to create new jobs and boost the nation's manufacturing industry. ASU researchers will focus on developing gallium nitride-based power electronic devices for energy-efficient power conversion and Silicon Carbide-based materials for medium voltage high power converters.
The emerging class of ADCs holds great promise in cancer treatment, with two approved drugs expected to be blockbusters and over 100 more in preclinical pipeline. Challenges in manufacturing are being addressed by contract manufacturers expanding capacity.
A study by UC Irvine and other researchers found that Chinese air pollution affects the American West Coast, particularly Los Angeles. The pollution is caused by the manufacturing of goods for export, leading to an extra day of smog exceeding federal limits each year.
A new research suggests that developing relationships between companies, suppliers, and raw material suppliers can lead to significant cost savings and improved designs. By creating a sourcing hub, firms can simplify their supply chains and gain access to better advice on raw material selection.
Professor Paul Scott has been awarded an EPSRC Fellowship in Manufacturing with a £900,000 funding award. He will investigate ways of ensuring greater geometrical accuracy during manufacturing using computational geometry and develop new algorithms.
The final three of 18 primary mirrors for the James Webb Space Telescope have arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The mirrors, built by Ball Aerospace, will form a 6.5-meter-diameter primary mirror when integrated with a stable structure.
A new low-cost 3D printer developed by Michigan Technological University's Joshua Pearce can lay down thin layers of steel to form complex geometric objects. The printer is less expensive than commercial metal printers and is affordable enough for home use, but requires more safety gear and fire protection equipment.
The NREL Electric Calcium Test (e-Ca) detects infinitesimally small amounts of moisture, making it 100 to 1,000 times more sensitive than other commercial tests. The test can detect water vapor transmission rates as low as one ten-millionth of a gram per square meter per day.