Articles tagged with Manufacturing
A study by Michigan State University scholars suggests that CEOs who have three times as much prospective wealth as current wealth are more willing to take risks. Companies can influence CEO risk-taking behavior by issuing equity pay strategically, rather than relying on predetermined quantities.
A new report from DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and N14 Energy Limited reveals LEDs are more environmentally friendly than CFLs and incandescent lights. The study found that as technology improves, LEDs will continue to gain an edge, with potential for a 50% reduction in environmental impacts within five years.
A study reveals that most electronic waste in Spain is uncontrolled, with only 2.55 kg out of 13.86 kg collected and processed correctly under the Integrated Waste Management System (SIG). The majority of manufacturers are not registered in the system, leading to significant payment evasion.
Nanoresonators, created by Purdue researchers, have the potential to improve cell phone performance by reducing congestion over the airwaves. The devices can filter out noise and allow signals to pass through more precisely, resulting in better call quality and faster downloads.
A new method, called laser shock-induced shaping, enables the tuning of nanowires by altering electrical and optoelectrical properties critical for electronic components and instruments. Graphene was also successfully shaped using this technique.
The iFAB Foundry aims to revolutionize the design and building process for complex defense systems by shortening development time by a factor of five. The project will provide near-instantaneous manufacturability feedback to designers, enabling flexible and programmable distributed production.
A multi-university team is developing techniques for creating two-dimensional materials that can fold themselves into three-dimensional structures when exposed to light. The research aims to advance understanding of photoresponsive materials with applications in electronics, manufacturing, and humanitarian relief.
Professor Mo Ehsani's new pipe consists of a central layer of lightweight plastic honeycomb and layers of resin-saturated carbon fiber fabric. This innovative design is stronger than conventional steel and concrete pipes, allowing for virtually infinite length sections with no joints.
The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII) is a new public-private partnership aiming to revitalize American manufacturing. The consortium, led by Penn State, will receive $30 million in federal funding and create an environment for education and training in advanced additive manufacturing skills.
Researchers will develop nanocomposites for medical implants that break down safely, replacing metal implants in bone surgery. The project tackles challenges in nanoparticle production, dispersion, degradation, and scaling up manufacture.
Iowa State University engineers are building a strong expertise in wind energy through various initiatives, including grants, research projects and partnerships. The goal is to increase wind energy production by at least 10 times over the next 18 years to reach 20% of electrical energy from wind by 2030.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new method for making three-dimensional aluminium composite parts using Selective Laser Manufacturing (SLM). This process produces strong, lightweight parts with innovative geometries, reducing weight and material usage.
The UK government has invested £6.5 million in 16 research and development projects to stimulate innovation in the manufacturing sector. The projects aim to develop new technologies that can create high value through novel processes, advanced product manufacture, resource efficiency and production techniques.
Researchers at MIT have developed an algorithm allowing robots to quickly learn an individual's preference for a task and adapt accordingly. This enables robots and humans to work side by side, improving productivity and efficiency in manufacturing plants.
The EPSRC has awarded five-year fellowships worth £1 million each to Drs Geoffrey Nash, Harish Bhaskaran, Ajoy Velayudhan, and Peter Foote to address the gap in UK manufacturing research. The fellowships aim to strengthen links between industry and academia, driving growth and innovation.
A Georgia Tech research team has developed a novel technology that allows for the direct digital casting of complex, costly metal parts. The new method, called Large Area Maskless Photopolymerization (LAMP), uses high-resolution optics and precision motion systems to achieve extremely sharp features, reducing prototype development time...
Researchers at the US Army Research Laboratory developed a novel processing technology that enabled commercial production of advanced Soldier head protection. The new helmets offer improved weight reduction and increased durability, with some models already fielded to Special Operations Forces.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are developing a technique to fabricate custom concrete building components directly from digital designs, enabling rapid and low-cost manufacturing. The method uses computer-aided design software to create manufacturable designs, which are then 3D-printed using a CNC router.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that tilting cars on the assembly line can reduce autoworker strain, improving safety and efficiency. The study compares two methods: a cantilevered chair and a car carriage system, with the latter proving more effective in reducing stress for nine different tasks.
A new study shows that chimpanzee Santino's planning and deception abilities are greater than previously thought. He uses innovative strategies like hiding projectiles and inhibiting dominance displays to fool visitors, suggesting a flexible planning ability similar to humans.
The center section of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has been completed, marking a significant milestone in the telescope's hardware development. The backplane will support the telescope's mirrors, instruments, and thermal control systems during its mission.
The NaPANIL project demonstrated the potential of nanoimprinting lithography to create low-cost optical components with various applications. The project showcased three main demonstrators: an OLED Head-Up Display, a Functional Light Directional Element, and a Planar Diffactive Optical Element.
Scientists have visualized the transformation of powder mixtures into molten glass using X-ray microtomography. The study revealed that contact between grains determines whether a mixture turns into liquid glass, and that sodium carbonate plays a key role in initiating chemical reactions.
The MIT CSAIL project aims to develop a desktop technology that enables personalized robot design, customization, and printing within hours. Researchers hope to create an end-to-end process for building physical machines using simple printing processes.
Researchers aim to extract glycosaminoglycans from egg shells for biomedical applications, while also using egg shells as fillers in plastics. The project has the potential to reduce waste and costs for food manufacturers, creating new income streams.
Researchers at the University of Florida are investigating toxicity associated with aqueous solutions of carbon nanotubes used in manufacturing processes. By controlling the ratio of liquid to particulate, they found that toxicity can be reduced, paving the way for sustainable nano-tech products.
The Penn State Applied Research Laboratory and Sciaky, Inc. have established the Center for Innovative Metal Processing through Direct Digital Deposition as a Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. The center aims to provide an advanced design and simulation tool in a shared network for industry participants to evaluate the technology.
Research shows consumers can save up to $800 by finding out what a dealer pays for a car, visiting two dealerships and liking to bargain. Buyers who don't like to bargain or do research can save $230 by doing just two things.
The ONR's Navy Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program has improved manufacturing efficiency to save millions of dollars annually. By reducing product costs, the program enables warfighters to access more affordable technologies that enhance their capabilities.
At least 13 workers died from exposure to methylene chloride used in paint-stripping products, leading to recommendations for safer methods and product restrictions. MSU researchers urge manufacturers to note safety warnings on products and restrict access.
A new study by MIT economist David Autor shows that the rise in low-wage manufacturing industries overseas has a significant impact on the US economy and its workers. The disappearance of US manufacturing jobs frequently leaves former workers unemployed for years, creating a drag on local economies.
Dr. Anthony Grbic's innovative antenna design uses a hemispherical shape to achieve instant miniaturization, operating in one frequency band and potentially inexpensive to produce.
Global brands employ versioning to remove or reduce features in existing models, but consumers revolt and sue companies if perceived as unfair. Companies can mitigate negative reactions by reducing similarity between products and communicating with consumers about the practice.
Researchers at EPFL have successfully developed a 3D chip with multiple processors stacked vertically, increasing efficiency and processing power. The chip is connected using thin copper microtubes through tiny openings called Through-Silicon-Vias, reducing data exchange time.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to create elastic conductors from carbon nanotubes, enabling the production of stretchable electronic devices with improved resilience and conformability. The new method buckles carbon nanotubes on an elastic substrate, creating conductors that can transmit electric sign...
Researchers have created new microtweezers capable of manipulating objects to build tiny structures, print coatings for advanced sensors, and grab live stem cell spheres. The tool enables the precision printing of chemical or protein dots onto microcantilevers, which can detect chemicals in air and water.
The chemical industry is expected to see a boost in sales due to growing demand for chemicals used in agriculture, electronics, cars, and airplanes. However, the industry faces challenges such as expiring patents and slowing growth in Asia, which will impact industries like paint and construction materials.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that exposure to a common cosmetic chemical, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), can disrupt the fine wiring of the nervous system in tadpoles, even at very low concentrations. The study suggests that lower concentrations of MIT may be detrimental to brain development.
Ultrafast laser pulses create precise patterns in metals and ceramics, but new research reveals an early plasma forms immediately before the mushroom cloud, hindering performance. Eliminating this interference could unlock new applications in manufacturing, materials science, and more.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a method to treat wood with a white-rot fungus, resulting in instruments with tonal qualities comparable to Stradivarius. The goal is to standardize the process to mass-produce violins with guaranteed quality.
A team of experts used CT imaging and computer-aided machinery to create a reproduction of a 1704 Stradivarius violin. The process involved scanning the original instrument and converting images into stereolithographic files, which were then carved and assembled by hand.
Researchers from North Carolina State University are working on a 3D CPU design to achieve up to 25% reduction in energy consumption and improve performance. The goal is to overcome challenges such as heat dissipation and incompatible chip designs, enabling the manufacture of more efficient and powerful computing devices.
Researchers developed a new method using two-photon polymerization with multiple foci to create finely detailed structures, such as tissue scaffolds and microneedles, more quickly than traditional techniques. This enables faster production of microscale medical devices for tissue engineering applications.
The University of Maryland Center for Integrative Environmental Research finds that Maryland's Climate Action Plan improves electric reliability while having a negligible impact on manufacturers. The plan is expected to generate new business opportunities and jobs in the green sector, with potential growth in employment opportunities.
The University of Miami Industrial Assessment Center has received a $1 million grant from the US Department of Energy to conduct industrial assessments and provide training to engineering students. The program aims to help small and medium-sized manufacturers reduce their energy consumption, save money, and increase productivity.
Researchers at Iowa State University's Wind Energy Manufacturing Lab are working to develop new manufacturing methods that can improve the productivity of turbine blade factories by up to 35%. The lab uses advanced technologies like lasers and nondestructive evaluation to analyze and improve wind blade edges, fabric manipulation techni...
A study by Concordia University explores how IT impacts manufacturing SMEs, finding that strategic planning positively affects performance. The research highlights the importance of autonomous IT management and aligned applications to maximize technological benefits.
A study analyzed financial payments made by orthopedic device manufacturers to orthopedic surgeons from 2007 to 2010. The findings show a reduction in total payments and funds distributed after payment disclosure was required, as well as an increase in the proportion of consultants with academic affiliations.
Researchers used mathematical models to assess knee replacement implants and found that older patients or those with multiple conditions may not benefit from incremental gains in implant durability. This highlights the need for personalized approach to medical device development and evaluation.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Kettering University have developed a tool to optimize grocery store display case designs, reducing energy consumption by up to 15%. The team tested various air curtain speeds, angles, and factors to minimize warm air infiltration into chilled compartments.
The University of Missouri Industrial Assessment Center (MoIAC) helps regional companies save $80,000 annually through free energy assessments and training. The center's new grant will educate over 400 students in energy conservation and efficiency, preparing them for leadership roles.
A recent study by Carlos J. Torelli and Rohini Ahluwalia found that consumers react positively to brand extensions when products match cultural expectations, but unfavorably when they don't. The authors suggest that understanding a brand's cultural symbolism is crucial for harnessing its potential profitably.
Two Wayne State University research groups will lead projects on reducing driver distraction and improving the safety of children, teens, seniors, and pedestrians. The Collaborative Safety Research Center will invest $50 million over five years to enhance vehicle safety.
Researchers have developed a zero-birefringence optical temperature sensor that can deliver precise temperature readings down to individual milli-kelvins. The device is resistant to vibration and cheaper to manufacture than previous alternatives, making it suitable for use in challenging environments.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a novel manufacturing process for quantum dot-based LEDs, reducing production costs and improving efficiency. The breakthrough enables the large-scale commercialization of these energy-efficient lights, potentially replacing traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
Consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable and ethical products from apparel companies that practice transparency. However, skepticism about corporate claims of sustainability persists due to suspicion of marketing ploys. To build trust, consumers demand standardized authentication from authorities like the government.
A study reports that children living near lead battery manufacturing and recycling operations in developing countries have significantly higher blood lead levels, associated with lifelong health problems. The industry is expected to nearly double in size over the next five to 10 years, posing significant risks to workers and communities.
Manufacturers are designing products with an end-of-life perspective, incorporating biodegradable materials and easy disassembly. This approach to product stewardship fosters take-back programs and recycling, reducing environmental pollution risks.
A Pew Charitable Trusts study reveals serious gaps in US drug safety oversight, with 40% of finished drugs sourced from overseas. The report identifies links in the supply chain that need strengthening to ensure safe medicines.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed new technologies that combine a laser and electric fields to manipulate fluids and tiny particles, enabling innovative sensors and analytical devices. The method can be used for medical diagnostics, testing food and water, crime-scene forensics, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.