Articles tagged with Manufacturing
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Peter Kolesar, Professor Emeritus at Columbia Business School, was awarded the 2011 MSOM Distinguished Fellow Award for his contributions to operations management. His research has modeled service systems with random cyclic customer demand patterns and optimized credit-screening procedures.
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to improve the resolution of high-speed e-beam lithography, making it more practical for mass production. By using a thinner resist layer and developing the resist with table salt, they were able to achieve resolutions down to nine nanometers.
A cost-effective method for coloring titanium using an electrochemical solution has been developed, enabling over 80 shades of basic colors and crack-free stability. The technology has potential applications in various industries, including healthcare, aviation, and the military.
Nadia Bhuiyan and Yves Gélinas, two Concordia professors, have received NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement awards to advance their research in lean manufacturing and coastal aquatic ecosystems. The awards will support Bhuiyan's study on product development and Gélinas' research on estuaries and microbial composition.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that certain types of carbon nanotubes could cause cancer in the lining of the lung. Researchers discovered that longer nanotubes were more likely to get stuck in the lung cavity and ultimately cause mesothelioma.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hosted three robotics competitions to prove advanced robotics and microrobotics technologies. The Virtual Manufacturing Automation Competition and Mobile Microrobotics Challenge evaluated teams' ability to assemble components and navigate microbots, respectively.
A Johns Hopkins study found that hospitals in the US publicize robotic surgery's clinical superiority despite a lack of scientific evidence, and overstate its benefits, ignoring risks. The study highlights the need for hospitals to ensure accurate information on their websites.
A study by MIT researchers found that remanufacturing products can be more energy-efficient in some cases, but new technology often cancels out savings. The team looked at life-cycle analysis and found that many remanufactured products are less energy-efficient due to newer versions being more efficient.
Researchers found that employees initially assigned to powerful supervisors had a better experience when participating in work-family programs. This
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method for manufacturing green-colored LEDs with significantly enhanced light extraction, internal efficiency, and light output. This breakthrough brings the team closer to their goal of developing high-performance, low-cost green LEDs.
A leading nanotechnology scientist proposes a 3nm diameter threshold for mass-produced structures, citing unpredictability in bottom-up manufacturing. This challenge raises concerns about the billions invested in nanotechnology research and development.
In 'The Art of Invention', Paley explores the essential aspects of creative thinking, from identifying a problem or need to finding an inspired solution. He offers detailed guidance for aspiring inventors and experienced designers alike on conceptualizing ideas and turning them into reality.
The new centre will develop better control over crystallisation processes, enabling the production of pharmaceuticals and other products using continuous manufacturing approaches. This could lead to cost savings of up to 60% and energy reductions by up to 70%.
A new oxygen sensor invented by Michigan State University professor Ruby Ghosh can provide real-time data at a relatively low cost. This technology has potential applications in various industries such as aquaculture, beverage manufacturing, biomedical research, and petroleum manufacturing.
Researchers at Hebrew University have successfully doped semiconductor nanocrystals with impurity atoms, improving their electrical conductivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new electronic products, including nanolasers, solar cells, and sensors.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a single, stationary lens to create 3D images of microscopic objects from nine different angles. The freeform lens, made from thermoplastic material, enables miniaturized products with reduced equipment needs and improved precision.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new manufacturing method that employs an ultrafast pulsing laser to create high-quality microchannels in thin-film solar cells. This technique could significantly increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar cells, enabling widespread adoption.
A University of Missouri chemist has discovered a method for manufacturing certain pharmaceutical drugs using pressurized carbon dioxide at room temperature. This new approach could streamline production processes and reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming methods currently used in the industry.
The Ohio Supercomputer Center is receiving $2 million from a federal grant to support small- and medium-sized manufacturers in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. The initiative aims to promote job retention, supply-chain growth, and new exports by providing access to modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.
A new cell-culture-derived flu vaccine has shown to be at least as immunogenic and efficacious as traditional egg-derived vaccines. The vaccine was well-tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events, and its production allows for more reliable and flexible supply.
A team of scientists created a programable molecular transport system, observed in real time using atomic force microscopy. The system consists of a DNA origami track with a motor and fuel, allowing for adjustable speed and potential applications in drug delivery and synthetic ribosome creation.
New phosphate-free automatic dishwashing detergents are being developed to combat water pollution, but they may not be as effective as previously thought. Researchers are working on alternative formulas that can clean dishes without contributing to environmental harm.
The University of Manchester is leading a €3.7m European Union-funded project to train the next generation of scientists in green manufacturing methods for the chemical industry. The 'BIOTRAINS' programme brings together experts from academia and industry to develop safer and less-environmentally damaging industrial processes.
Dr. Paul Anastas, known as the 'Father of Green Chemistry,' will discuss the importance of sustainability principles in business operations. The conference focuses on sustainable technologies and practices, including water reuse, natural resource management, and product life cycle assessment.
A new analysis by ACS suggests that banning toxic substances in toys and children's products is crucial. The authors recommend government action, including restrictions on well-documented toxins, and industry-wide efforts to establish safe production practices.
Rensselaer students Casey Hoffman and Jaron Kuppers won the top prize with their SET process, which offers a new method for curing advanced composites using less energy and cost. The process has the potential to trim manufacturing costs and widen the playing field of businesses that can afford to research and manufacture these materials.
A new analysis by ACS Environmental Science & Technology warns of a toxic toys crisis due to hazardous substances in children's products, including lead and cadmium. The report recommends banning or restricting the use of toxic substances and industry-wide measures to ensure product safety.
Research reveals that budgetary constraints have led to a less rigorous FDA inspection process, failing to provide necessary oversight and guidance to the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. This can result in manufacturers taking advantage of the system and prioritizing complaints over addressing actual safety issues.
Scientists at North Carolina State University pioneered a method to examine silicon bonds with other materials at the atomic level. This new understanding of bond formation could lead to improved control over materials properties and new device creation.
Scientists at Kyoto University have developed a new method to study polymers in confined spaces, revealing unexpected thermal transitions and potential breakthroughs in nanoscale manufacturing. The technique uses porous coordination polymers to trap polymers, allowing researchers to observe their behavior under controlled conditions.
A MU study found that 67% of textile and apparel firms misrepresent themselves, with nearly 80% of wholesalers not defining themselves correctly. Companies with congruent identities tend to be financially successful, hiring more employees and having higher sales.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have developed improved microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices that can measure acceleration and impact with increased sensitivity. These advancements have the potential to transform industries such as sports, transportation, and defense.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has launched a Center for Advanced Materials Manufacturing with a $1.2 million federal grant to scale up the production of nanostructured metallic materials, which could revitalize foundries and metal-casting businesses.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to create macroscale molds or dies that retain nanoscale features, mimicking biological tissues. The team used blowfly eyes as a template to produce high-quality polymer replicas with precise dimensions.
The CSIRO has granted a global license to Monomer-Polymer for its patented RAFT technology, a powerful polymerization process that enables the creation of complex molecules. This agreement will allow Monomer-Polymer to market the technology worldwide and strengthen their position in material development.
The FOREMOST project developed advanced process modules and chip architectures for 45nm node CMOS logic, enabling key European players to mass produce semiconductors worldwide. The project also paved the way for future 32/28nm nodes and facilitated rapid transfer to industrial production.