Articles tagged with Manufacturing
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.
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.
A MSU-led study examines the relationship between microfinance institutions and the larger economy, finding that economic growth boosts microbank profits. The research suggests that countries with less manufacturing activity tend to support more successful microfinance operations.
The Virtual Manufacturing Automation Competition and Mobile Microrobotics Challenge demonstrated robotic capabilities for complex tasks like mixed palletizing and microassembly. The competitions aimed to advance robotic skills for future robots in various industries.
A recent study by Queen's University found that governments can earn substantial returns on investments in solar power manufacturing, with potential revenues exceeding $500 million per year. The research suggests that governments should aggressively support the industry to take advantage of the financial opportunity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to manufacture thin films of gallium arsenide, a highly efficient semiconductor material, that could expand its applications in solar devices. The technique allows for the production of bulk quantities of material more rapidly and cost effectively.
The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is developing a universal standard to evaluate chemical products and processes based on their environmental performance. This standard will provide comparative data, making it easier for consumers to choose greener products.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute use selective laser melting to create serial parts out of metal powder, producing high-quality components with improved safety standards. The process reduces manufacturing cycle times by up to 40% and has the potential to decrease material costs by 50%.
A new standardized testing method for cranberry products reveals the effectiveness of urinary tract infection (UTI) treatments. The BL-DMAC method accurately quantifies PAC levels in products, ensuring accurate labeling and consumer selection.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are developing wheel hub motors for electric vehicles, offering improved efficiency, reduced mechanical wear, and enhanced drive dynamics. The technology, already tested on the Frecc0 concept car, aims to support the German automotive industry's transition to electromobility.
Researchers at NC State have developed a new way to shape ceramics using an electric field, reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency. The process could lead to significant cost savings and reduced pollution in ceramics manufacturing.
A multidisciplinary research team at NIST has found a viable candidate for creating large-area electronics by spraying organic semiconductor material onto a surface. The material overcomes a major cost hurdle in the manufacture of organic thin-film transistors, which could lead to disposable devices.
Isoprene-degrading bacteria discovered near coastal zones, improving models of climate change and environmental factors. These microbes also break down alkanes, potentially aiding oil-degrading survival between spills.
Kansas State University researcher Weiqiao Yuan has received a five-year, $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's CAREER program to develop economically viable methods for producing energy from algae. His project aims to identify optimal solid carriers and surface textures for algae growth in ocean biofuels manufacturing.
A Texas-based consortium has launched a biotherapeutic manufacturing initiative, Project GreenVax, to produce vaccines for infectious diseases like influenza at a fraction of current time. The project utilizes tobacco plants and could provide vaccine protection to citizens worldwide that cannot currently afford them.
The James Webb Space Telescope's five-layer sunshield has passed its critical design review, certifying its design meets mission requirements. The sunshield will absorb and deflect solar light to keep the telescope operating at cryogenic temperatures.
Researchers developed SCGPSim, a simulation infrastructure that uses parallel processing and CUDA programming model to speed up SystemC-based hardware models. This could significantly reduce the time it takes to bring products to market, improving the efficiency of semiconductor electronics industry.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been recognized for its partnerships with outside companies to develop new technologies. The lab's partnership with Pressure BioSciences led to the development of a pressurized process that quickly digests proteins, speeding up protein analysis by minutes. Additionally, PNNL partnere...
Mears will research real-time modeling and information exchange to maximize efficiency in machining systems. The project aims to improve manufacturing quality and productivity nationwide.
A new study found that toy recalls in 2007 had a ripple effect on the industry, with even non-recalled companies experiencing a 25% decline in Christmas season sales. Sales of toys from manufacturers named in the recalls dropped by 30%, while those from unaffected companies remained unaffected.
Scientists at the University of Utah demonstrated a conclusive link between the size of catalyst particles on a solid surface and their ability to speed chemical reactions. The study focused on metal nanoparticles, finding that smaller sizes lead to increased electronic properties and catalytic activity.
The NIST Mobile Microrobotics Challenge tests microrobots' agility, maneuverability, and ability to move objects through three competitions: a two-millimeter dash, microassembly task, and freestyle competition.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a method to fabricate quantum devices using conventional chip-making techniques, enabling the creation of ultra-low-power computer chips and high-resolution cameras. The development could lead to significant advancements in fields such as medical imaging, security, and public safety.
Canadian engineers warn that current safety equipment may not be sufficient to protect workers from nanoprotection risks. The growing field of nanotechnology manufacture poses unknown hazards, and urgent research is needed to develop appropriate protective measures.
Chwen Sheu's paper examines how manufacturing firms foster partnerships to comply with EU environmental regulations, providing guidelines for strategic development. The paper received the top best paper award at the International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management.
The Iowa Power Fund supports a three-year project to develop new, low-cost manufacturing systems that could improve wind energy production by up to 35 percent. The laboratory will focus on automation, quality control, and nondestructive inspection of turbine blades.
A UCLA economist concludes that President Herbert Hoover's pro-labor policies pushed the nation's GDP down by close to two-thirds over two years following the stock market crash of 1929. The findings suggest that the recession would have been significantly worse without these policies.
Scientists have developed a new vaccine production technology using tobacco plants to combat norovirus, which can spread rapidly through passenger liners and schools. The plant-based vaccine offers cost advantages and could lead to faster and more efficient vaccine development for other diseases.
Researchers are searching for new enzymes in marine microbes that can convert waste products into desired compounds, increasing efficiency and sustainability. The goal is to develop more efficient and sustainable manufacturing solutions for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that microcrystalline cellulose can partially replace silica as a reinforcing filler in tire manufacture, decreasing energy required and costs. The new material shows comparable traction on cold or wet pavement and provides higher fuel efficiency than traditional tires in hot weather.
A new study reveals that the US is home to the fastest-growing wind power market worldwide, with a 60% increase in capacity additions in 2008. The report highlights the growth of wind projects across various states, including Texas, which leads the nation with over 7,000 MW of new wind capacity.
A team of researchers has developed an environmentally-friendly lubricating grease based on ricin oil and cellulose derivatives, providing a 100% biodegradable alternative to traditional industrial lubricants. The new formula offers improved environmental performance and is easier to process than conventional greases.
A new statistical analysis technique, sequential profile adjustment by regression (SPAR), has been developed to improve the precision of nanotechnology data. By identifying and removing systematic bias, noise, and equipment-based artifacts, SPAR can reduce experimental errors and increase confidence in measurements.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology are developing laser technologies to improve the manufacturing of solar cells, increasing their performance and reducing costs. The goal is to achieve grid parity within a few years, making solar energy competitive without subsidies.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a fully automatic production system for two-layer skin models, which can be produced in large quantities with perfect quality. The technique has already proven its use in practice, but was previously too expensive and complicated for mass production.
The Efficient Load project aims to harmonize capacity utilization and trip planning in a single step, significantly improving truck use and reducing energy costs. The new system is expected to reduce ton-kilometers by 15-20% and integrate seamlessly with existing software.
A study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers suggests that swift recall, restitution, and effective crisis management can minimize harm to a company's bottom line and reputation. Companies should engage the public immediately after announcing a recall, take shared responsibility for errors, and provide easy compensation options.
Researchers created a 3D nanofluidic device using grayscale photolithography to separate nanoparticles by size and analyze DNA behavior. The device demonstrates versatility in manipulating rigid nanoparticles and deforming flexible DNA strands.
A new MIT study finds that modern manufacturing processes are significantly less efficient in terms of energy and materials use compared to traditional industries. The research highlights the alarming levels of energy consumption by newer processes like microchip production, which uses up orders of magnitude more energy than making man...
A University of Montreal study reveals that over 60% of Quebec's manufacturing sector workers are exposed to noise levels exceeding the norm, increasing work-related accidents and road collisions. Workers with hearing losses face a 7% greater risk of injury.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new spandrel design that uses 30% less reinforcing steel without sacrificing safety. This innovation cuts labor and manufacturing time in half, significantly decreasing costs and making construction more environmentally friendly.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that pharmaceutical substances released into the environment can lead to resistant bacteria and harm local ecosystems. The research highlights the need for greater transparency in the production chain to ensure environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new technique to measure the toughness of thin insulating films used in high-performance integrated circuits. This breakthrough could help improve the reliability and manufacturability of ICs by identifying films with brittle fracture failure, affecting both manufacturing yields and device reliability.