Articles tagged with Manufacturing
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.
Thomas R. Kurfess, Clemson University BMW Endowed Chair, was recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for Advancement of Science for his work on advanced production systems and process control. His research focuses on ensuring vehicle performance through prognostics and diagnostics.
A new, economical method allows LED manufacturers to obtain accurate measurements of LED brightness and color, enabling reproducible and comparable results. The method takes into account the temperature of the semiconductor chip inside the LED.
A new report from Duke University suggests that U.S. manufacturing is poised to grow in a low-carbon economy, creating significant job opportunities in industries such as LED lighting, high-performance windows, and renewable energy. States like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina are expected to benefit from these green jobs.
Researchers highlight the need for improved efficiency in nanomanufacturing to reduce energy use, emissions, and solid waste. Studies show that nanoscale production can have greater environmental burdens than conventional manufacturing methods.
New research suggests that the process of manufacturing nanomaterials can offset their environmental benefits, with some studies indicating life-cycle impacts 100 times greater than traditional materials. This challenges the assumption that nanomaterials will lead to reduced energy and resource use.
Researchers at UWM have developed smart coatings that heal shallow pits and fractures on almost any material, preventing further degradation in various industries. The coatings, created by Dr. Carolyn Aita, adjust to conditions within the human body, preventing implant rejection or failure.
Researchers at Queen's University are developing a new robotic system to service distant satellites with ailing mechanical systems. The Autonomous Space Servicing Vehicle (ASSV) uses tracking software and LIDAR technology to grasp and repair satellites in real-time, overcoming the limitations of manned space flight.
Researchers found an unexpected increase in squeeze flow of thin films when film thickness was smaller than 100 nanometers. This phenomenon occurs due to changes in molecular entanglement and polymer chain interaction at the nanoscale.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found PCB11, a toxic substance linked to paint pigments, present throughout Chicago air. The compound was detected in 91% of samples collected between 2006 and 2007, raising concerns over human health implications.
The new technology characterizes particle shapes using a probe that collects images of the crystallization process, enabling pharmaceutical companies to monitor and optimize processes. This approach has the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector by achieving 'Six Sigma' quality standards.
Researchers at USC's CRAFT center have developed a system to automate concrete building, with Caterpillar funding. The Contour Crafting process uses specialized concrete and has already built six-foot walls, paving the way for future research on design, robotics, and other issues.
Researchers develop self-assembling polymer arrays that improve data storage capacity and reduce manufacturing time. The technology uses block copolymers to create precise patterns, enabling higher-density arrays and faster production.
The study applies the 12 'late lessons from early warnings' to nanotechnology, concluding that industry and government are repeating past mistakes. The authors call for improved risk research strategies, stakeholder engagement, and a more holistic approach to ensure the safe development of emerging nanotechnologies.
Researchers at MIT have achieved a significant advance in nanoscale lithographic technology, enabling the creation of finer patterns of lines over larger areas. The new technique has the potential to lead to commercialization of many new nanotechnology inventions that have languished due to manufacturing limitations.
Scientists at NIST have confirmed that EUV photoresist sensitivity is twice the previously believed value. The finding raises concerns about optical system effectiveness in current demonstration tools. This discovery has significant implications for high-volume manufacturing processes in development.
Researchers at Kansas State University are exploring the potential of ocean-grown algae as a sustainable energy source. The project aims to identify suitable materials and attributes that enable algae growth on solid carriers, with the goal of developing a cost-effective process for biofuel manufacturing.
The new ASTM International standard assesses robot visual capability to determine if it can provide clear, easily interpretable images to operators and emergency planners. The test methods measure field of view, far- and near-vision acuity in various lighting conditions.
Researchers have created a unique internet facility called Open Ontology Repository (OOR) to store diverse collections of concepts and facilitate complex systems in various sectors. OOR will support advanced logic systems and save time and money in manufacturing control, supply chain management, and biomedical management.
The new LensShape system enables the rapid testing of free-form geometries in aspherical lenses, reducing production time from over an hour to just 15 minutes. This innovative method uses fringe pattern analysis and machine learning algorithms to identify deviations with high accuracy.