Topic

A one-step laser etching process proves advantageous for the microfabrication of optics, electromechanical systems, and fluidics. Utilizing a laser-absorbing fluid against the back side of virtually any solid, transparent material, any of a number of lasers can perform micro-etching of 1 millimicron to 10 millimicrons....

This micro-reinforcement technology enables new applications where existing thermoplastics, elastomers, thermosets, and reinforcing technologies have not had sufficient toughness or fracture strength, particularly at elevated temperatures. The new reinforcement technology does not...

A company seeks technologies or “safeners” that minimize the negative impact of pesticides on crops, such as physiological or cosmetic damage. The safener must have utility on a broad combination of crops, result in no inhibition effect or other performance consequences on the active...

A valve technology is sought that can be used with a propellant- gas-based device aimed at the consumer goods industry. The valve will be used with a canister of propellant gas, in a handheld consumer device, and needs to be small, lightweight, and low-cost. The size should be in the millimeter to...

In order to facilitate a more rapid and systematic transfer of new medical knowledge and capabilities into mainstream clinical practice, a new Medical Information Network Decision Support (MINDS) system has been proposed. This system is intended to be a platform for storing and fusing medical data...

As my post-show coverage of Design & Manufacturing Midwest winds down, the focus is on quality. A number of products were on display that promise to help engineers make the right design decisions, and then ensure that their products are top-notch. Autodesk showcased its Digital Prototyping solutions, including Moldflow Adviser and...

Due to the demand for more advanced and lightweight systems, multifunctional composite structures that can function as electrochemical energy converters, while bearing mechanical load, are in development. This research involves a materials-based approach in which each component of the system...

AGENTFLY software is part of a computer-based system technology that will enhance airspace operation, providing ever-increasing support to personnel without freeing them from the ultimate responsibility. AGENTFLY features distributed coordination mechanisms based on collective...

Future tactical networks will be complex, with severe constraints on energy and bandwidth, operating in dynamic and unpredictable environments. By exploiting the broadcast nature of the wireless medium and spatially dispersed nodes, some of these advantages can be realized through cooperation among...

Buildings and factories are a lot like living creatures. Their mechanical systems, from elevators to manufacturing equipment, are like muscles. Specialized fluids and life-giving utilities such as water, natural gas, steam, and electricity course through their structure. And they respond...

I met a lot of people at last week’s Design & Manufacturing Midwest show, and I saw a lot of innovative new products. I’ve had the chance to share with you what I saw last week from the show floor, and this week as we do a final wrap-up. What about you? If you were at D&M Midwest – or any of the five...

Given increased time-to-market pressures, design engineers are caught in a never-ending quest to streamline design and production processes. The challenges are formidable: proprietary or incompatible software, poor design tools, incomplete parts documentation, equipment issues - all can slow down prototyping and...

Last week’s Design & Manufacturing Midwest event in Rosemont, IL, was a hotbed for new product introductions to the industrial, medical, automation, assembly, and design areas. Here are more new products you should know about in case you missed the show. Optical Gaging Products introduced the Focus Lite 14”...

Will Robots Ever Replace People in Day-to-Day Life? This week’s question concerns robots. Scientists are saying that humanoid robots like those seen in the new movie "Surrogates" are not that far from reality. In the movie, realistic robots take the place of...

As attendees and exhibitors get back to business following last week’s Design & Manufacturing Midwest event, there are still a lot of things to talk about in my post-show blog this week. After sifting through stacks of new product sheets and press kits, I’ve found that one week was not enough to cover all the...