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| Advanced
Manufacturing Processes |
CUSTOM CUPBOARDS
GOES ROBOTIC
Wood & Wood Products, August 2010
Custom Cupboards in Wichita, Kansas is the first cabinetmaker in the U.S. to
use robotics in conjunction with bar coding and RFID technology in the production
process. The company manufactures a full array of cabinetry, from builders lines
to full custom, using technology and lean manufacturing to keep it all managed.
> Read more: http://woodworkingnetwork.com
> Keywords: Robotic cells, RFID, Bar codes, Lean manufacturing
MACHINING SMALL PARTS
P. Waurzyniak, Medical Manufacturing 2010 - Supplement to
Manufacturing Engineering
Specialized microtools machine tiny parts for medical, die/mold,
aerospace, and electronics. Microtools are predominantly made
of carbide and used for inserts in turning applications. Microsized
drills, end mills, and boring bars are also available. Microtools
are considered to be 2-mm diam or smaller.
> Contact the ITC Library to obtain this article.
> Keywords: Micromachining,
Microtools
METROLOGY WITH WHITE LIGHT
B. Morey, Manufacturing Engineering, July 2010
White-light metrology is a non-contact method that uses a familiar,
safe, white-light source to measure products ranging from airplanes
to contact lenses. Structured white-light systems project shadows
of lines from a 2D lens onto a 3D surface. Cameras view distortions
of these 2D lines on 3D objects and then apply sophisticated math
to provide point clouds.
> Read
more: http://www.sme.org/cgi-bin/find-articles.pl?&ME10ART27&ME&20100701&&SME&#article
> Keywords: White-light
metrology, Measurement & inspections
MODULAR, FLEXIBLE CONVEYORS: SUSTAINABILITY AND TOTAL COST
OF OWNERSHIP
A. Defayette, Metalforming, June 2010
Just-in-time production and delivery of smaller packages with fewer
parts are driving the need for speed and flexibility in conveying
systems and packaging systems. New choices in modular plastic-chain
conveyors can help small to medium-sized suppliers of metal parts
and assemblies create sustainable packaging systems with lower cost
and greater flexibility.
> Read
more: http://archive.metalformingmagazine.com/2010/06/ModularFlexibleConveyors.pdf
> Keywords: Conveyors
SEEING CLEARLY THAT AUTOMATION WORKS
Manufacturing Business Technology, August 11, 2010
It is difficult to automate the loading of bottles into transparent
cartons because of the need to orient the bottles so that the right
part of the label is visible. This company had tried numerous
vision sensors until they found the right one, in which the cartoner
orients the bottles by simultaneously spinning 14 bottles while the
vision sensors send a signal to stop spinning each individual bottle
as soon as it sees a letter that indicates the label is in the correct
position.
> Read
more: http://www.mbtmag.com/Content.aspx?id=811
> Keywords: Machine
vision, Automation
TECHNOLOGY SHAPES SHOP AMBITIONS
J. Lorincz, Manufacturing Engineering, July 2010
Technology advances in machining centers -- horizontal, vertical,
and universal--have been coming fast and furious. With controls,
cutting tools, and automating equipment, the reach of the machining
center has been extended for one-off contract manufacturing or for
production-oriented OEMs. Challenges come from diverse applications,
such as aerospace, medical, and energy fields; and, in larger and
larger workpieces made from the toughest of materials or from small,
delicate pieces. Technical innovation is required for assessing a
machine's ability to do the job.
> Read
more: http://www.sme.org/cgi-bin/find-articles.pl?&ME10ART26&ME&20100701&&SME&#article
> Keywords: Machining
centers and cells
WHAT IS ABRASIVE MACHINING?
S. Salmon, Manufacturing Engineering, February 2010
Abrasive machining is not precision grinding. Abrasive machining
generates high stock removal. It can take the place of large-chip
machining processes like milling, planing, broaching, and turning,
with better surface finish and precision.
> Read
more: http://www.sme.org/cgi-bin/find-articles.pl?&ME10ART7&ME&20100201&&SME&#article
> Keywords: Abrasive
machining, Precision machining
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| Advanced
Materials |
ADHESIVES
TARGET HARD-TO-BOND PLASTICS
Christine Marotta, et al., Design News, July 20, 2010
Many modern plastics used for medical and other applications are formulated specifically
for their resistance to specific chemical and environmental conditions. As a
result, these substrates also tend to be difficult to chemically bond, yet it
remains the preferred joining method, particularly when dissimilar substrates
are involved and/or solvent welding or mechanical fastening is not desired. Advances
in adhesive chemistries and surface preparation techniques have given us the
tools we need to achieve strong bonds to even the most difficult to bond polymer
substrates. This article reviews the materials, preparation, and the few
industrial adhesives that offer consistently high bond strengths.
> Read
more: http://www.designnews.com/article/509851-Adhesives_Target_Hard_to_Bond_Plastics.php
> Keywords: Plastics
adhesives
CUSTOM ELASTOMER CONFORMS TO RUNNER'S GAIT
Doug Smock, Design News, August 9, 2010
Here's a great example of the use of multiple advanced manufacturing
technologies and materials with the outcome of a successful product. New
materials, prototyping and imaging technologies are raising the bar
for running shoe design for the Brooks DNA shoe. A patented
new cushioning system is adaptable to different energy inputs, such
as the varying size and weight of individuals. One of Brooks'
suppliers developed a unique custom alloy described as a non-linearly
viscous material, a SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene) block
copolymer-based material that includes proprietary additives. The
material's resiliency is a function of the level of impact to the
material. Brooks also had several environmental mandates for
the new material. They used rapid prototyping on shoe and
part design to match as closely as possible the pressure pattern
that is generated by a runner going through a gait cycle. A 3D printer
was used for visual prototypes. 3D imaging was used to capture details
of how the body moves in three dimensions.
> Read
more: http://www.designnews.com
> Keywords: Custom
polymer elastomers, 3D imaging, 3D printing
INTERIOR INNOVATION: THE VALUE PROPOSITION
P. Malnati, Composites Technology, August 2010
OEMs and Tier suppliers ware asking materials and molding processors
to go "green" and reduce costs. One way to reduce
costs, of course, is through reducing the curb weight of the vehicle
in order to boost fuel economy. Reinforced plastics are
one way to accomplish this. Bio-based monomers and natural-fiber
reinforcements are "green" materials that help achieve
requirements for less weight, cost, and carbon footprint.
> Read
more: http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/interior-innovation-the-value-proposition
> Keywords: Green
materials, Composites, Vehicle interiors
RECENT TRENDS IN POROUS SOUND-ABSORBING MATERIALS
J. Arenas, et al., Sound & Vibration, July 2010
Trying to control the noise in your equipment or vehicles? Sound-absorbing
materials absorb most of the sound energy striking them, making them
very useful for the control of noise. A wide range of sound-absorbing
materials exist. Health concerns over asbestos and environmental
concerns over synthetics have led consumers to favor environmentally
friendly or "green" materials. This article discusses
fibrous materials; advanced metal, ceramic and gel foams; asphalt;
micro-perforated panels; and, smart materials.
> Read
more: http://www.sandv.com/home.htm
> Keywords: Noise
and vibration, Materials
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| Advanced
Practices |
BOOTCAMP
FOR ENTREPRENEURS
A. Brown, Mechanical Engineering, August 2010
The article is not about your average entrepreneur. It shares a concept
that came out of the trials and troubles of Lucent Technologies' once thriving
business. Recognizing an innovation gap within the company, Lucent conducted
a root cause analysis on its lack of new technology business. They discovered
they did not need new ideas -- they needed new businesses based on innovative
products or new applications of established technologies. They required
big ideas to generate big money in 3-5 years. More than submitting ideas
through a company web site, Lucent invited employees to participate and make
a commitment large enough to transform ideas into solid business plans. Thus
was born the Entrepreneurial Boot Camp
> Read
more: http://memagazine.asme.org/Articles/2010/August/Boot_Camp_Entrepreneurs.cfm
> Keywords: Technology
innovation, Idea generation
COMMUNICATING LEAN WITH CUSTOMERS
J. Revelle, Industrial Engineer, August 2010
Everyone has customers. Accurate and timely communication
with customers is extremely important, whether it is a product or
a service you are providing. This article focuses on how to
communicate with your customers and how to tailor communications
to ensure your customer become and remain happy.
> Contact the ITC Library to obtain this article.
> Keywords: Customer
communication
HOW DO APPLE, FORD, AND MICROSOFT SURVIVE IN THE NEW ECONOMY
WHILE OTHERS CRASH?
Robert Brands, IndustryWeek, August 10, 2010
The equation is simple: innovate or perish. At every major
historical crossroads for companies, innovation has been the driving
force behind the companies that made it through the bad times. Building "sustainable" innovation
-- not just the one BIG idea -- is important. This author provides
10 key imperatives to creation of a successful, lasting innovation
strategy.
> Read
more: http://www.industryweek.com
> Keywords: Innovation,
Company survival
INDUSTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
P. Ball, Engineering & Technology, August 7-September
10, 2010
What is sustainable manufacturing? How are manufacturers approaching
it? Here are some practices that you can copy and try out to
satisfy your customers and save your company money.
> Read
more: http://kn.theiet.org/magazine/issues/1012/sustainable-manufacturing-1012.cfm
> Keywords: Sustainable
manufacturing
|
| Design,
Modeling and Simulation |
CAD/CAM SOFTWARE
DRIVES INNOVATION
P. Waurzyniak, Manufacturing Engineering, February 2010
The latest CAD/CAM and simulation software systems for cutting-edge tools can
help companies emerging from the economic challenges and improve productivity. The
latest CAD/CAM packages include new features, such as parallel processing techniques,
better simulation, and support for complex machining on newer multitasking machine
tools.
> Read
more: http://www.sme.org/cgi-bin/find-articles.pl?&ME10ART5&ME&20100201&&SME&#article
> Keywords: CAD/CAM,
Simulation, Software applications
CFD SOFTWARE HELPS BUILD A BETTER WIND TURBINE
Leslie Gordon, Machine Design, August 12, 2010
Simulations with computational fluid dynamics are used to show aerodynamic
and loading effects on everything from a single turbine to complete
wind farms. The obvious goal is to extract the maximum amount
of energy in the widest range of conditions at the least cost. As
with any product, but particularly in this case, fixing design issues
after production and installation is -- well, almost impossible and
very “large” error in judgment.
> Read
more: http://machinedesign.com
> Keywords: Computational
fluid dynamics (CFD)
FEA FOR METALFORMING
J. Walters, M. Foster, Machine Design, July 8, 2010
Precision metalforming processes involve complex and strong interactions
between the workpiece (material and shape) and forming equipment,
as well as lubrication, temperature, and other manufacturing conditions.
Until now has been the wide gap between the designer’s concept
of a progression and actual shop trials. Fortunately, simulation
software can help close this gap and build better designs.
> Read
more: http://machinedesign.com/article/fea-for-metalforming-0707
> Keywords: Finite
element analysis, Metalforming
|
| Information
Communication Technologies & Mechatronics |
CLOUD'S CAVEATS
J. Hayes, Engineering & Technology, August 7-September 10, 2010
If you are not an IT person, you may not fully understand what cloud computing
is all about. Is it really a technical term or more of a marketing buzz
phrase? And, according to some IT professionals, it's not really
anything new. Is there a silver lining? Are there risks? This article outlines
some concerns to be aware of.
> Read
more: http://kn.theiet.org/magazine/issues/1012/cloud-computing-1012.cfm
> Keywords: Cloud
computing
ENGINEERING APPS COME TO THE iPHONE
L. Gordon, Machine Design, August 12, 2010
Think iPhones are just a fad for the young texting and gaming generation? Machine
Design's editor begs to differ. The iPhone also happens to
be a pretty useful engineering tool; and, as with all iPhone apps,
there are more engineering apps every day. The favorites include
apps for energy calculation, niche engineering job search, V-belt
efficiency calculator, engineering tools and conversions, and WolframAlpha.
> Read
more: http://machinedesign.com/article/engineering-apps-come-to-the-iphone-0706
> Keywords: iPhone
engineering applications
INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET APPLICATIONS EXPAND
Al Presher, Design News, July 30, 2010
Industrial Ethernet application had its beginnings as a standard
platform on which to deploy industrial protocols for machine and
system connectivity. Recent advances include application profiles
to manage energy use, greater interoperability with wired and wireless
devices, and multiple topology options.
> Read
more: http://www.designnews.com/article/509976-Industrial_Ethernet_Applications_Expand.php
> Keywords: Industrial
networks, Ethernet, Motion control
THE INSIDE STORY ON MOBILITY
A. Selko, IndustryWeek, August 2010, p. 40
Mobility (i.e, mobile communications) inside the manufacturing plant
can take many forms: asset tracking, maintenance and safety, executive
dashboards for performance visibility. Mobile communications
are enabling technologies that support real-time intelligence and
rapid decision-making, resulting in increased efficiencies and improved
processes. Adoption of mobile technologies requires minimal
training because they are already in use in the personal lives of
many.
> Read
more: http://www.industryweek.com/articles/the_inside_story_on_mobility_22268.aspx
> Keywords: Mobile
devices, Wireless communications
KANBAN LINKS WITH ERP
N. Stapinsky, Plant, June 2010, p. 9
Kanban has come a long way from the manual card system to the integration
of RFID for tracking. But how do you connect the electronic
kanban system talking to the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system? Seeburger
has come up with an end-to-end solution that combines hands-free
RFID consumption monitoring, ERP calculation of inventory based on
production, and an electronic data interchange (EDI) for production
line and inventory replenishments.
> Read
more: http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com
> Keywords: Kanban,
RFID, ERP, Communications
RFID TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION (Short Video)
RFID Network
Here's a look inside an aerospace and defense manufacturing facility
to see how RFID technology is used to build unmanned aerial vehicles
and guided missiles. As the narrator in the video states, these types
of cutting-edge manufacturing enterprises have extremely high-tech
facilities that design and produce sophisticated electronic components
used in a variety of military and commercial systems.
> Read
more: http://www.mbtmag.com/Content.aspx?id=756
> Keywords: RFID
WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? (Short Video)
A recent development in the field of human-machine interfaces is
the creation of a headset that takes input directly from a human
brain and uses it to control virtual objects or physical electronics. Tan
Le, head of Emotiv Systems, discusses the groundbreaking new technology
in this video. In addition to the fantasy gaming world,
human-machine interfaces are predicted to be useful in real-life
applications such as in smart homes and electric wheelchairs and
other helping devices.
> Read
more: http://www.mbtmag.com/Content.aspx?id=767
> Keywords: Human-machine
interface
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