MAKIBOX A6 AIMS TO BRING AFFORDABLE 3D PRINTING TO THE DESKTOP
Randolph Jonsson, gizmag, March 5, 2012
The price of desktop 3D printers has been falling, but the new MakiBox seems to be the least expensive yet, probably coming on the market at around $300 US. The 280 mm x 210 mm x 210 mm (11 x 8.27 x 8.27 in) self-contained MakiBox has a footprint about the size of a piece of standard letter paper, yet can build objects up to 150 mm x 110 mm x 110 mm (5.9 x 4.3 x 4.3 in) in size - about a quarter of the printer's overall volume.  The printer uses PLA (Poly(lactic acid) or polylactide). PLA, a relatively inexpensive plastic, is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources.
>Read more: http://www.gizmag.com
>Keywords: Desktop 3D Printing

NEW TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS FOR HIGH-SPEED 3D PRINTING OF TINY OBJECTS
Gizmag, March 12, 2012
Scientists at the Vienna University of Technology have now built a 3D printer that can create intricate objects as small as a grain of sand. According to the researchers, this makes the commercial production of things such as medical implants much more viable. The printer uses an existing process called "two-photon lithography," and utilizes a special type of liquid resin. That resin contains molecules which cause the liquid around them to harden into a polymer once they're exposed to laser light. In order to be activated, however, they must absorb two photons of that light at once.
>Read more: http://www.gizmag.com
>Keywords: 3D Printing, Two-photon lithography

PRINTING MUSCLE
Lauren Gravitz, Technology Review, March/April 2012
Not only can additive manufacturing create 3D objects out of plastics, metals, and ceramic; it can manufacture human skin, blood vessels, and now muscle.
>Read more: http://www.technologyreview.com
>Keywords: Additive manufacturing, biomedical

WELDING ROBOTS
Deanna Postletwaite, Light Out Manufacturing, January/February 2012
Automation is now a matter of survival, not only for large manufacturers with high volumes, but also for the small shop, where automation might actually keep them in business.  This article dispels some of the myths surrounding robotics and helps to walk a buyer through the process of evaluation and cost justification.
>Read more: http://www.nxtbook.com
>Keywords: Robotic welding

THE ADVANTAGES OF STRUCTURAL THERMOSETS
L. Landis, Machine Design, March 8, 2012
Structural thermosets are an attractive alternative to metals and thermoplastics, thanks to excellent physical properties and surface appearance.   Structural-thermoset sheet-molding compound (SMC) and bulk-molding compound (BMC) help manufacturers address demands for strength, light weight, and durability in parts from car-body panels to electrical enclosures to sporting goods.
>Read more: http://machinedesign.com
>Keywords: Structural thermosets

BIOENGINEERS DEVELOP SMART, SELF-HEALING HYDROGEL
Ben Coxworth, gizmag, March 7, 2012
Velcro is pretty handy stuff; but imagine if there was a soft, stretchy material with the same qualities.  Scientists from the University of California, San Diego have created a self-healing hydrogel that binds together in seconds, essentially copying the Velcro process at a molecular level. The new material could potentially find use in medical sutures, targeted drug delivery, industrial sealants and self-healing plastics.
>Read more: http://www.gizmag.com
>Keywords: Hydrogel, Bonding

IMPROVED BIODEGRADABILITY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MODIFIED STARCH BLENDS
Huliang Gao, et al., Plastics Research Online, March 1, 2012
Biodegradable polymers are seen as the best substitute for traditional petroleum-based polymers and the most effective way to control excessive nondegradable plastic. One of the most typical and representative polymers, poly(lactic acid) (PLA), has attracted wide attention. PLA is constructed from lactic acid molecule monomers by either chemical synthesis or biofermentation. Because monomers are reproducible, PLA has seen sustained use.  The high price, due to processing and raw materials, is reduced in this research by using starch as a filler.
>Read more: http://www.4spepro.org
>Keywords: Biodegradable polymers, Polylactic Acid (PLA)

MULTIFUNCTION COATINGS APPLY HARSH ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Ann Thryft, Design News, March 5, 2012
Traditionally, a zinc-rich primer coat is used to protect metal from corrosion, followed with several other protective coatings.  It’s possible to cut down the number of coatings and get the same level of protection for less labor cost and downtime. Siloxane-based coatings have superior weather and chemical resistance. The same zinc-rich primer is covered by a silicone acrylic or silicone epoxy topcoat. These are being used on offshore oil platforms, wind farms, radio towers, transmission lines, and anywhere steel is outside.
>Read more: http://www.designnews.com
>Keywords: Siloxane-based coatings

WORKING WITH COLOR CONCENTRATES
Michael Sepe, Plastics Technology, February 2012 and March 2012
Because the consumer sees so many colored plastic articles, it is natural to assume that the process of achieving molded-in color is a simple one. Those in the industry know differently. One of the big advantages that plastics have over metals is the option of providing molded-in color. While many large parts are still painted in order to achieve the desired aesthetics, even in these cases the eventual goal is the elimination of the paint line in favor of color that is incorporated directly into the base polymer. Selecting a colorant system must take into account chemical compatibility with the base resin, the ability to achieve a suitable color match with a standard, surviving the stresses and temperatures of the fabrication process, and providing durability in the colorant system to match the life of the product while at the same time meeting cost constraints.  Perhaps the greatest difficulty involving the use of color concentrates is specifying them appropriately for the material to which they are being added.  This is a two-part article.
>Read more: Part 1: http://www.ptonline.com
>Read more: Part 2: http://www.ptonline.com
>Keywords: Plastics, Color concentrates

DEVELOPING LEAN TALENT: HOW TO BUILD STRATEGIC SKILL-SETS FOR THE LONG TERM
Productivity Inc., 2012
A recent study by executive search firm The Avery Point Group revealed that demand for continuous improvement (CI) talent is strong post-recession; it has more than doubled since 2010 and is up over last year. Of particular interest to the lean community, this eighth annual study also showed that the need for lean-centered skill-sets is accelerating, surpassing that for six-sigma-centered expertise In fact, lean skills are preferred by a margin approaching 70 percent. This white paper outlines how companies can take a more strategic approach to acquire the right talent and skill-sets.
>Read more: http://www.productivityinc.com
>Keywords: Lean talent and skills, Hiring

HOW TO IMPROVE ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Frank Koditek, Manufacturing Automation, March/April 2012
Industry accounts for more than 40 percent of the world's energy consumption.  More than 65 percent of that consumption is from electric motor driven systems.  Companies can realize significant industrial energy savings by looking at variable frequency drives for motor control.
>Read more: http://www.automationmag.com
>Keywords: Energy savings, Variable frequency drives

VIEWPOINT: CREATIVITY DOES NOT EQUAL INNOVATION
Robert Brands, IndustryWeek, March 29, 2012
Innovation and creativity are words that are at times used interchangeably in the R&D process, but they have two distinct meanings. Don’t confuse the two: While creativity is about coming up with the big idea; innovation is about executing the idea and making it a business success.  This article provides tips and steps to making creativity and innovation part of your company strategy.
>Read more: http://industryweek.com
>Keywords: Innovation strategy, Creativity

LINK YOUR CAD/CAM SYSTEM TO CNC PUNCHING MACHINES
James Lindsey, MetalForming, February 2012
Adding new equipment may increase productivity, but it may not be enough if you're still programming the machine with outdated or original OEM software.  Recent advances in software make it possible to automate the steps required to develop part designs and generate the required NC coding for plasma- and laser-cutting machines as well as CNC punch presses. Start with MRP then CAD then tooling.
>Read more: http://www.metalformingmagazine.com
>Keywords: CAD/CAM, Laser- Plasma-cutting, CNC Punching

A MOBILE CAD REALITY CHECK
Robert Green, Cadalyst, February 22, 2012
There's an app for this…there's an app for that. So much buzz over mobile computing.  But how is it for CAD applications?  In this first part of two, this article focuses on mobile CAD from the CAD manager's perspective:  what is is; what it isn't; what are the benefits and limitations.
>Read more: http://www.cadalyst.com
>Keywords: Mobile computing, CAD

A MOBILE CAD REALITY CHECK: PART 2
Robert Green, Cadalyst, March 14, 2012
In this part of the two-part article, the author asserts that smart phones and tablets won't take the place of your workstation, but they can make field operations more efficient.  Factors such as interface size, input difficulty, and lack of OS support are just a handful of issues that will not have you replacing your desktop CAD system with a tablet any time soon.  But there are some tasks that would make mobile computing an asset and the time to start looking at this technology is now.
>Read more: http://www.cadalyst.com
>Keywords: Mobile computing, CAD

VIEWPOINT: COULD CRASH MODELING HAVE SAVED THE CONCORDIA?
Robert Yancey, Cadalyst MCAD Tech News, March 8, 2012
Could the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster have been prevented? Event simulation helps automobile manufacturers design safer vehicles — and it can do the same for shipbuilders.  In simulation modeling, engineers use a digital design of a vehicle to generate a simulation model that represents all of the key elements of the design, including material properties, mass properties, occupant models, and the impact event (e.g., side impact, frontal offset, etc.). Engineers have been working for years to correlate these simulation models with real-world test results. The result is that modern simulation models correlate very well with physical test data in regard to the deformation of the vehicle, the energy absorption of the vehicle, and — most importantly — the effects on the passengers.  Could ship design work the same way?
>Read more: http://www.cadalyst.com
>Keywords: Crash modeling and simulation

WHAT'S HOT IN CAD
Leslie Gordon, Machine Design, March 8, 2012
This CAD technology guide features reviews of synchronous technology and Solid Edge 3D CAD; learning 3D modeling with free PolyPlane videos; and 3D simulation software that helps building a BC company's amphibious vehicle for the most demanding locations.
>Read more: http://machinedesign.com
>Keywords: CAD, 3D modeling, Simulation

CASE IH TAKES TELEMATICS TO THE FIELD
Off-Highway Engineering, February 21, 2012
Starting this spring, dealers will begin retrofitting AFS Connect Manager and AFS Connect Executive packages on fleets of both Case IH and competitive equipment as part of its commercial introduction of Case IH telematics technology to the agriculture industry. AFS Connect uses a combination of Global Positioning System and cellular technology to link equipment and the farm office wirelessly in real time. AFS Connect provides immediate information to aid in fleet management, performance analysis, remote file management, and even supports two-way messaging, among other key features.
>Read more: http://www.sae.org
>Keywords: Remote equipment management

ETHERNET INSIDE THE INTELLIGENT DEVICE
Jessica Forguites, Automation.com, February 2012
To help information flow freely and securely throughout the enterprise, more manufacturers are turning to EtherNet/IP to create a unified network architecture – a step that is arming everyone from operators to executives with the real-time insight they need to make better business decisions.  With wide adoption of EtherNet/IP on the plant floor and additional applications now utilizing Ethernet technology – including safety, I/O, motion and drives – IP traffic has increased significantly. One of the ways leading suppliers are helping customers to simplify the design and deployment of EtherNet/IP networks is by designing products with embedded Ethernet switch technology.
>Read more: http://tinyurl.com
>Keywords: Ethernet/IP, Embedded switches

MAKING MOBILE DEVICES SMARTER
Andrew C. Ross, Manufacturing Business Technology, March 1, 2012
Have you noticed that you can't connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer -- or anything else for that matter? Tablets and smartphones have limited wired connectivity of any kind, largely relying upon wireless communications for their interaction with the rest of the world. They’re wonderful devices, but they’re not natively designed to interact with serial equipment.  Manufacturers, suppliers, and integrators of machine-to-machine equipment — as well as their customers — have a continuing need for serial communications.   Here's what you can do about it.
>Read more: http://www.mbtmag.com
>Keywords: Mobile computing, Machine-to-machine connectivity

WIRELESS SENSORS ARE MAKING AUTOMATION MORE INTELLIGENT
Al Presher, Design News, March 13, 2012
The combination of more powerful processors, networking connectivity, and the data-driven needs of factory automation is pushing the evolution of sensors used for industrial control.  The key trend for sensors at the technology level begins with increased embedded intelligence leading to changes in the architecture of how systems are developed.  Some of the issues include the usual security questions and need for battery-powered versus externally powered devices.  Having intelligent sensors that communicate based on the value of the data will assist with the power issue as well as lending itself to smarter network capabilities with devices and equipment all over the factory.
>Read more: http://www.designnews.com
>Keywords: Wireless sensors

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