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3M highlights major global trends in materials science and charts its own way ahead

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3M Forward is a program that highlights how materials science-based innovation at scale can help society progress amid three unstoppable forces shaping our planet: climate change and resource scarcity, shifting demographics and social change and convergence of the physical and digital worlds. As part of 3M Forward, 3M scientists, engineers and experts share how their solutions are helping to build a brighter future.

Mark Copman, 3M senior vice president, new growth ventures, says: “The global forces highlighted within 3M Forward are disruptive in nature, but we see them as catalysts for new advances in science and positive societal impact.

“Science has the potential to solve the toughest global challenges, and 3M’s diverse global portfolio and vast expertise make us optimally positioned to imagine what’s possible and build what’s next.”  [Read more…] about 3M highlights major global trends in materials science and charts its own way ahead

Construction robotics startup Canvas partners with USG to ‘transform drywall industry’

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Canvas, a construction robotics startup, has agreed a strategic partnership with USG, the inventor of drywall and many industry-changing construction materials, including Sheetrock brand All Purpose, Plus 3, and other surface finishing products.

The partnership leverages two major technical advances: onsite robotics from Canvas and advanced building materials expertise from USG.

These organizations joined forces to collectively innovate and address chronic labor shortages, schedule and budget overruns, quality inconsistencies, and productivity and safety issues that have continuously challenged the drywall industry. [Read more…] about Construction robotics startup Canvas partners with USG to ‘transform drywall industry’

Generative design: nTopology blazing a trail through 3D printing world

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One of the most impressive features of the nTopology design application is that it requires substantially less computing power. According to the company’s – and its partners’ – calculations, file sizes can be 99 percent smaller compared with traditional 3D design software. 

Traditional, long-established software for 3D design tends to be very memory-hungry and can seriously stress out processors. nTop, on the other hand, can provide the same functionality if used on a laptop as traditional 3D design applications would if run on a supercomputer – because nTop was specifically designed for today’s 3D printing and design requirements.

The way nTop does this is difficult to explain for a non-technical journalist, but essentially, the nTop software does away with such things as extrusion, which is a fundamental concept and requirement in traditional 3D design applications. [Read more…] about Generative design: nTopology blazing a trail through 3D printing world

MIT scientists find new way to help robots handle fluids

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Researchers create new simulation tool for robots to manipulate complex fluids in a step towards helping robots more effortlessly assist with daily tasks that deal with liquids

Imagine you’re enjoying a picnic by a riverbank on a windy day. (Why you chose to do this on a windy day was your own poor decision).

A gust of wind accidentally catches your paper napkin and lands on the water’s surface, quickly drifting away from you. You grab a nearby stick and carefully agitate the water to retrieve it, creating a series of small waves.

These waves eventually push the napkin back towards the shore, so you grab it. In this scenario, the water acts as a medium for transmitting forces, enabling you to manipulate the position of the napkin without direct contact. [Read more…] about MIT scientists find new way to help robots handle fluids

Soft robotics and new materials will have the biggest impact on industry, says Protolabs report

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A new Protolabs report reveals that almost one third (32 percent) of robotics industry experts believe that soft robotics and new materials will have the biggest impact on how robotics manufacturing will develop in the next five years.

Meanwhile, more than one quarter (29 percent) see the material supply chain as the most serious barrier to progress.

Sustainability and speed were highlighted as important factors for innovation and product development in fresh applications. [Read more…] about Soft robotics and new materials will have the biggest impact on industry, says Protolabs report

The Synergy of Advanced Ceramics and Industrial Robotics and Automation

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Welcome to a groundbreaking exploration at the intersection of advanced ceramics and industrial robotics and automation.

In this article, we embark on a journey that unveils the remarkable synergy between these two fields and how their integration is reshaping manufacturing processes and driving innovation.

By combining the exceptional properties of advanced ceramics with the precision and efficiency of robotics and automation, industries are experiencing unprecedented advancements. So, let’s delve into this transformative partnership and discover the potential it holds for the future of manufacturing. [Read more…] about The Synergy of Advanced Ceramics and Industrial Robotics and Automation

How Strong is Ultrasonic Welding?

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Ultrasonic welding is a process that uses high-frequency vibrations and pressure to join two materials together. This type of welding creates localized heat at the interface of the materials, which melts the materials and forms a strong bond.

The resulting joint is robust and can be used in various applications; from consumer products to aerospace components. Ultrasonic welding is known for its speed, efficiency, and ability to join a wide range of materials.

Although it requires specialized equipment and careful material preparation, many manufacturers find it valuable in their operations. [Read more…] about How Strong is Ultrasonic Welding?

National Science Foundation awards Michael Bartlett $590,600 to study soft composite manufacturing

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Michael Bartlett, an assistant professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been granted a $590,600 National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award to research and understand new strategies for manufacturing liquid metal-based soft composites.

These functional composites are deformable robust materials that could be used to make robots and electronics that are soft, stretchable, and compatible for skin-like wearable devices.

The CAREER award is the foundation’s most prestigious award for early career faculty, encouraging them to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their organizations. [Read more…] about National Science Foundation awards Michael Bartlett $590,600 to study soft composite manufacturing

DoE offering $30 million for new materials and manufacturing to lower cost of large wind turbines

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The US Department of Energy has announced a $30 million funding opportunity to advance the cost-effective domestic manufacturing of materials, including lightweight composites, that allow wind turbines to produce power more efficiently.

Because wind energy is the largest source of renewable power in the United States and one of the most affordable sources of energy today, it is a critical tool for reducing our reliance on fossil energy, and next-generation technologies and manufacturing improvements will help bring down costs even more.

The improved materials and manufacturing processes envisioned under this funding opportunity have the potential to reduce wind energy costs and expand the deployment of the nation’s wind energy portfolio in support of President Biden’s goals to reach 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 and a net-zero-emissions economy by 2050. [Read more…] about DoE offering $30 million for new materials and manufacturing to lower cost of large wind turbines

Beyond Lithium: Scientists discover a promising cathode material for magnesium rechargeable batteries

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Scientists discover the optimal composition for a magnesium secondary battery cathode to achieve better cyclability and high battery capacity

Magnesium is a promising candidate as an energy carrier for next-generation batteries. However, the cycling performance and capacity of magnesium batteries need to improve if they are to replace lithium-ion batteries.

To this end, a research team focused on a novel cathode material with a spinel structure, Mg1.33V1.67−xMnxO4.

Following extensive characterization and electrochemical performance experiments, they have found a specific composition that could open doors to high-performance magnesium rechargeable batteries. [Read more…] about Beyond Lithium: Scientists discover a promising cathode material for magnesium rechargeable batteries