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New From the Fab Labs: Lightweight but Superstrong Parts
A rapid-manufacturing technique fabricates 3D-lattice structures that can replace solid metals and even encourages bone ingrowth in medical implants.
Here’s Help With Solar-Cell Manufacturing
Solar cell makers can now go to Dow Corning Corp.’s Solar
Solutions Application Center in Freeland, Mich., for help
with materials used in making solar panels.
Industry Focus: Medical -- Rethinking the Wheelchair
Using aerospace design and manufacturing techniques, a small company hopes to make it big in the wheelchair business.
Staying Out of Court
Want to avoid litigation over product design? Develop “hindsight in advance.”
Leland Teschler's Editorial: The Engineering “Extremist” Mindset
Do engineers have a “mindset” that makes them prone to become Islamic terrorists?
At the Top of Their Game
Engineers aspire to change the world with their work. Here are some who did.
Dream Jobs - Who’s Got Them and How to Get One
As part of our annual salary survey, readers tell us what the ideal career looks like.
Materials: Controversy Brewing Over PVC in Toys
Toy designers find themselves trying to get ahead of public opinion despite an ongoing scientific discussion of PVC toy safety issues.
Berke on Safety: The Case of the Flaming Hair Dryer
Hair-dryer users have reported fire shooting out of the handle or the snout end of their hair dryers.
Leland Teschler's Editorial: How Not to Make Engineering Appeal to Kids
Programs that introduce engineering to school children make headlines today.
The Bonded-On Bearing
They are good enough for NASCAR engines. Bonded bearing surfaces are coatings made from high-performance polymers reinforced with hard nanosized particles.
Is Mechatronics Simulation Ready for Machine Builders?
A new study, “System Design: New Product Development for Mechatronics,” implies it’s make-or-break time to get on board with design simulation tools.
Leland Teschler's Editorial: The wrong message for Engineering Week
Last month’s Engineering Week was supposed to be a grand attempt at encouraging students to pursue careers in technical fields.
Berke on Safety: Nonflammable Tape Burns for Lack of a Hazard Analysis
In response to market demand, a tape manufacturer modified its most popular electrical tape to make it fire retardant.
Stronger and Lighter — Composites Make Their Mark
Think carbon-reinforcedepoxy composites are strictly for aerospace and sporting goods? These materials are surprisingly versatile and can solve a variety of weight and structural problems.
Leland Teschler's Editorial: Want to Compete Globally? Education isn’t Enough
You may not know Vivek Wadhwa, but you probably have heard about some of his research.
Berke On Safety: The Forgotten Part Of Design
I work with an ergonomics expert who has a Ph.D. in
experimental psychology and 20-years experience in
human factors.
Where Reticulated Polyurethane Foam’s a Fit
Reticulated polyurethane foam is more than just a synthetic sponge. It can stop explosions, carry catalysts, and keep static from killing circuits.
Leland Teschler's Editorial: Automakers are Now Officially in the Green Camp
Those of us who have attended the big Detroit auto show a few times have come to know the drill characterizing the typical introduction of a new model to the press.
Industrial Design: Research is More Than Asking, “What color do you like?”
The goal of research among users is to identify opportunities for innovation.
Materials Engineering: TPE-Sheathed Sensors Improve Pedestrian Safety
A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is the outer skin of a sensor strip that will help protect pedestrians if they step into the path of a moving car.
Scanning for Ideas: A Blender in a Bottle Cap
Some beverages just taste better if the ingredients are mixed in just before serving.
New Life for Shredded Plastic Waste
Advanced recycling processes help return shredded plastic scrap into regenerated plastics with properties nearly equaling those of the original material.