Materials

Materials underlie every aspect of design. Browse material processes, properties and applications in these articles.

Sustainable Engineering addresses technology applied to saving energy, alternative materials, and nontraditional energy sources.

EDITORS' PICKS

Steel is up to the AUTOMOTIVE CHALLENGE
There’s a reason steel has remained the dominant material used in cars and light trucks. The same reasons will let steel survive the CAFE crunch of higher fuel economy

Enhancing Material Handling Equipment Operational Reliability Using Non-Contacting Rotary Position Sensors

Learn the advantages of using non-contacting magnetic sensors to improve the design of variable control functionality in various types of equipment used for material equipment...
Structural Thermoset Compounds: Technology and Applications

Learn how hybrid resins and glass reinforcement strategies used for molding compounds are specifically designed for high-performance industrial applications...
Steel is up to the AUTOMOTIVE CHALLENGE

There’s a reason steel has remained the dominant material used in cars and light trucks. The same reasons will let steel survive the CAFE crunch of higher fuel economy
3D printing merges with printed electronics

An UAV wing was made using FDM and conformal electronics.
Material helps build a lightweight train

A new polyurethane-based sandwich material allows the building of more lightweight trains.

Plastic Nuts become a hot topic

High duty cycles and temperatures were once the realm only of ball screws. No more.
Fundamentals Of Ultrasonic plastic welding

12

An understanding of ultrasonic welders helps designers apply this assembly method efficiently.
Smart ways to design with Aluminum Extrusions

1

Incomplete knowledge about suitable alloys can trip up designers shaping parts.
Comparing Brass Versus Stainless Steel Threaded Inserts

Brass is often a better choice than stainless steel for threaded inserts.
Manufacturing is a high note for aluminum guitar maker

10

Normandy envisioned the guitar having front and back panels, internal supports, and an edge piece.