Tech Briefs

Materials & Manufacturing

Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on materials and manufacturing, from engineering experts at NASA and government, university, and commercial laboratories.

36,38
-1
960
30
Briefs: Test & Measurement
A wireless sensor small enough to be implanted in the blood vessels of the human brain could help clinicians evaluate the healing of aneurysms.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This cost-saving piping insulation has uses in refrigerated containers that protect food, medicine, and other perishables.
Feature Image
Briefs: Communications
The technology could enable remote control of drug delivery, sensing, and other medical applications.
Feature Image
Briefs: Aerospace
These materials can be used in aerospace vehicles, automobiles, clothing, helmets, and chemical sensors.
Feature Image
Briefs: Imaging
Using 3D components on a standardized 2D microchip manufacturing platform uses up to 100 times less chip space.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
These thin films hold great promise for solar cells and LEDs.
Feature Image
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Titanium-copper alloys for 3D printing could create high-performance alloys for medical device and aerospace applications.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
An engineered surface treatment can reduce waste and improve efficiency in many processes.
Feature Image
Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
This system protects workers on lightning and telecommunications towers, and on oil and gas platforms.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
Production Method for High-Performance Polymer
A new composite nanoparticle catalyst produces a polymer to make body armor and other high-performance fabrics.
Briefs: Materials
The coating can prevent the transfer of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and other bacteria in settings ranging from hospitals to kitchens.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
This framework can be used by commercial and military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Feature Image
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
3D Printing Technique Produces “Living” 4D Materials
3D/4D printing is merged with a chemical process to produce “living” resin, which has potential for recycling and biomedicine.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The functional transistors are integrated with ferroelectric RAM.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
This process turns carbon dioxide into carbon nanotubes with small diameters.
Feature Image
Briefs: Test & Measurement
This system autonomously prepares samples for online automated analysis.
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Bomb Detection Method Detects Peroxide-Based Explosives
The ultra-fast method analyzes a wider range of materials than current thermal-based detection systems.
Briefs: Aerospace
This rapid processing method produces stronger materials and heals lower-quality fibers.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This coating acts as a spontaneous air cooler and can be fabricated, dyed, and applied like paint.
Feature Image
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This innovation could lead to better drones, satellites, and biomedical devices.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Hybrid organic-inorganic materials transfer ultra-small, high-aspect-ratio features into silicon for next-generation electronic devices.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Filaments with embedded circuitry can be used to print complex shapes for biomedical and robotic devices.
Feature Image
Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
These materials may replace metals as lightweight, flexible heat dissipators in cars, computers, cellphones, and refrigerators.
Feature Image
Briefs: Materials
The flat structure morphs into another shape when temperature changes, enabling self-deploying tents or adaptive robotic fins.
Feature Image
Briefs: Imaging
The films could be used in impact-resistant glazing, windscreens, and displays.
Feature Image
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Equipment-free textile detectors could be used in public health, workplace safety, military, and rescue applications.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This technology could be used to create smartphones that don't scratch or shatter, metal-free pacemakers, and electronics for space and other harsh environments.
Feature Image
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The robot is built entirely from smaller robots and can form a robophysical system that can move by itself.
Feature Image
Briefs: Motion Control
Conventional fastening mechanisms like nails, bolts, and welds are subject to manufacturing and inspection tolerances, differential thermal growth, and other sources of error that lead to over-constraint, among other...
Feature Image

Videos