Materials & Manufacturing

Manufacturing & Prototyping

Explore innovations supporting advances in manufacturing and rapid prototyping. Access the developments and solutions that have an impact on applications in 3D printing and automation.

Stories

NASA Spinoff: Unmanned Systems

Astronaut Experience Inspires Single-Handed Drone Flight Controller

The interface enables one person to accomplish tasks that previously required two sets of hands.

Briefs: Imaging

Quantum-Dot Infrared Cameras for Electronics and Self-Driving Cars

The inexpensive cameras are easy to produce.

Briefs: Medical

Heated Facemask Filters and Inactivates Coronaviruses

The reusable mask would include a heated copper mesh powered by a battery and surrounded by insulating neoprene.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Transport of Mechanical Energy, Even Through Damaged Pathways

This work could lead to much more robust devices that continue to operate in spite of damage.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Biodegradable Displays for Sustainable Electronics

Thanks to its flexibility and adhesion, the biodegradable display can be worn directly on the hand.

Briefs: Software

Software Improves Accuracy of 3D-Printed Parts

The software could help reduce cost and waste for companies using additive manufacturing to mass-produce parts in factories.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Large Integrated Circuits Produced in a Printing Press

Complete integrated circuits with more than 1,000 organic electrochemical transistors can be screen-printed.

Application Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Next-Generation MEMS Multi-Gas Sensing

The MPS Flammable Gas Sensor can detect and identify the concentrations of 12 of the most common combustible gases,

Products: Data Acquisition

New Products

High-precision medical sensors, battery-cell mappers, signal conditioners, and more.

Briefs: Materials

Nanosized Foldable Robots

The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.

Products: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

New Products

Encoders, quick disconnects, automation systems, and more.

Articles: Transportation

Automated X-Ray Inspection

Faster inline CT inspections makes it possible to inspect far greater numbers of circuit boards.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Swimming Living Robots Can Self-Train

Biobots based on muscle cells can swim at unprecedented velocities.

Briefs: Imaging

3D Motion Tracking System for Autonomous Technology

The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.

Articles: Motion Control

Linear Bearings: What You Need to Know

Learn the distinct forms that linear bearings take, and where the bearings are being used today.

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Researchers Make 3D-Printable Jelly (For Robots, Not Toast)

A better aerogel features a kind of biological scaffold made from a surprising ingredient found in nature: seaweed.

Blog: Energy

Metal-Free Battery Degrades on Demand

A team from Texas A&M developed a battery that's metal-free and replaces cobalt with organic, recyclable materials.

Blog: Materials

How to Design an Antiviral Surface for the COVID-19 Era

By adjusting a surface's wettability and texture, IIT Bombay researchers demonstrate how to best limit the spread of coronavirus.

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping

A 'Living Material' of Microalgae Offers New Ideas, From Energy to Fashion

An international team used 3D printers and a novel bioprinting technique to print algae into living, photosynthetic materials that are tough and resilient.

Special Reports: Wearables

Advanced Materials & Coatings - May 2021

New diamond super-material enhances military aircraft survivability…a gold film gives robots “chameleon skin”…shape-shifting nanomaterial offers exciting biotech applications…aerogel-reinforced...