Materials & Manufacturing

Browse innovative developments in materials and manufacturing that significantly impact military, medical devices, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Advances in plastics, metals, and composites are transforming 3D printing and rapid prototyping.

Stories

Facility Focus: Materials

Facility Focus: University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley’s academic research reflects pressing global challenges in the areas of health, energy, and the environment.

Application Briefs: Transportation

Airless Alloy Tire Has NASA Roots

The SuperElastic Tire — a NASA Glenn innovation — can be used on both Earth and Mars.

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

Nanotransistors Stay Cool at High Voltages

The transistors enable power converters to perform at substantially improved efficiencies, especially in high-power applications.

Briefs: AR/AI

AI System Discovers New Material

The algorithm identified a new compound potentially useful for photonic devices and biologically inspired computers.

Briefs: Materials

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,

Technology Leaders: Materials

Smart Batteries Include Force and Pressure Sensing

Ultra-thin piezoresistive sensors can be used in both R&D and as embedded components to develop safer, longer-lasting lithium-ion battery technologies.

Products: Test & Measurement

New Products

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

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

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: Sensors/Data Acquisition

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: Manufacturing & Prototyping

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: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

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.

Question of the Week: Energy

Will Metal-Free Batteries Catch On?

Our lead story today highlighted a metal-free battery that degrades on demand. While a cobalt-less battery has its sustainability benefits, more work will need to be done for the Texas A&M-developed technology to compete with the lithium-ion standard.

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping

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.

Question of the Week: Materials

Will ‘Living Materials’ Catch On?

Our lead story today highlighted the possible applications for a "living material" made from microalgae and cellulose.

Blog: Manufacturing & Prototyping

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: Sensors/Data Acquisition

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...