News

Lamp lit by gravity wins Greener Gadget award

Entire sections of heavy manufacturing, steel, coal-fired power stations to close for China Olympics

World's smallest dual-axis gyroscopes introduced

Master LabVIEW with new online video-based training

Aerospace manufacturing gets boost from Maple
Michel Lambert, a researcher at Canada's Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Centre (AMTC), is investigating the use of robotic technologies for automating several aerospace manufacturing tasks that involve contact with the environment. Jobs like drilling the fuselage and wing parts for assembly, surface finishing, and metallic panel forming using shot peening require precise and repeatable motion from the robotic systems, but one major aspect of the design of a robot arm makes this project very difficult.
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Design Engineering Report: How to Harness the Power of CAE Tools Based on hundreds of on-site visits and interviews, this 10-page report shows how to avoid the common mistakes companies make during their inaugural selection and deployment of CAE tools. Learn how companies harness the power of CAD-driven CAE to develop breakthrough products, win more customers, drive quality, and protect margins. Download this report today at cfdesign.

World's first composite railroad bridge tested
A full-size locomotive pulling 26 heavy-axle-load coal cars recently traversed the first composite railroad bridge in the world during a live load test conducted near Pueblo, CO. The bridge is a 30-ft span comprised of eight hybrid-composite beams. Known as Hillman-Composite Beams, or HCBs, these beams are designed to be stronger, lighter, and more corrosion resistant than the standard concrete and steel beams traditionally used in infrastructure applications.
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Heat film, chemical sensor onboard satellite may prove revolutionary
Two new technologies launched last March onboard a U.S. Naval Academy satellite called MidSTAR-1 have proven successful in their tests in space. One technology is a sensor that can check for harmful chemicals, and the other is a special "film" that can control heat. These technologies were collaboratively developed between NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA's Ames Research Center, and Eclipse Energy Systems Inc.
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Produce More Advanced Designs IMTS 2008 can help you get your best designs produced economically. You'll see faster, more precise machines; cutting tools to process virtually any material; finishing technologies; automation systems; sophisticated quality instruments and manufacturing software. Reduce cycle times, improve quality and increase productivity. Plan to attend. For more information, and to register, go to IMTS online.

Wheels: Are cars the most recycled product in America?
In addition to wowing the public with their newest products and concept cars, the U.S. automakers did their fair share of self-promotion on the environmental/recycling front at this year's North American International Auto Show in mid-January. One of the most surprising messages touted? Cars are the most recycled product in America.
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