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Smart polymer applications entering mainstream markets
Don Rosato EngineeringProperties inherent in shape memory polymers (SMP) and other smart polymers have the potential to be game-changers across many industries. In the automotive field, these advanced materials may eventually lead to vehicle subsystems that can self-heal in the event of damage, or that can be designed to change color or appearance.
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5 amazing innovative processes in food packaging
Bambi Majumdar Food & BeverageFood packaging has been long been a concern for scientists and the food-and-beverage industry alike. With growing consumer awareness and health concerns, these packages have become even more of a focus, particularly when present-day food habits include more refrigeration and preservation than ever before.
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February shows slowing growth in US manufacturing — Will it continue?
Alan Kelsky ManufacturingEconomic headlines this month announced that the rejuvenation of the United States manufacturing sector is on the skids. But is manufacturing declining, or is this merely a blip on the radar?
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Plastic materials offer exciting possibilities in electrical applications
Adolfo Benedito EngineeringThe immense possibilities of design and finishes of plastic materials plus the great potential of transformation processes have contributed to the huge growth of these materials in some determined sectors. Nevertheless, we cannot forget an essential property of plastics: their dielectric properties.
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A perfect storm may be ready to destroy auto industry gains
Alan Kelsky ManufacturingEven before the Great Recession, it seemed that the U.S. auto industry was in its death throes. Two of the big three automakers — Chrysler and General Motors — went bankrupt. Yet less than 10 years later, the auto industry is back on its feet and is on track to sell nearly 17 million light duty vehicles in 2015. Adding Canada and Mexico to the list, the number of cars and pickups will close in on 20 million.
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Innovative smart polymer material and process advances on the rise
Don Rosato EngineeringKey to the development of smart polymers is our growing understanding of the world at the molecular level — and our ability to manipulate it at that level, too. Smart polymers engineered for special qualities and capable of interacting with the larger environment serve purposes from helping/protecting us to conserving energy
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Strength in ‘Union’ for cooling and heating technologies
Andrew Gaved ManufacturingThe potential influence of the cooling and heating sectors on reducing energy use is well known, but this week's release by the European Commission of its strategy framework for an Energy Union is set to put energy-efficient cooling and heating center stage.
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Robots could cut US labor costs 22 percent by 2025
Alan Kelsky ManufacturingOne of the most important technological trends taking place in the United States' manufacturing sector is the use of advanced robotics on the production line. Now that the economic recovery is a reality, U.S. manufacturers still need to be able to shut down cheaper manufacturers overseas. To accomplish this, they need to meet a goal of reducing costs and maximizing efficiency.
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Steel-toe or composite-toe work shoes: Which should you choose?
Noel E. Dugenia ManufacturingSteel-toed work shoes are more or less the industry standard when it comes to foot protection. These help prevent injuries to the toes in the event a heavy object falls on or rolls over them. In fact, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety requires employers to ensure their workers are equipped with foot protection equipment if there is a risk of injury to the feet during the course of performing a task. Steel-toed safety shoes fall under this category.
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Broad-based emerging trends in smart polymers
Don Rosato EngineeringIn the past century, polymers served elementary functions, such as being structural, insulative or optical. In the new millennium, polymers are increasingly intelligent and capable of adapting to their environment. Smart polymers ensure optimization of their characteristics or that of the system of which they are a part.
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