Mechanical Components Blog

There are rapid production machines for 3D printing, fused deposition and sintering to create parts quickly, layer by layer out of plastic or metal. Originally devised for prototyping, some processes now use them to make finished parts. It's fast, great for making parts with complex geometries, and dramatically reduces the need for further machining or assembly. But should the processes be used for critical components in medical devices, aircraft, or automobiles. Have you accepted rapid manufacturing processes? Is the quality sufficient? Are new standards needed for universal testing of parts manufactured by sintering?

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Controversy over the safety of Nanomaterials continues to brew. Some organizations report about possible ill effects on human and environmental health. Some writers have compared our love of Nanoparticles to our embrace of the miracle material asbestos, our massive use of it before discovering too late the health dangers it presented. But is the current media frenzy just noise about a hot topic of the day. Or, should big (government) money step up research before manufacturers dive headlong into the Nanopool? And, how fast and far should national or international regulations go?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Mechanical Components, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Mechanical Components today.

The U.S. was once the leader of industrial manufacturing, but the desire to improve profits by moving to locations where cheaper labor could reduce costs and increase profits has transformed America into merely the Mecca of consumerism on the global marketplace. Now, the weak dollar and rising energy costs may fuel a re-transformation as manufacturers decide that it's better to build were you sell. What are your thoughts?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Mechanical Components, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Mechanical Components today.

Its' happening just about everywhere you look, from crude oil, steel to most raw materials and it's absolutely spiraling out of control. Global prices are rising faster due to a combination of factors which include interest rates, commodity speculation, import dumping and a weak dollar. The question is; where are prices headed and will this cycle of rapidly rising prices ever end? How are skyrocketing prices affecting your business? How long can you endure these conditions and what can we do, if anything, to slow runaway raw material prices?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Mechanical Components, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Mechanical Components today.

Great gas mileage is the primary attraction of hybrid vehicles, but green minded consumers can also choose based on the materials used to build them. Consider the recycled plastics and plant based fabrics used in their construction. These lightweight green materials are nearly impossible to distinguish from conventional parts. Can green materials be use throughout industry?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Mechanical Components, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Mechanical Components today.