When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
Certain kinds of the polymer may be useful in the near future to help reduce the weight of cars and therefore improve fuel efficiency.
carbon fiber, or carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, is exceptionally strong and light, reports John Rosevear of The Motley Fool, but it also is expensive. Yet automobile manufacturers see the material as key to meeting increasing fuel-economy standards, without compromising passenger safety.
An agreement between Ford and Dow Chemical aims to move this goal to fruition. Researchers from both companies will focus on making carbon fiber more affordable and mass-production feasible. The partnership will combine Ford’s design and engineering capabilities with Dow’s strengths in research and development, materials sciences, and high-volume polymer processing, according to a press release from Ford.
The partnership will leverage work that Dow has begun through partnerships with Turkish carbon fiber manufacturer AKSA and the U.S. Department of Energy. “This partnership with Ford on carbon fiber composites is a logical next step to progress already achieved through the use of lightweight, high-strength polymers and structural bonding technology,” says Florian Schattenmann, director of Research and Development for Dow Automotive Systems.
Ford has a goal to reduce the weight of its new vehicles by 250 to 750 pounds by 2020. Although that amount may be a small percentage of a car’s total weight, it is significant because the weight is one of the most important factors in fuel consumption.
Reducing weight is especially important for plug-in hybrid and electric applications. Less weight means more distance between charges, the biggest challenge facing electric car makers.
If the partnership is successful, carbon fiber components could be found in mainstream car models by the end of the decade. The companies say that the components would help standard-engine cars meet new fuel efficiency standards of more than 50 miles per gallon.
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