September 1999

An e-fab way for making the micro world
A new manufacturing technique that has produced what researchers believe is the world's narrowest chain could open a whole world of new micro-mechanical devices. The technique, known as EFAB (electrochemical fabrication), is much faster and quicker than other microfabrication techniques, allowing the research team to manufacture new devices at a fraction of the cost and more complex than ever before. p.538

Bashing buildings to check for earthquake damage
A new technique that examines materials for cracks and weaknesses could help rescuers assess buildings for earthquake damage and help engineers design better earthquake-proof buildings. The technique measures sound waves as they pass through a material, monitoring the changes in tone and resonance caused by cracks or deformations allowing engineers to monitor the safety of all kinds of structures including buildings, bridges, oil pipelines, aircraft and engine parts. p.544

Capillary Two - Making Faster Loos
Toilets, urinals and other complex ceramic goods can now be made more quickly and cheaply thanks to the development of a new production technology. Capillary Two (Cap2) technology will allow ceramists to reduce the cycle time of the casting process, usually one per day for complex objects such as syphonic WCs, cutting manufacturing costs and extending mould life. p.535

Wasteful Wast Recover Targets
The EC's statutory targets for waste recovery are causing a huge waste of effort and the concept of sustainabilityis not relevant to the plastics packaging field, says Brian Glyde writing in Materials World. p.549

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Contact: Andrew McLaughlin
Materials_World@materials.org.uk
44-207451-7395
Institute of Materials
1-Sep-1999