Five Ways Nanomanufacturing Improves Manufacturing Today

SME’s NanoManufacturing Conference and Exhibits, March 27-28, Boston, will highlight the current and near-term applications of nanotechnology and how they are transforming manufacturing.

Dearborn, MI (PRWEB) January 17, 2012

Nanomanufacturing is no longer the next frontier. It’s in action today, and it is improving products and processes and saving manufacturers money along the way.

This March, nanomanufacturing experts will be gathering in Boston to share their knowledge with other manufacturing professionals at the NanoManufacturing Conference and Exhibits organized by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. In addition to discussions on mid- to long-term applications of this smallest of technologies, there will be information on how it is already impacting the industry as evidenced in these five ways.

1)    Materials – Nanotechnology is creating exceptionally light, yet extremely tough, materials, such as graphene. Nano composites are uniquely customizable to adhere to other materials. They are currently used in golf clubs and tennis rackets, with expectations that they will transform the aerospace, defense and transportation industries in the not-too-distant future.

2)    Coatings – Nanotechnology is enabling coatings to have numerous beneficial properties that are proving very marketable. Nanocoatings are known to be a thermal barrier, flame retardant, ultraviolet resistance, self and easy cleaning, wear resistant, friction reducing, corrosion resistant, anti-scratch resistance, antibacterial and anti-fingerprint. They can even be self healing. Nanocoatings are used in myriad industries including automotive, defense, household cleaners, construction and exterior protection, with a very promising future in many more fields.

3)    Energy Collection and Storage – Surface-to-volume ratios give nano particles most of their power. For example, a golf ball by volume equals the surface of a playing card. That same golf ball by nano particles has a surface area equivalent to four football fields. These particles use light more efficiently which is improving the efficiency and cost of solar panels.

4)    Lighting – Quantum dots are nanoparticles of a semiconductor material with unique optical and electrical properties. A manufacturer can precisely control the size of a quantum dot to determine the color of light emitted. In addition to enabling the manufacturing of LED lights, quantum dots are used in electroluminescent displays and solid-state lighting.

5)    Manufacturing Processes – Self-assembly is a branch of nanotechnology in which objects, devices and systems form structures without external prodding. Biological systems use self-assembly to construct various molecules and structures. Think of it as LEGOS® that assemble themselves. This process is currently being used in computer chips, and has potential benefits for water purification, sanitation, agriculture, alternative energy and medicine.

“More than 1,300 products have already made it to market using nanotechnology, with many more in the pipeline,” said Lauralyn McDaniel, the conference manager. “This conference provides an opportunity for manufacturers from almost any industry to either be introduced to nanomanufacturing or discover the latest advances in the technology.”

The NanoManufacturing conference is co-located with the MicroManufacturing Conference and Exhibits. Both events have been designed based on feedback attendees have given that the most valuable part of attending an SME conference is the people they meet and the resources they gain. To encourage the synchronistic collaboration, the sessions are shorter and breaks are longer, the exhibits have been arranged “in the round” to promote discussion, and the Conversation Connection areas are ideal for having in-depth conversations with colleagues. Attendees of either conference can go back and forth between the two and tailor this event to their own interests and needs.

The NanoManufacturing Conference sessions cover a broad range of topics including, metrology because “if you can’t measure it, you can’t make it,” nanostructure manufacturing techniques, the future applications of graphene in every day products, occupational and environmental health and safety concerns and antimicrobial technologies for medical devices.

Additionally, a panel of nanomanufacturing leaders will address moving from the research and development phase and prototyping to the commercialization phase and volume production. The event concludes with the annual peek into the nanocrystal ball in an attempt to predict what the next five years will bring to nanotechnology.

For those who are new to the technology, need a refresher or just want to explore the topic in more depth, pre-conference workshops and tours to iRobot® and the Center for High-rate Nanomanusturing/Kostas Nanomanufacturing Research Center are also available.

For more information, visit http://www.sme.org/nanomanufacturing or for the MicroManufacturing Conference and Exihibition, visit http://www.sme.org/micro.

About SME:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events, magazines, publications and online training division, Tooling U, SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technologies and to the most up-to-date manufacturing processes. SME has members around the world and is supported by a network of chapters and technical communities. A 501(c)3 organization, SME is a leader in manufacturing workforce development issues, working with industry, academic and government partners to support the current and future skilled workforce.

Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/1/prweb9112517.htm

Global Nanotechnology Market to Reach US$30.4 Billion by 2015

Global Nanotechnology Market to Reach US$30.4 Billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global outlook on the Nanotechnology Industry. Nanotechnology products present potential for cheaper, faster, and more environmental friendly applications and therefore continue to retain its importance in the global R&D and commercialization efforts. Backed by huge number of Government sponsored projects, demand for nanotechnology enabled products continues to remain encouraging, thus projecting a positive outlook for the overall market.

San Jose, California (PRWEB) January 20, 2012

Follow us on LinkedIn – The diversity of nanotechnology is far outreaching than other technologies. Nanotechnology is an enabling technology that presents new ways of manufacturing products, overwhelming the available methods in any conceivable technology discipline. Although the recent worldwide economic recession caused significant deceleration in growth momentum, the world market for nanotechnology-enabled products has successfully ridden the worst-ever downturn without recording hurting erosions in market value. This positive trend for the nanotechnology market can be primarily attributed to the demand for these products in Defense and Pharma & Healthcare segments, which displayed greater resilience to the economic turmoil than most of the other end-use markets. Government support for nanotechnology has been the primary motivating factor for the industry in the last few years. Following the resurgence in growth fundamentals such as improvement of business scenario in key markets such as semiconductors, electronics, chemicals, automotives, among others, and increase in government and private sector funding on R&D, the global nanotechnology market is recovering poise and is projected to witness robust growth in demand in the next few years.

Nanotechnology is a well funded industry. Government funding and corporate research and development spending account for the majority of funds. Funds from venture capitalists is however low. The US government leads other governments in terms of nanotechnology spending, followed by the Japanese and German governments. Corporate funding is also the highest in the US. One of the prominent factors hampering rapid commercialization of nanotechnology is the time delay in establishing labs for the necessary R&D. Besides, after obtaining funds, a minimum of another year-and-a-half is consumed in establishing a full-fledged nanotech research laboratory.

Chemical industry currently dominates the Nanotech arena in terms of maturity of R&D efforts and actual product commercialization. Among the product segments, Nanomaterials are emerging as the most lucrative segment with a large number of related technologies already commercialized and earning revenues for the sector.Nanofilms are making rapid strides in the global market driven by their expanding application in a range of commercial sectors including high efficiency solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photonics, wireless communications, and semiconductor technology. While the US and Europe continue to remain the major geographic markets for nanotechnology industry until 2015, their market shares are expected to decline over the next few years. In contrast, the share of Asia Pacific in the nanotechnology market is expected to grow substantially, thanks to the steady investments in this field of science. Governments of Asia-Pacific region have embraced nanotechnology with much enthusiasm and been more favorable to its development compared to the other regions. Recent R&D initiatives by emerging economies such as China, Russia and India in the area of nanotechnology, will significantly contribute to the growth of nanotechnology enabled products in future.

The research report titled “Nanotechnology: A Global Outlook” announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers an aerial view of the global nanotechnology industry, identifies major short to medium term market challenges, and growth drivers. Market discussions in the report are punctuated with fact-rich market data tables. Regional markets elaborated upon include United States, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, UK, Russia, China, India, and Middle East among others. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of companies worldwide.

For more details about this comprehensive industry report, please visit –
http://www.strategyr.com/Nanotechnology_Industry_Market_Report.asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a leading publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company currently employs over 800 people worldwide. Annually, GIA publishes more than 1300 full-scale research reports and analyzes 40,000+ market and technology trends while monitoring more than 126,000 Companies worldwide. Serving over 9500 clients in 27 countries, GIA is recognized today, as one of the world's largest and reputed market research firms.

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Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Telephone: 408-528-9966
Fax: 408-528-9977
Email: press(at)StrategyR(dot)com
Web Site: http://www.StrategyR.com/

Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/nanotechnology_nanotubes/nanomaterials_nanofilms/prweb9120599.htm

Nanotechnology : The Science of the Small

Nanotechnology - The Science of the Small

By Arthur Chip Card

Could the local water works be harnessed to fuel your car? Scientists think they just may. Researchers at Sandia National Labs intend to complete development of a prototype solar cell that will convert plain water into combustible fuel! They have already demonstrated concept feasibility. Such cells, along with water, could replace oil as an automotive fuel of choice. Is this for real? How is it possible?

Water is number one fighting fires. But what if we break it down into its component parts? You remember science class, right? That's where they taught us water is made up of 2 atoms of hydrogen combined with a single atom of oxygen. Hydrogen, the most abundant element on earth, is highly explosive. Oxygen is necessary for any type of combustion. In their singular states the components of water are a burning recipe for fuel.

Sandia scientists have also developed a robot that can move, pick up, and drop a payload. Not a big deal you say? What if I told you that 20 of these androids can stand side-by-side across the width (not length) of a human hair; impressed now? Called 'motor proteins' these soldiers can be designed to seek each other out and self-assemble in predictable patterns. Nature self-assembles everything in predictable patterns, both flora and fauna. We are just now beginning to learn mother's secrets.

THE SCIENCE OF THE SMALL

Hail the world of Nano-technology, the science of the small. You'll be hearing this word "nano" a lot. From the Greek word for dwarf, you just can't get any smaller. How small? Well, it would take 80,000 nano-meters to equal the width of that human hair we just discussed. Now that's small.

This science allows us to manipulate at the atomic level for the first time.

Re-arrange the atoms of water, dirt and air, and we can create rice, or corn. If we re-arrange the atoms of coal, we can create diamonds. Or should I say, this is being done, now! Boston based Apollo Diamonds creates what it calls 'cultured diamonds' that are virtually "indistinguishable" from mined diamonds. They are real. Jewelers can't tell the difference!

Diamonds are a $60 billion industry annually. This technology promises to lower the price of diamonds by at least a third initially. What implications does this have for the tightly held global diamond trade? Can gold be far behind? And will this have implications for currency exchange?

Amazingly a survey of U.S. adults found more than half confessing no knowledge of nanotechnology at all. Only 16% of those surveyed claim "some" familiarity with the topic. Observers of nanotechnology disagree as to whether or not this is a single industry. But none disagree on the effect it will ultimately have on our lives, indeed on the very length of our lives.

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH?

Just as we now have synthetic motor oils, soon we will be able to create synthetic red and white blood cells, even replacements for ailing organs.

The implications for medicine and for life are enormous. Nanotechnology and medicine will be one and the same. And we may not have long to wait. In 2003, an NYU professor shared a top ten list of hurdles nanotechnology would have to surmount to be fully viable. In just the past three years, three of these ten have been conquered.

Some of the greatest potential lies in gene therapy. Nano-genes will replace diseased ones with genetically correct copies eliminating genetic based diseases. Eventually we can even reverse the effects of cell damage attributed to aging. This could increase human life expectancy tenfold! Do you think this is science fiction? Read on!

The Methuselah Foundation encourages research into the causes and control of aging. They award prizes for research in this area. Transgenic mice have already been developed to possess higher than usual levels of the antioxidant enzyme 'catalase.' Cells employ catalase to eliminate free radicals which cause cell damage resulting in aging, as well as cancers. The genetically corrected mice have life spans 20% longer than their control mice brethren. Imagine adding 15 or 20 healthy years to your life!

Nano-bacteria could clear blood-borne infections in minutes rather than the weeks it takes for antibiotics. Scientists at NEC are reportedly developing a fast 'bio-nano' chip to conduct a complete blood analysis in little more than 60 minutes. (Today's med labs utilizing gel blocks take many more hours). Their chip recognizes proteins known to be present before a disease manifests itself. These diagnostic nano-grains bind with targeted proteins, causing an intended signal reaction. If trials go well, they'll be in use within 5 years. Comprehensive health assessments utilizing this nano-technology could cost as little as $100.

Chemotherapy involves poisoning a patient's body with toxic medication in a race to kill cancer cells before the cancer kills the patient. Serious side effects come from the solutions used to dilute the cancer killing agents. Nano-medicines have very high surface to volume ratios, resulting in far fewer and milder side effects. Greater tolerance for these nano-oncologics allow for dense doses delivered at tighter intervals.

Nobel Prize winning chemist Rick Smalley (1943-2005) was fond of posing the question, "Am I living in the last generation to die of cancer, or the first generation to be saved by nanotechnology?" We're that close!

SUPER COMPUTERS

Nano-materials promise computers running 200 times faster than today's swiftest chips. Researchers at the University of Illinois have already fabricated such nano-processors. Employing current technology a micro-chip grows more crowded to run at ever faster speeds, the heat generated threatens to melt the entire silicon based circuit.

The ability to immediately absorb and process vast amounts of data creates opportunities only imaginable previously: significant increases in reaction times for defense systems; the allocation of road/air space for traffic management; even preventing autos from colliding with each other.

MATERIALS FIRST

While the greatest ultimate impact comes from the fields of medicine and biology, it is in materials and chemicals that the first fruits are being picked. Everything can be made better through restructuring, or nano-structuring: lighter, stronger, cheaper. Materials that don't exist can be created with new and unique properties. As the initial cost of these materials falls, broader uses will naturally result.

Tennis rackets and golf clubs on the market today from both Wilson and Babolat are now twice as strong. Motorola is reportedly developing a 40" HDTV flat screen using nano-materials that will retail for only $400. Rechargeable batteries that take only one minute to regain 80% capacity have been invented by Toshiba. The unique properties of the nano-materials used rapidly accept the charge without any deterioration to the electrode. A planned launch will target hybrid autos. But this technology applies equally to your cell phone and laptop. How long does it take to recharge these now?

In the nanotech world, if you can imagine it, you can create it: automotive panels that won't dent; paints that won't scratch, peel, or fade; sunscreens that truly are; stain-proof fabrics that actually change shade for body temperature control; odorless disposable diapers; fire-proof building materials. The future is bright indeed.

INVESTORS GUN SHY

More than 30 nations have provided seed funding to ensure their people aren't left behind. The U.S. Nanotechnology Initiative was funded to the tune of $800 million in 2004 alone. The federal allocation is now over $1 billion annually. Forward looking states are jockeying to lure Nano-companies, carroting of course with tax breaks.

Despite all this opportunity, investors still reeling from the dot-com days, are sticking to the sidelines, 'cept some far sighted venture capitalists. Smelling potential, private investment flows are now three times greater than the federal outlay.

In the dot-com days all it took to offer an IPO was a desk top PC and a carefully worded business plan determined to take advantage of the "information synergies paradigm." Not so with nanotechnology. This requires real multi-discipline scientific know how from extensive research and testing. These inventions and innovations are clearly patentable. To date some 3,800 patents have been granted with another 1,700 pending. No college dorm room operations here.

As you can imagine the potential for investors in the right places are colossal. But be careful, some companies are adding 'nano' to their name whether they have anything to do with it or not. Where the money is, so too will be the tricksters.

Arthur "Chip" Card is a Marketing Strategist with more than 20 years experience marketing financial services and intangibles. He has taught Marketing Management and Quantitative Methods at a Jesuit College, and earned his Marketing MBA at Boston College. His marketing articles have appeared in regional, national, and international business journals. He can be reached by email at: a.card@comcast.net

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Nanotechnology and Cancer

Nanotechnology and Cancer

By Parmu Malika

Nanotechnology is the study and creation of structures at a molecular level; the engineering of complex machines at the level of molecules, which can only be measured in nanometers, one nanometer being about a billionth of one meter. To illustrate, the size of one strand of human hair is between 50,000 and 100,000 nanometers.

Research in the field of nanotechnology has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past few years, though the technology is still only in its nascent stage. It has found usage in every possible field including electronics, power generation and biomedical devices. The possible applications of nanoscale devices in the field of medicine are mind-boggling and make one wonder if they are caught in the middle of a science fiction movie. Let us explore the possibilities opened up by nanotechnology in one particular aspect of the vast field of medicine, namely, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Why Nanotechnology in Cancer?

As discussed before, nanoscale devices can only be measured at the molecular level; they are in fact, between a hundred to ten thousand times smaller than an average cell in the human body. Their size can be compared to naturally occurring molecules such as enzymes, which are known as biomolecules. To illustrate, the size of hemoglobin, the molecule that is responsible for delivering oxygen to the red blood cells in our body, is around 5 nm in diameter.

Nanoscale devices that measure less than 50 nm are small enough to enter most of the cells in the human body, while those smaller than 20 nm can move in and out of blood vessels. Due to their extremely small size that allows them to move in and out of various areas of the human body, nanoscale devices are capable of effortlessly interacting with various biomolecules that exist on the surface of, as well as inside the cells. And, since all biological processes, most importantly those that have been found to lead to various types of cancer, occur inside cells at a nanoscale level, nanotechnology is equipping cancer researchers with incredible new ways to detect and deliver treatment for cancer that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

The Possibilities

Nanotechnology is aiding the development of various nanoscale devices that can help bring a radical change in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It is helping to develop imaging agents and other diagnostic tools that can help accurately pinpoint the development of cancer at the earliest possible stage. It can lead to the development of nano-agents that are capable of scrutinizing changes in the molecular level and help in the prevention of malignancy of pre-cancerous cells.

Nano systems that can offer real-time assessment of the efficacy of treatment procedures such as surgery, thereby assuring accelerated and accurate clinical translation are also being researched upon. Another hot area of nano research is the development of multifunctional nano devices that are capable of overcoming biological barriers and gaining direct access to cancer cells and the surrounding tissues that aid in the development of cancer to deliver multiple therapeutic agents for efficient and targeted treatment. Research is also on to develop suitable nano techniques that will assist in the management of the adverse symptoms of cancer.

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Carbon Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering

Carbon Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering

By Jon F Cook

Carbon nanotechnology is quickly changing our lives like no other time in history. One day carbon nano-materials will enable us to live longer more productive lives through tissue engineering. This will enable us to basically order parts, such as, kidneys, stomachs, hearts, lungs, and even brains. When ever a body part wears out or becomes cancerous it will be replaced by tissue that was engineered through carbon nanotechnology. We will explore some of the amazing things that have already transgressed concerning tissue engineering, what we can look forward to in the future, if this is going against god, and when will it be going to far.

One amazing breakthrough announced recently was the engineering of spinal cord receptor tissue. This is the tissue that is damaged when someone has a spinal cord injury. It is the tissue that sends the messages from the brain down the spinal cord to give instructions on movement. It is thought that through carbon nanotechnology this tissue can be fined tuned and injected into a spinal cord victims area of injury. This tissue may grow and link with the undamaged receptors thus completing the link. With the spinal cord receptor tissue intact it will be able to transmit the messages from the brain for your legs to walk. This is all being developed with carbon nano-materials and nanotechnology.

Other tissue engineering projects now being tested are growing and developing of lung and heart tissue. One day you may be able to have a heart or lungs grown and stored at a tissue farm. When you are in need of a transplant because of disease or a car accident it will be ready for transplant. These tissue engineering farms will rely on carbon nano-materials for the growth and development of transplants. Carbon nanotechnology will become an established and growing field in years to come.

Our life expectancy will change drastically with the use of carbon nanotechnology and tissue engineering. Some people think we may be able to live forever. If you believe in God, as I do, is this going against him. I do not think so. All throughout the bible people are said to live hundreds of years, a good example is Methuselah, who lived to be 969 years old. I also do not think it is us that is creating life, God is giving us exceptionally smart scientists with a drive for knowledge. This knowledge, along with the application of carbon nanotechnology will hopefully benefit all of mankind.

In the future, with carbon based nano-materials and carbon based nanotechnology, will we have stronger, faster athletes? We we be able to tissue engineer hearts and lung that are bigger? Will this create a super race of humans? One with almost super human power like being able to run faster and farther, jump higher, and hit a baseball farther than anyone has ever done. Will athletes be tested for engineered parts, like they are now being tested for steroids. One can only imagine, but with the use of carbon based nanotechnology tissue engineering there may be no limits.

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