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September 26, 2003
Sponges Have Say in Optical Fiber Design
Researchers have found surprising similarities between deep-sea sponges and fiber-optic cables. Here's how sponge skeletons will help them build tougher commercial fiber-optic materials:
The Internet Reloaded
A group of nearly 100 prominent computer scientists are working to supplant the Internet, building a faster, more secure and much more intelligent network called PlanetLab:
Introducing PLM
How do you streamline product development and improve your ability to innovate? For a growing number of manufacturers, the answer lies in a new application called product lifecycle management:
The R&D Debate Heats Up
Research and development is key to the strength of U.S. manufacturing, but many fear that recent trends are impairing R&D efforts. Is the country's technological preeminence at risk?
The Art of Pricing Your New Product
Failing to optimally price your new offering can quickly translate to lost profits. In fact, just missing the best price by 1% can mean eliminating about 8% of your new product's potential operating profit:
5 Technologies that Will Shake Things Up
Speaking of the "next big thing," here are five innovations that promise to change the world. From 3-D printing to self-configuring computers, sneak a peek into the future:
How to Be an Innovator
Managing innovation is key to driving and maintaining growth. Yet many companies fail to foster and capitalize on innovation. Find out what it takes to stay on top of the "next great wave:"
The Key to Product Development
Creating new products is becoming more challenging, as companies face tighter cycles and target ever-narrower customer segments. Here's how you can make better products taking less time and resources:
September 14, 2003
Recommended Reading
Ring up some new facts about the payment card industry in Paying with Plastic: The Digital Revolution in Buying and Borrowing.
September 11, 2003
Manufacturing Continues Its Upswing
Business activity in manufacturing grew for the second straight month, says a leading economic indicator. And that indicator is the highest it's been since the end of 2002. Find out what it means:
Making RFQ Work for You
Confused about how to utilize online Request For Quote (RFQ) marketplaces for custom manufacturing? Here are a few tips to help you out and some answers to the most common concerns:
Nanomaterials Set for Explosive Growth
While nanoparticles are already used to make strong, lightweight plastics, their emerging applications are even more impressive. Here's how they will further enhance plastics and achieve big growth:
Polycarbonate: 50 & Still Going Strong
This engineering thermoplastic is commemorating its golden anniversary in style—by remaining in high demand and taking on new applications from automotive to aerospace:
How to Optimize Plastic Routing
Plastics machining is highly exacting, but by addressing four key areas—material, rigidity, tooling and programming—you can easily improve the routing process, accelerate cycle times and cut costs:
6 Tips for Setting Up an Injection Molding Machine
An inefficient mold changeover process will cost you. You may increase machine downtime or even lose your profit margin on the job. Find out how to avoid the most common mistakes:
A Primer on Plastics Processing
Ever wondered how plastic products are formed? Discover the basic methods of processing thermoplastic and thermoset materials:
Plastics: The Big Picture
While plastics processors began the year with a lot of uncertainty, they are expected to end it on a high note. Find out what sector will outpace all others:
