Engineers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, report that networks of spherical gold nanoparticles embedded in polyurethane elastic materials may make the best stretchy conductors yet. The team discovered that the gold nanoparticles align into chain form, making excellent conductive pathways, when the polyurethane is stretched. Flexible electronics have a wide variety of possibilities, from bendable displays and batteries to medical implants that move with the body.
Applied Materials SEMVision G6 system features 30% better resolution
Applied Materials Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., announces the SEMVision G6, a suite of new defect review and classification technologies for its SEMVision family of products to accelerate time to yield for chip manufacturing at 1X-nm and beyond. The system combines 30% higher resolution and multi-dimensional imaging capabilities with the Purity Automatic Defect Classification system.
WPI and GM develop method to predict heat-transfer coefficients during quenching
The Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Mass., and one of its members, GM Global Powertrain Engineering, Pontiac, Mich., have been awarded a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a method that predicts heat transfer coefficients for metal castings during quenching and cooling operations, an innovation that will help make cast parts more durable.
Ultra-thin threads of carbon nanotubes coated with diamond cut silicon wafers
The Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials, Germany, together with colleagues from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia, have developed a saw wire that can reduce kerf loss when cutting silicon wafers. In place of diamond-impregnated steel wires, the researchers use ultra-thin and extremely stable threads made of carbon nanotubes coated with diamond.
Ametek acquires manufacturer of 3D measurement technologies
Ametek Inc., Berwyn, Pa., has acquired Creaform Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative portable 3D measurement technologies and a provider of 3D engineering services. Creaform is the industry leader in stand-alone portable 3D scanners. These optical devices are used in a growing number of applications to create accurate 3D models and measurements of a wide range of objects.