Agripper system for automatically handling tiny components, developed in the context of a Eureka project, uses the adhesive properties of ice to pick them up. The gripper first sprays a drop of water onto the object to be handled. It then closes in on the object. As soon as they touch, it freezes the water. The component can then be picked up and manipulated as necessary using the gripping strength of ice. This is around 1N/sq mm which is 20-100 times stronger than that obtained with vacuum grippers, says Mario El-Khoury, manager, industrial control at CSEM, the Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology, a partner in the European project. To release the object, the tip of the gripper is simply warmed up to the phase- change temperature of the liquid interface. The prototype version of Microgrip is capable of handling components measuring between 0.1 and 5 mm, with an accuracy of 1 micron, at a rate of 1,000 cycles per hour. The "ice" gripper is now undergoing industrialization by AP Technologies and Sysmelec, two other participants in the project. Meanwhile, El-Khoury's group is developing applications for the "ice" technology. A new Eureka project, in which Siemens and Philips are participants, will use Microgrip to manipulate micro-sized parts during low-distortion welding operations. For more information, call: Dr. Mario El-Khoury, at: +41-32- 720-55-96.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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