How big does a company have to be to qualify as "small to medium"? And what are the steps a company has to go through in order to get involved in this sort of public-private partnership? This seems like a great way to help fund projects which could have a major impact, but might not pay off in the short term. I'm willing to bet that many engineers and their managers are completely unaware of these possibilities.
The Advanced Manufacturing Partnership sounds like it could be an important technology incubator. I'd be interested in hearing more about this as it moves forward, Beth. Also more on the National Digital Engineering Manufacturing Consortium (NDEMC).
I remember that story, Doug. It was really interesting and you're right, Tom Lange is very easy and open to talk to. P&G believes it's in their best interest to make the technology readily available to smaller suppliers because the more they leverage simulation to take costs out of their processes, whether it's around materials or production operations, the more that will utlimately benefit P&G's customers. Of course, the simulation offerings are based on open source work, but Lange says P&G has developed interfaces to the core open source solvers that make it far more accessible to the mainstream. Let's hope a lot of the suppliers make use of the offer.
P&G's simulation software is world class, and the fact they are making it freely available up and down their supply chain is a big deal. Engineers at P&G use the company's proprietary simulation software to improve thousands of product designs every year. The result is significant materials' savings, as well as products that are more manufacturable and marketable. If you can get access to this software, get on the phone with Tom Lange ASAP. He's a good guy and easy to talk to.
Here's another example of large companies dragging their suppliers into the new technology world. Many have argued that technology adoption occurs when large companies push technology down their supply chain. Walmart did it like a hammer when it forced its supplier to adopt RFID a few years ago. Looks like P&G has friendlier approach with its suppliers.
With LEDs dropping in price virtually every year, automakers have begun employing them, not only on luxury vehicles, but on entry-level models, as well.
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
Advantech has launched a new series of motion-control I/O modules to meet the increased demands that come with more distributed industrial systems that require control of a growing number of axes and devices.
Using almost 200 light-emitting diodes in the front and back of the new 2014 CTS, Cadillac designers are showing how LEDs can change the character of a vehicle.
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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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