The 3D printing manufacturing revolution
Issue 32 – October 2011
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM) or rapid manufacturing RM) was introduced over 2 decades ago in the form of rapid prototyping (RP). As it enters mainstream manufacturing, AM signals a move from mass production to mass customisation and personalisation in the creation of many goods. It could also herald more energy-efficient and cleaner manufacturing processes, and significant changes in manufacturing.
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[more]Energy efficient and cleaner aluminium
Issue 32 – October 2011
Aluminium production is extremely energy-intensive; improving its energy efficiency and cleaning up the process is essential. Primary aluminium production relies entirely on electrical power, from the processing of ore (mainly bauxite) into the alumina (aluminium oxide) needed to make aluminium by electrolysis. Electrical energy costs represent a sizeable proportion of primary aluminium production expenses. The ever-expanding range of products that use or are made of aluminium means that global demand for this metal is constantly rising, pushing producers to seek ways to make its production as energy efficient as possible.
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[more]Rare earth metals – understanding the rising concern over valuable elements
Issue 32 – October 2011
Recently there has been an increase in concern about rare earth metals because of their great value in a number of product categories; their rapid increase in raw material cost; the environmental impact of mining the metals; and the fact that mining is occurring primarily in China, where 97% of the rare earths used in the world today originate.
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