It’s almost Fall, but just because the year is almost over doesn’t mean we can stop looking for trends in the engineering world. Aside from keeping an eye out for the changing leaves, here are some things to monitor in the engineering field for the upcoming season.
3D Printing
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a relatively new technology that builds an object through individual layers from a digital design. Also known as “additive manufacturing,” this technique has been experiencing rapid adoption in personal and professional settings, particularly in the engineering field, where it offers numerous benefits.
Prototyping is a standard step in engineering. 3D printing allows for an easy and cost-effective way to fine-tune the prototyping process before committing time, money, and resources during production. Additionally, the customization offered by 3D printing allows for the creation of parts that are better suited to a user’s needs, even if those parts or needs have a high level of complexity.
Right now, natural and synthetic rubber cannot be melted or handled in a useful way for 3D printers. Through some of its technology, 3D printing can come close to recreating some of rubber’s characteristics, like flexibility. For elastomers, some can be 3D printed, an example being thermoplastic polyurethane. Advancements are being made to 3D print silicone, but more research is still needed.
Life-Cycle Engineering
Another trend to anticipate is adaptation to life-cycle engineering (LCE), which prioritizes the sustainable development and efficiency of resource use in the life of a product and the method used to create that product. LCE covers material extraction and manufacturing to product use and eventual disposal.
There are many advantages to LCE for rubber. Identifying how to use resources effectively when developing a product can reduce waste and lead to large cost reductions in the product’s lifespan. LCE can lead to higher productivity due to its ability to simplify workflows. Old rubber can be recycled and reused, saving time and resources. Recycled rubber can also be refurbished for use in non-engineering settings, such as in sidewalks and streets made of asphalt.
Composite Phase Change Materials
One last trend to consider is composite phase change materials (PCMs). These can be used with rubber to improve its thermal qualities as well as with other non-rubber materials to store and release heat. Generally, PCMs can be a good choice when temperature control is required.
Regarding PCMs, one thing to watch is the desire for improved performance across a wide array of applications, like increasing fire resistance and regulating temperature. There’s also the drive to include highly conductive additives (like graphene) to improve thermal conductivity.
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