4D Printing The Next Level of Additive Manufacturing

4D Printing The Next Level of Additive Manufacturing 4D Printing The Next Level of Additive Manufacturing 3D printing has everybody talking ansicht days, but a team of researchers at the University of Colorado-Boulder just upped the ante.In 2013, H. Jerry Qi, associate professor of mechanical engineering at CU-Boulder (now associate professor of mechanical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology), and research partner Martin L. Dunn of Singapore University of Technology and Design, successfully developed a process called 4D printing.By incorporating shape-memory polymer fibers into composite materials, a 3D printer can be used to manufacture a 3D object that, when later heated or cooled to a specific temperature, will transform into a different 3D shape.Qis research is based along the lines of earlier work by Skylar Tibbits, a research scientist at MITs department of agriculture who has also studied self-assembly of materials into 3D structures. The key to the CU-Boulder break through is the development of unique printed active composites whose architecture is carefully designed to include precise locations of certain shape-memory fibers that will behave a certain way when exposed to an external stimulus, and morph into the predetermined shape.How It WorksWith funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the National Science Foundation, Qis research team created specific fiber architectures at the lamina and laminate levels, for several composite materials. There is considerable design freedom for creating composites with interesting thermomechanical behaviors based on fiber architecture, shape, size, and orientation, and even the spatial variation of these parameters, says Qi.Schematic of thermomechanical protocol to achieve the self-folding and opening box with application of heat. Image University of Colorado BoulderThe printed active composites (PACs) are soft materials consisting of glassy polymer fibers that reinforce an elastomeric matrix. These fibers exhibit the shape-memory effect, which is used to create the active part of the composites. The PACs are then thermomechanically programmed to assume three-dimensional configurations such as bent, coiled, and twisted strips, folded shapes, or complex, contoured shapes with nonuniform curvatures.The shape change is controlled through the design of ordered material structures or inhomogeneities at micrometer scale, says Qi. Inhomogeneities are widely used in mechanical engineering to enhance material performance. The inclusion of inhomogeneities is typically done randomly, as it is very difficult to control precisely where they can be placed. However, with 3D printing, the desired properties (which can be predicted by theory) can be achieved, which gives us the ability to control the performance of the material.The complete 3D architecture of the fibers and matrix is printed from a CAD file using an Objet Connex 260 3D printer. Droplets of polymer ink are deposite d at about 70 C, wiped into a smooth film, and then UV photopolymerized. This process results in a film that contains matrix and fiber material. The complete composite architecture is then realized by printing multiple film layers to create an individual lamina multiple lamina then create the 3D laminate.Using this technology, Qi created solid objects that successfully transformed into different shapes as predicted. For example, two-layer laminate bars transformed into curved or twisted shapes. A sheet of laminate material took on its pre-programmed non-uniform curvature, resembling a sculpted surface. The most impressive example consisted of two-layer PACs that were printed to serve as hinges, attached to six plastic plates bedrngnis meant to deform. The flat configuration was heated and stretched biaxially upon cooling and release of the mechanical loads, it assembled perfectly into a closed box.Future PossibilitiesThe ability to create shape-memory effects like folding, curling, stretching or twistingbased on the orientation and location of particular fibers within composite materialsopens up huge possibilities for product design. It may also be possible this shape-altering technology can be adapted to metals and other materials.Industries that can especially benefit from the use of adaptive, composite materials include manufacturing, packaging, and biomedical. A possible aerospace application is using 3D printers to build solar panels that would power space satellites. The panels could be built flat and stored compactly during launch, and then transformed to 4D dimensions in space.As 3D printing technology continues to evolve with more complex, printable materials and higher resolutions at larger scales, it is very likely that 4D printing will provide new ways to create highly functional, complex surfaces that could revolutionize engineering.Mark Crawford is an independent writer.Participate in ASMEs Advanced Design Manufacturing Impact Forum, focusing on the intersection of advanced design and manufacturing in industrial and consumer applications.The ability to create shape-memory effects like folding, curling, stretching or twisting opens up huge possibilities for product design.

Dont Go It Alone in Your Job Search

Dont Go It Alone in Your Job SearchDont Go It Alone in Your Job SearchDont Go It Alone in Your Job SearchBrian Ray (pictured) is founder of Crossroads Career Network, a national, non-profit membership of churches that provides online job search/ career resources and access to career groups. He is also author of the 2010 Crossroads Career Workbook, owner of Primus Consulting executive search, and former vice president for human resources and administration for Chick-fil-A restaurants.Recently, I saw the movie Up in the Air for a second time.While the movie focuses on Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) and his unencumbered lifestyle as a frequent-flying corporate downsizer, the backdrop of the film is the more than 15 million laid-off workers. It reveals the shock and emotional hit of being jobless, up in the air, and all alone.No, wait It doesnt have to be that way.One morning last month, I went to North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA, and saw 200-plus people meeting and greeting one another at a career group event. The volunteer leader, Peter Bourke, invited people to sit at one of 30 round tables.Most jobs that get filled are not posted publicly, Peter began. Most are filled through networking. Networking, however, is really hard without relationships. That is why we are here today. Here you can meet people, make friends, start relationships, and help one another.As he continued, he outlined three rules to help you succeed at networkingThe 3-Foot Rule If you get within three feet of anyone, you are obligated to share your career transition experience with them.The Help-Others-First Rule If youre wondering who can help you find leads, turn your thinking around and adopt a new mindset Who can I help?The Have-a-Weekly-Plan Rule Each week, be prepared to talk about the job and the employers you seek, including a list of the top five organizations you want to network with. Know (and ask for) the help you needwhether its contacts, intelligence about an employer , or encouragement to keep going.We quickly moved on to a facilitated conversation around each table. Each person had 10 minutes to describe the opportunity they wanted and the help they needed. Others offered suggestions, and shared phone numbers and email addresses. A few days later, I sent an email introducing an HR director from our group looking for a contact in a specific company to a friend of mine who is a VP in that company. Thats the power of career groups, contacts, relationships, and personal referralsBack to the movie Up in the Air ended with video clips of people who were unemployed, talking about their career transitions and the power of relationships.The stimmungslage of the story? Career transition is NOT a journey you should make alone. Take the trip with others. Consider it a team effort in which we help one another with contacts, counsel, encouragement, and accountability. Find career groups near you. Be prepared, reach out, and help others through their crossroa ds.Have you joined a career group recently? Has the experience helped you? Tell us about it in a comment below.

Training Programs for College Graduates

Training Programs for College GraduatesTraining Programs for College GraduatesFirms in many industries have structured programs and pathways to train college graduates. If youre a college senior or have recently graduated, these training programs designed specifically for college grads can be an excellent way to launch your career. Industries with College Graduate Training Programs Just name an industry or field, and it likely has a training program available, including ArtsComputer and Internet TechnologyConstructionConsumer ProductsConsultingEnergyEntertainmentFashionGovernmentHealthHospitalityHuman ResourcesInsuranceInformation TechnologyFinanceMediaMedia ResearchMedical ProductsPublic RelationsPublishingRetailSportsTelecommunicationsTransportation Functional Training Programs Common functional training programs are available in sales, retail management, operations, merchandising, research, analysis, human resources, project management, marketing, engineering, information technology, actuarial science, and underwriting. What Employers Seek in Leading Candidates Qualifications and requirements will vary greatly by company and functional area, but there are some common themes worth considering. For management training positions,leadership abilityis valued. This can be demonstrated through previous productive roles with campus clubs and organizations, academic project teams, athletics, and/or internship projects. For analytically oriented or research positions, employers favor candidates with a strong record of academic rigor and achievement. muskelstarre can be evidenced by advanced courses and theses. For finance, engineering, and quantitative areas of consulting, employers look for a strong background in mathematics as documented by quantitative coursework, academic projects, jobs, and campus roles. For sales, perspective trainee applicants should be prepared to showpersuasive skills,presentation skills, finesse with difficult people, perseveranc e, and hard work. For fashion, candidates should display a personal flair for fashion and creativity. Strong writing skills and facility with technology are now alfruchtwein universally sought across functional areas. Internships in related fields and a demonstrated interest in the field are also valued across the board. How to Land Positions in Training Programs Many organizations will recruit through thecareer services officeon your campus, so contact them as early as possible during your college career to identify attractive targets. Inquire aboutcareer fairsin which your college participates or those that are open to all college students, since many employers recruit through those events. Most organizations will also be open to zugnglich applications by candidates from schools where they do not recruit, so begin to assemble a list of these employers as well. To find programs in your area of interest, also search online. Use keywords like corporate training programs for colle ge graduates or college management training program. Or, if you have a company youd like to work for, check the career section of its corporate website for information on training programs. Check for Company Internship Programs Many employers now use their internship programs to test out prospects for their more permanent post-graduate positions they may hire primarily from this pool of interns. Consider pursuing some of these positions prior to your senior year if possible. Some of these internship programs are even open to seniors the summer after they graduate. Be a Competitive Candidate Many training programs are very selective. It can be difficult for the average candidate to avoid being screened out when recruiters review resumes and application materials. Of course, you should take great care to composeresumes and cover lettersthat are well written and make a strong case for your suitability for the program. Make sure that you have career services staff and other trus ted advisers critique your resumes, letters, and essays. Also review thesetips for what to do while youre in college to get a job after graduation. Make Sure Your Application Materials Are Perfect Even with very well-constructed documents, it can be hard for most candidates to stand out. One way to gain additional visibility as a candidate is to reach out to staff at employers of interest throughcollege alumni networksand contacts through family and friends. Ask your career or alumni office for a list of contacts at your preferred employers. Assure them that you will contact these individuals for information and advice and will not solicit them directly for a job. Use thesenetworking letter examplesto get inspiration for your own correspondence. You can also ask parents for a list of people who are close to the family, on holiday card lists, or who would be invited to a family wedding. Send a note to them with some updates on your life including your desire to work at your targe t employers. Ask if they might introduce you to any contacts which they have at any of the firms. Another good strategy is to scan your list of Facebook friends who might have graduated recently for some additional leads. Use Your Connections Informational consultationswith your contacts will enable you to learn about their employer and various career fields as well as to obtain advice about the best way to land a position in their program. This advice might include feedback about your resume and cover letter. If you present yourself well, the contact might put in a good word with recruiters, which will enhance the likelihood that you will be awarded an interview. Be Flexible Dont limit yourself to an employer or two. The more programs you apply to, the better your chances of being accepted for a training program.