Electronics, Electronique, Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Metrology and instrumentation, Métrologie et instrumentation, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Physique, Physics, Generalites, General, Instruments, appareillage, composants et techniques communs à plusieurs branches de la physique et de l'astronomie, Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy, Techniques et équipements généraux, General equipment and techniques, Transducteurs, Transducers, Actionneur électromagnétique, Electromagnetic actuators, Actionneur, Actuators, Angle contact, Contact angle, Cobalt, Effet champ magnétique, Magnetic field effects, Effet magnétomécanique, Magnetomechanical effects, Hystérésis, Hysteresis, Matériau composite, Composite materials, Matériau ferromagnétique, Ferromagnetic materials, Module élasticité, Elastic modulus, Mouillage, Wetting, Nanocomposite, Nanocomposites, Nanoparticule, Nanoparticles, Propriété surface, Surface properties, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Siloxane(diméthyl) polymère, Dimethylsiloxane polymer, Siloxano(dimetil) polímero, Soupape, Valves, Traitement par plasma, Plasma assisted processing, Analyse mécanique dynamique, and Dynamic mechanical analysis

In this study, a new type of active membrane based on magnetic elastomer composite is manufactured, characterized and integrated into a simple valve. The simple and low-cost fabrication process combined with large displacement capability of the membrane is favorable for use in disposable fluidic devices. Passivated ferromagnetic cobalt nanoparticles (~37 nm) synthesized by the chemical route were embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to fabricate nano-composite flexible membranes. Magneto-mechanical and mechanical properties of the PDMS composite elastomeric membrane loaded with various concentrations of cobalt (Co) nanoparticles (between 15 and 75 % by weight) were studied. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements of the nanocomposite membranes were conducted as a function of the applied frequency (between 0.1 and 56 Hz). With higher concentration (50-wt%) of Co nanoparticles in PDMS, the elastic modulus was increased by 3-4 times as compared with that of membranes with lower concentrations of nanoparticles. Shore hardness was maximum for the nano-composite membrane loaded with 50-wt% of Co nanoparticles. A fluidic actuator with 400 μm thick PDMS membrane of 18 mm free diameter loaded with 50-wt% Co nanoparticles was manufactured and tested under external magnetic field. In the region where the magnetic field gradient is highest, high deflection of the membrane could be obtained (0.68 mm for 1 Tesla). However some hysteresis of the membrane deflection could be observed, even at very low frequency. Loading of PDMS with Co nanoparticles allowed a wider range of control of the wetting properties of PDMS surfaces under oxygen plasma treatment, from hydrophobic to hydrophilic to super-hydrophilic. Tunability in hydrophilicity could be achieved by varying the process parameters as verified by contact angles and Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectra before and after plasma treatment. Under certain conditions, 50 % Cobalt-PDMS membrane surfaces exhibited a super-hydrophilic behavior (contact angle ~5°).

Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Metallurgy, welding, Métallurgie, soudage, Condensed state physics, Physique de l'état condensé, Polymers, paint and wood industries, Polymères, industries des peintures et bois, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Industrie des polymeres, peintures, bois, Polymer industry, paints, wood, Technologie des polymères, Technology of polymers, Appareillage et mise en oeuvre, Machinery and processing, Matières plastiques, Plastics, Moulage, Moulding, Mécanique fluide, Fluid mechanics, Mecánica flúido, Conception assistée, Computer aided design, Concepción asistida, Impression, Printing, Impresión, Microfluidique, Microfluidics, Microfluidic, Modèle 3 dimensions, Three dimensional model, Modelo 3 dimensiones, Moulage, Molding, Moldeo, Profilométrie, Profilometry, Perfilometría, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Siloxane(diméthyl) polymère, Dimethylsiloxane polymer, Siloxano(dimetil) polímero, Imprimante 3 D, 3 D pronter, 3D printing, PDMS, and RPT

In this work we characterize a novel possibility for PDMS (PolyDiMethylSiloxane) casting/ micromolding methods with the utilization of molding forms fabricated by a commercially available novel acrylic photopolymer based 3D printing method. The quality and absolute spatial accuracy of 1) different 3D printing modes ('matt' vs. 'glossy'); 2) the molded PDMS structures and 3) the subsequently produced complementary structures made of epoxy resin were investigated. The outcome of these two form transfer technologies were evaluated by the cross sectional analysis of open microfluidic channels (trenches) with various design. Our results reveal the spatial accuracy in terms of real vs. CAD (Computer Aided Design) values for the 3D printed acrylic structures and the limits of their form transfer to PDMS, then to epoxy structures. Additionally the significant differences between the various spatial directions (X, Y, Z) have been characterized, and the conclusion was drawn that the 'glossy' printing mode is not appropriate for 3D printing of microfluidic molds.

Control theory, operational research, Automatique, recherche opérationnelle, Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Computer science, Informatique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Informatique; automatique theorique; systemes, Computer science; control theory; systems, Logiciel, Software, Systèmes informatiques et systèmes répartis. Interface utilisateur, Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface, Aveugle, Blind, Ciego, Fidélité, Fidelity, Fidelidad, Habileté, Skill, Habilidad, Interface graphique, Graphical interface, Interfaz grafica, Interface utilisateur, User interface, Interfase usuario, Outil logiciel, Software tool, Herramienta software, Pays en développement, Developing countries, Países en desarrollo, Programmation visuelle, Visual programming, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Sensibilité tactile, Tactile sensitivity, Sensibilidad tactil, Utilisabilité, Usability, Usabilidad, Visualisation donnée, Data visualization, Visualización de datos, Haptic data visualization, Haptic interaction techniques, Haptics, and Haptification

Haptic devices are becoming more widely used as hardware becomes available and the cost of both low and high fidelity haptic devices decreases. One of the application areas of haptics is haptic data visualization (HDV). HDV provides functionality by which users can feel and touch data. Blind and partially sighted users can benefit from HDV, as it helps them manipulate and understand information. However, developing any 3D haptic world is difficult, time-consuming and requires skilled programmers. Therefore, systems that enable haptic worlds to be rapidly developed in a simple environment could enable non-computer skilled users to create haptic 3D interactions. In this article we present HITPROTO: a system that enables users, such as mentors or support workers, to quickly create haptic interactions (with an emphasis on HDVs) through a visual programming interface. We describe HITPROTO and include details of the design and implementation. We present the results of a detailed study using postgraduate students as potential mentors, which provides evidence of the usability of HITPROTO. We also present a pilot study of HITPROTO with a blind user. It can be difficult to create prototyping tools and support 3D interactions, therefore we present a detailed list of 'lessons learnt' that provides a set of guidelines for developers of other 3D haptic prototyping tools.

Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Computer science, Informatique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Informatique; automatique theorique; systemes, Computer science; control theory; systems, Logiciel, Software, Conception assistée, Computer aided design, Automatique théorique. Systèmes, Control theory. Systems, Robotique, Robotics, Genie mecanique. Construction mecanique, Mechanical engineering. Machine design, Généralités, General, Architecture reconfigurable, Reconfigurable architectures, Assurance qualité, Quality assurance, Aseguración calidad, Automobile, Motor car, Automóvil, Chaîne montage, Assembly line, Línea montaje, Conception assistée, Computer aided design, Concepción asistida, Conception ingénierie, Engineering design, Concepción ingeniería, Conception intégrée, Integrated design, Concepción integrada, Coopération, Cooperation, Cooperación, Coût, Costs, Coste, Dextérité, Dexterity, Destreza, Entreprise numérique, Digital enterprise, Empresa Numérica, Etude cas, Case study, Estudio caso, Gestion de la qualité, Quality management, Gestión de calidad, Industrie automobile, Automobile industry, Industria automóvil, Intégrabilité, Integrability, Integrabilidad, Maturité, Maturity, Madurez, Personnalisation, Customization, Personalización, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Robot, Robotique, Robotics, Robótica, Réalité virtuelle, Virtual reality, Realidad virtual, Système hybride, Hybrid system, Sistema híbrido, Système modulaire, Modular system, Sistema modular, Système production, Production system, Sistema producción, Théorie cognitive, Cognitive theory, Teoría cognitiva, Diagnosticabilité, Diagnosability, Diagnosabilidad, Automotive industry, Digital manufacturing, Hybrid reconfigurable system, and Virtual prototyping

Engineering changeability-oriented and cost-driven approaches are needed by enterprises to design and optimize manufacturing and assembly systems for the demanding production requirements of the present industrial scenario. The integrated design of Reconfigurable Systems addresses tailored flexibility through modularity, integrability of resources, product and process customization, and system convertibility and diagnosability. The cooperation of robot and humans in hybrid environments offers a good trade-off between changeability, high quality and low costs, by exploiting the human dexterity and cognitive proactivity, together with robotic accuracy and performances. Virtual prototyping methods and digital manufacturing solutions are now mature and effective enough to play a strategic role within the hybrid reconfigurable system (H-RS) design and optimization process. The present research work proposes an engineering method to design and optimize H-RSs, by using virtual prototyping and digital manufacturing as a strategic support for the analysis and synthesis of the technical solutions, especially those related to human-robot cooperation. An industrial case study on a hybrid reconfigurable assembly system of a top class car aluminum chassis is finally presented.

Electronics, Electronique, Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Genie mecanique. Construction mecanique, Mechanical engineering. Machine design, Constructions métalliques, Steel design, Tuyauteries, vannes, robinetteries, Pipings, valves, fittings, Mécanique fluide, Fluid mechanics, Mecánica flúido, Ecoulement, Flow(fluid), Flujo, Gravure faisceau laser, Laser beam etching, Microfluidique, Microfluidics, Microfluidic, Méthacrylate de méthyle polymère, Methyl methacrylate polymer, Metacrilato de metilo polímero, Photolithographie, Photolithography, Fotolitografía, Procédé fabrication, Manufacturing process, Procedimiento fabricación, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Soupape, Valve, and Válvula

Capillary forces in microfluidics provide a simple yet elegant means to direct liquids through flow channel networks. The ability to manipulate the flow in a truly automated manner has proven more problematic. The majority of valves require some form of flow control devices, which are manually, mechanically or electrically driven. Most demonstrated capillary systems have been manufactured by photolithography, which, despite its high precision and repeatability, can be labour intensive, requires a clean room environment and the use of fixed photomasks, limiting thereby the agility of the manufacturing process to readily examine alternative designs. In this paper, we describe a robust and rapid CO2 laser manufacturing process and demonstrate a range of capillary-driven microfluidic valve structures embedded within a microfluidic network. The manufacturing process described allows for advanced control and manipulation of fluids such that flow can be halted, triggered and delayed based on simple geometrical alterations to a given microchannel. The rapid prototyping methodology has been employed with PMMA substrates and a complete device has been created, ready for use, within 2―3 h. We believe that this agile manufacturing process can be applied to produce a range of complex autonomous fluidic platforms and allows subsequent designs to be rapidly explored.

Civil engineering, Génie civil, Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Mechanics acoustics, Mécanique et acoustique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Genie mecanique. Construction mecanique, Mechanical engineering. Machine design, Généralités, General, Cinématographie ultrarapide, High speed cinematography, Cinematografía ultrarrápida, Conception assistée, Computer aided design, Concepción asistida, Equipement loisir, Recreation facility, Equipamiento distracción, Etude expérimentale, Experimental study, Estudio experimental, Frottement, Friction, Frotamiento, Modélisation, Modeling, Modelización, Plan expérience, Experimental design, Plan experiencia, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, CAD, and Waterslide

This paper presents prototyping and experimental methods for validating design of recreational waterslides obtained using computer-aided modeling and simulation technology. A scaled physical prototype of the waterslide designed in computer-aided design (CAD) is first fabricated using a rapid prototyping machine. The surface of the prototype is polished and treated to reduce friction, which plays a key role in this study. The object sliding path and time are then captured using a high-speed digital camera. The path and time are compared with those obtained from computer simulations. The simulation and experimental results agree well; therefore, validating the accuracy of the simulation method. A real-world waterslide configuration is employed for the study. This proposed method offers a cost effective alternative for verifying design of waterslides, especially for those scenarios where simulations are not yet available.

Electronics, Electronique, Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Genie mecanique. Construction mecanique, Mechanical engineering. Machine design, Généralités, General, Antenne, Antenna, Antena, Chauffage hyperfréquence, Microwave heating, Calentamiento hiperfrecuencia, Coupage laser, Laser cutting, Corte laser, Fabrication électrode, Electrode production, Fabricación electrodo, Formation motif, Patterning, Formacíon motivo, Gravure faisceau laser, Laser beam etching, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Prototype, and Prototipo

In this note, a novel approach on the use of a low-power CO2 laser cutter is proposed to pattern thin metal electrode prototypes. Although low-power CO2 laser cutters have been used to etch and cut a wide range of materials, based on our knowledge, metal electrode patterning has not been previously explored. Using the proposed approach, metal electrodes can be patterned on the substrates that are good absorbers of CO2 wavelength. Here, polymethylmethacrylate substrates are selected and metal electrode patterning using the commercial CO2 laser cutter of VLS 3.50 Versa Laser is investigated. This approach has a wide range of applications, and two of those examples for microwave heating and antenna applications are presented.

Electronics, Electronique, Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Physique, Physics, Generalites, General, Instruments, appareillage, composants et techniques communs à plusieurs branches de la physique et de l'astronomie, Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy, Techniques, équipements et instruments mécaniques, Mechanical instruments, equipment and techniques, Systèmes et dispositifs micromécaniques, Micromechanical devices and systems, Dimension, Dimensions, Dispositif microélectromécanique, Microelectromechanical device, Dispositivo microelectromecánico, Hydrodynamique, Hydrodynamics, Lithographie sans masque, Maskless lithography, Litografía sin máscara, Microfluidique, Microfluidics, Microstructure, Optimisation, Optimization, Photorésist, Photoresists, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, and Prototipificación rápida

This paper describes maskless lithography as a rapid and cost-effective technique for fabricating high-quality microfluidic devices in laboratories. The detailed effects of exposure parameters on microstructure features are explored. A quantitative analysis of these effects provides insights into the device design and the selection of optimum processing parameters. To overcome the limitation of small exposure area, subregion stitching and sequential exposure are adopted for fabricating larger patterns. Seamless stitching between adjacent exposure subregions is achieved by optimizing the grayscale values of the stitching side/corner. These data are also valuable for exploring grayscale and multi-step lithography. Various hydrodynamic microdevices are then fabricated and characterized to validate the optimized parameters.

Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Computer science, Informatique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Informatique; automatique theorique; systemes, Computer science; control theory; systems, Logiciel, Software, Systèmes informatiques et systèmes répartis. Interface utilisateur, Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface, Commande position, Position control, Regulación de la posición, Ergonomie, Ergonomics, Ergonomía, Réalité augmentée, Augmented reality, Realidad aumentada, Sensibilité tactile, Tactile sensitivity, Sensibilidad tactil, Système information, Information system, Sistema información, Terminal, Haptic devices, Mixed prototyping, Mixed reality, Product assessment, and Reference framework

The paper presents a reference framework for applications based on the mixed prototyping practice and mixed reality techniques and technologies. This practice can be effectively used for rapid design assessment of new prod- ucts. In particular, the paper addresses applications regarding the use of mixed prototyping practice for the design review of information appliances. Various methods and technologies can be used according to the product aspects to validate and test. The paper describes mixed prototyping applications for positioning information appliances within systems and for the evaluation of ergonomics aspects of interactive devices.

Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Computer science, Informatique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Informatique; automatique theorique; systemes, Computer science; control theory; systems, Logiciel, Software, Systèmes informatiques et systèmes répartis. Interface utilisateur, Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface, Conception assistée, Computer aided design, Concepción asistida, Interface utilisateur, User interface, Interfase usuario, Langage XML, XML language, Lenguaje XML, Langage description, Description language, Lenguaje descripción, Modèle comportement, Behavior model, Modelo comportamiento, Modèle dynamique, Dynamic model, Modelo dinámico, Modélisation, Modeling, Modelización, Réalité virtuelle, Virtual reality, Realidad virtual, Terminal, Utilisabilité, Usability, Usabilidad, 3D CAD, Digital prototyping, and Information appliances

Recently, usability assessment of user interfaces (UIs) in the early design stage has become indispensable for the human-centered design of information appliances. Several digital prototyping tools of the UI software, in which the UI behavior can be simulated, have been developed so far. However, some problems can arise when using them for the usability assessment, such as: a lack of simulation fidel- ity, time-consuming modeling work, and lack of systematic usability assessment functions. To solve these problems, we developed a tool for virtual 3D prototyping and usability assessment of information appliances. First, we extended the specification of UsiXML (which is the XML-compliant UI description language) so that the static structure both of the logical elements displayed on the UI and of the physical elements placed on the housings can be modeled. Secondly, we developed 3D prototyping and simulation functions so that the extended UsiXML is combined with the 3D CAD mod- els of the housings and where the interaction can be simulated based on the dynamic-behavior model of the UsiXML. Finally, we developed the automated user test and usability assessment functions which are connected to the models of the extended UsiXML. An example of the efficient usability assessment and the UI redesign using a 3D digital prototype of a digital camera is shown.

Electronics, Electronique, Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Metrology and instrumentation, Métrologie et instrumentation, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Physique, Physics, Generalites, General, Instruments, appareillage, composants et techniques communs à plusieurs branches de la physique et de l'astronomie, Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy, Techniques, équipements et instruments mécaniques, Mechanical instruments, equipment and techniques, Systèmes et dispositifs micromécaniques, Micromechanical devices and systems, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Electronique, Electronics, Electronique des semiconducteurs. Microélectronique. Optoélectronique. Dispositifs à l'état solide, Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices, Fabrication microélectronique (technologie des matériaux et des surfaces), Microelectronic fabrication (materials and surfaces technology), Genie mecanique. Construction mecanique, Mechanical engineering. Machine design, Mécanique de précision. Horlogerie, Precision engineering, watch making, Céramique, Ceramic materials, Cerámica, Durabilité, Durability, Durabilidad, Développement produit, Product development, Desarrollo producto, Etude fabrication, Production design, Estudio fabricación, Montage, Assembly, Montaje, Optimisation, Optimization, Optimización, Processus rapide, Rapid process, Proceso rápido, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Puissance sortie, Output power, Potencia salida, Turbomachine, Turbomáquina, Zircone, Zirconia, and Zircona

Within the framework of the Collaborative Research Center 499 (SFB 499) of the German Research Foundation (DFG), one task was the development of a zirconia micro turbine as a demonstrator tool to enhance the interaction of the participating workgroups. This case study describes the evolution of the demonstrator and experiences gained with the design and the manufacturing of a micro device. Although it was not the aim of this basic research project to develop a commercial product, the experiences are valuable for improving the performance of industrial product development processes for ceramic micro devices. The various parts of the zirconia micro turbine were prepared by a rapid prototyping process chain (RPPC) that allows for a fast and inexpensive manufacturing of ceramic parts with details down to the micron range. A first design concept was made to mainly demonstrate the shaping feasibility of the process in the micro range. However, some features affected the performance due to their low loading capacity. Thus, a modified design was improved for power output and durability. After optimization of the process chain, dense and homogenous ceramic micro parts could be manufactured. These parts were used for the assembling of a functional micro turbine demonstrator, which was powered by compressed air.

Electronics, Electronique, Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Physique, Physics, Generalites, General, Instruments, appareillage, composants et techniques communs à plusieurs branches de la physique et de l'astronomie, Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy, Techniques, équipements et instruments mécaniques, Mechanical instruments, equipment and techniques, Systèmes et dispositifs micromécaniques, Micromechanical devices and systems, Domaines classiques de la physique (y compris les applications), Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications), Mécanique des fluides, Fluid dynamics, Mécanique des fluides appliquée, Applied fluid mechanics, Fluidique, Fluidics, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Electronique, Electronics, Electronique des semiconducteurs. Microélectronique. Optoélectronique. Dispositifs à l'état solide, Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices, Fabrication microélectronique (technologie des matériaux et des surfaces), Microelectronic fabrication (materials and surfaces technology), Genie mecanique. Construction mecanique, Mechanical engineering. Machine design, Mécanique de précision. Horlogerie, Precision engineering, watch making, Angle contact, Contact angle, Commande fluidique, Fluidic control, Mando fluídico, Composé hydrophile, Hydrophilic compound, Compuesto hidrofilo, Durcissement (matière plastique), Curing (plastics), Endurecimiento (material plástico), Dépendance temps, Time dependence, Elastomère, Elastomers, Electrocinétique, Electrokinetics, Electrocinética, Electroosmose, Electroosmosis, Electro-osmosis, Etude expérimentale, Experimental study, Fluidique, Fluidics, Gonflement, Swelling, Lithographie UV, Ultraviolet lithography, Mobilité, Mobility, Monitorage, Monitoring, Monitoreo, Mécanique précision, Precision engineering, Mecánica precisión, Processus fabrication, Production process, Proceso fabricación, Propriété mécanique, Mechanical properties, Propriété physique, Physical properties, Propriété thermique, Thermal properties, Propriété thermomécanique, Thermomechanical properties, Propriedad termomecánica, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Solubilité, Solubility, Traitement surface, Surface treatments, Uréthanne polymère, Polyurethanes, Microfluidique, Microfluidics, Microfluídico, Microvalve, Microvalves, Microválvula, Revêtement centrifugation, Spin-on coatings, and Cobertura por centrifugado

Rapid prototyping in the design cycle of new microfluidic devices is very important for shortening time-to-market. Researchers are facing the challenge to explore new and suitable substrates with simple and efficient microfabrication techniques. In this paper, we introduce and characterize a UV-curing elastomeric polyurethane methacrylate (PUMA) for rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices. The swelling and solubility of PUMA in different chemicals is determined. Time-dependent measurements of water contact angle show that the native PUMA is hydrophilic without surface treatment. The current monitoring method is used for measurement of the electroosmotic flow mobility in the microchannels made from PUMA. The optical, physical, thermal and mechanical properties of PUMA are evaluated. The UV-lithography and molding process is used for making micropillars and deep channel microfluidic structures integrated to the supporting base layer. Spin coating is characterized for producing different layer thicknesses of PUMA resin. A device is fabricated and tested for examining the strength of different bonding techniques such as conformal, corona treating and semi-curing of two PUMA layers in microfluidic application and the results show that the bonding strengths are comparable to that of PDMS. We also report fabrication and testing of a three-layer multi inlet/outlet microfluidic device including a very effective fluidic interconnect for application demonstration of PUMA as a promising new substrate. A simple micro-device is developed and employed for observing the pressure deflection of membrane made from PUMA as a very effective elastomeric valve in microfluidic devices.

Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Computer science, Informatique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Informatique; automatique theorique; systemes, Computer science; control theory; systems, Logiciel, Software, Systèmes informatiques et systèmes répartis. Interface utilisateur, Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface, Automatique théorique. Systèmes, Control theory. Systems, Robotique, Robotics, Genie mecanique. Construction mecanique, Mechanical engineering. Machine design, Généralités, General, Accessibilité, Accessibility, Accesibilidad, Asservissement visuel, Visual servoing, Servomando visual, Conception assistée, Computer aided design, Concepción asistida, Esquive collision, Collision avoidance, Esquiva colisión, Estimation mouvement, Motion estimation, Estimación movimiento, Etude expérimentale, Experimental study, Estudio experimental, Guidage, Guidance, Guiado, Homme, Human, Hombre, Interface utilisateur, User interface, Interfase usuario, Maintenance, Mantenimiento, Maquette numérique, Digital mock up, Maqueta numerica, Modélisation, Modeling, Modelización, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Préhension, Gripping, Prension, Réalité virtuelle, Virtual reality, Realidad virtual, Rétroaction, Feedback regulation, Retroacción, Sensibilité tactile, Tactile sensitivity, Sensibilidad tactil, Temps exécution, Execution time, Tiempo ejecución, Haptic feedback, Human performance, Virtual environment, Virtual guide, and Virtual mock-up

This paper studies the benefits that haptic feed-back can provide in performing complex maintenance tasks using virtual mock-ups. We have carried out user study that consisted on two experiments where participants had to perform an accessibility task. A human-scale string-based haptic interface was used to provide the operator with haptic stimuli. A prop was used to provide grasp feedback. A mocap system tracks user's hand and head movements while a 5DT data-glove is used to measure finger flexion. In the first experiment the effect of haptic (collision) and visual feedback are investigated. In the second experiment we investigated the effect of haptic guidance on operator performance. The results were analyzed in terms of task completion time and collision avoidance. Experiments show that haptic stimuli proved to be more efficient than visual ones. In addition, haptic guidance helped the operators to correct trajectories and hence improve their performance.

Electronics, Electronique, Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Sciences biologiques et medicales, Biological and medical sciences, Sciences medicales, Medical sciences, Radiotherapie. Traitement instrumental. Physiotherapie. Reeducation. Readaptation, orthophonie, crenotherapie. Traitement dietetique et traitements divers (generalites), Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects), Technologie. Biomatériaux. Equipements. Matériel. Appareillage, Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments. Material. Instrumentation, Mécanique fluide, Fluid mechanics, Mecánica flúido, Cellule sanguine, Blood cell, Célula sanguínea, Commande température, Temperature control, Control temperatura, Dimension particule, Particle size, Dimensión partícula, Etude expérimentale, Experimental study, Estudio experimental, Haute température, High temperature, Alta temperatura, Homme, Human, Hombre, Microfluidique, Microfluidics, Microfluidic, Onde stationnaire, Standing wave, Onda estacionaria, Processus fabrication, Production process, Proceso fabricación, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Séparation particule, Particle separation, Separación partícula, Ultrason, Ultrasound, Ultrasonido, Verre, Glass, Vidrio, and Acoustophorèse

We report a temperature-controlled microfluidic acoustophoresis device capable of separating particles and transferring blood cells from undiluted whole human blood at a volume throughput greater than 1 L h―1. The device is fabricated from glass substrates and polymer sheets in microscope-slide format using low-cost, rapid-prototyping techniques. This high-throughput acoustophoresis chip (HTAC) utilizes a temperature-stabilized, standing ultrasonic wave, which imposes differential acoustic radiation forces that can separate particles according to size, density and compressibility. The device proved capable of separating a mixture of 10- and 2-μm-diameter polystyrene beads with a sorting efficiency of 0.8 at a flow rate of 1 L h―1. As a first step toward biological applications, the HTAC was also tested in processing whole human blood and proved capable of transferring blood cells from undiluted whole human blood with an efficiency of 0.95 at 1 L h―1 and 0.82 at 2 L h―1.

Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Computer science, Informatique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Informatique; automatique theorique; systemes, Computer science; control theory; systems, Logiciel, Software, Conception assistée, Computer aided design, Automobile, Motor car, Automóvil, Développement produit, Product development, Desarrollo producto, Faisabilité, Feasibility, Practicabilidad, Modèle géométrique, Geometrical model, Modelo geométrico, Modélisation, Modeling, Modelización, Méthode ascendante, Bottom up method, Método ascendente, Réalité virtuelle, Virtual reality, Realidad virtual, Validation, Validación, Fashion sector, Non-rigid material simulation, Simulation, Virtual atelier, and Virtual prototyping

Virtual prototyping practice and technologies are developing fast and moving from the traditional industrial sectors that have pushed their development (automotive, aeronautical) to new sectors, like the fashion sector, that is far from them, but anyway economically important. The concept of Virtual Prototyping has been built upon a bottom up approach. Tools oriented to different phases of the product development process (CAD, CAM, CAE, etc.) have been developed separately, without any intersection or anything in common among them, except for the idea that the geometrical model of the object is the reference point for the all phases. Actually, each of these tools simulates a single aspect/characteristic of the future product: the shape, the appearance, the manufacturability, the strain, the physical behaviour, etc. On top of them, Virtual Prototyping was developed with multiple aims. First, it aimed at integrating into a unique object all the characteristics that are uniquely formalised, and that can be uniquely simulated, so allowing an integration of all the interrelations among the all product aspects. Another characteristic of Virtual Prototyping concerns its use in validation. This has raised the need to make compatible the context where the prototype can or could be virtually operating, in terms of digital modelling. Therefore, the Virtual Prototype can be seen as a correlated set of dedicated models able to simulate specific aspects and models of interaction modalities. The paper presents the key aspects of Virtual Prototyping and enabling technologies in the fashion sector, presenting their benefits and the shortcomings that still require research and development.

Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Energie, Energy, Energie. Utilisation thermique des combustibles, Energy. Thermal use of fuels, Installations de production et de conversion d'énergie: énergie électrique, énergie thermique., Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy., Centrales hydroélectriques, Hydroelectric power plants, Aube turbine, Turbine blade, Paleta turbina, Centrale hydroélectrique, Hydroelectric power plant, Central hidroeléctrica, Conception ingénierie, Engineering design, Concepción ingeniería, Ecoulement lent, Slow flow, Flujo lento, Effet Magnus, Magnus effect, Efecto Magnus, Etude expérimentale, Experimental study, Estudio experimental, Minicentrale hydroélectrique, Hydroelectric small power plant, Minicentral hidroeléctrica, Plan expérience, Experimental design, Plan experiencia, Experimental testing, Functional characterisation, Mechanical system design, and Prototyping

With the aim of investigating the applicative possibilities of chiral blade turbines in obtaining energy from water conduits with low velocity of flow, the present study traces a design procedure, defining analytical tools and identifying various expedients which can guide the effective choice of the functional parameters of the device and allow a preliminary estimation of the quantities in play, confirming their suitability by the construction of a prototype and its functional characterisation as a real device.

Electronics, Electronique, Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Physique, Physics, Generalites, General, Instruments, appareillage, composants et techniques communs à plusieurs branches de la physique et de l'astronomie, Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy, Techniques, équipements et instruments mécaniques, Mechanical instruments, equipment and techniques, Systèmes et dispositifs micromécaniques, Micromechanical devices and systems, Domaines classiques de la physique (y compris les applications), Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications), Mécanique des fluides, Fluid dynamics, Mécanique des fluides appliquée, Applied fluid mechanics, Fluidique, Fluidics, Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Electronique, Electronics, Electronique des semiconducteurs. Microélectronique. Optoélectronique. Dispositifs à l'état solide, Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices, Fabrication microélectronique (technologie des matériaux et des surfaces), Microelectronic fabrication (materials and surfaces technology), Genie mecanique. Construction mecanique, Mechanical engineering. Machine design, Mécanique de précision. Horlogerie, Precision engineering, watch making, Attaque chimique, Chemical etching, Ataque químico, DNA, Etat surface, Surface states, Fluidique, Fluidics, Haute résolution, High-resolution methods, Lithographie, Lithography, Microfluidique, Microfluidics, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Rapport signal bruit, Signal-to-noise ratio, Ruban, Ribbons, Surface optique, Optical surface, Superficie óptica, Système sur puce, System on a chip, Verre, and Glass

Two microchannel manufacturing methods-xurography of double-sided tape and glass etching (lithography and wet etching)-were compared using DNA melting analysis. A heterozygous mutation (3 base-pair deletion) was distinguished from wild type (normal) DNA in 10 nL (xurography and glass etching) and 1 nL (xurography) volumes. The results of the 10 nL and 1 nL melting curves were compared to results using commercial high-resolution instrumentation with 10 μL volumes. These 1000-fold and 10000-fold volume reductions reduced the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) only 29-fold and 40-fold for xurography (10 nL and 1 nL, respectively,) and 39-fold for 10 nL glass etched microchannels, still providing adequate discrimination for mutation detection. The reduced SNR of the glass etched microchannels compared to the tape microchannels was due to the in-house bonding process which gave poor optical quality on the surface of the microchip. Xurography of double-sided tape reduces the cost by 20 fold and is four times faster to manufacture than glass etching. Microchips created using the rapid prototyping technique of xurography are a reasonable prototyping alternative to channels created using traditional glass etching for DNA mutation detection.

Mechanical engineering, Génie mécanique, Computer science, Informatique, Mechanics acoustics, Mécanique et acoustique, Sciences exactes et technologie, Exact sciences and technology, Physique, Physics, Generalites, General, Méthodes mathématiques en physique, Mathematical methods in physics, Techniques de calcul, Computational techniques, Méthodes des éléments finis et méthode de galerkin, Finite-element and galerkin methods, Domaines classiques de la physique (y compris les applications), Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications), Mécanique des solides, Solid mechanics, Mécanique des structures et des milieux continus, Structural and continuum mechanics, Elasticité statique (thermoélasticité...), Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...), Contact mécanique (frottement...), Mechanical contact (friction...), Sciences appliquees, Applied sciences, Metaux. Metallurgie, Metals. Metallurgy, Transformation de matériaux métalliques, Production techniques, Formage, Forming, Emboutissage, Deep drawing, Analyse contrainte, Stress analysis, Análisis tensión, Spannungsanalyse, Assemblage boulonné, Bolted joint, Ensamblaje empernado, Assemblage collé, Adhesive joint, Ensambladura pegada, Klebverbindung, Attache, Fastener, Atadura, Boulon, Bolt, Perno, Contact mécanique, Mechanical contact, Contacto mecánico, Contrainte contact, Contact stress, Tensión contacto, Durée outil, Tool life, Duración herramienta, Standzeit, Découplage, Decoupling, Desacoplamiento, Epoxyde résine, Epoxy resin, Epóxido resina, Epoxidharz, Estampage, Die forging, Estampación, Gesenkschmieden, Fiabilité, Reliability, Fiabilidad, Zuverlaessigkeit, Flan, Blank, Zuschnitt, Formage, Forming, Conformado, Umformen, Modélisation, Modeling, Modelización, Méthode élément fini, Finite element method, Método elemento finito, Finite Element Methode, Poinçon, Punch, Punzón, Stempel, Propriété mécanique, Mechanical properties, Propiedad mecánica, Prototypage rapide, Rapid prototyping, Prototipificación rápida, Tôle mince, Thin sheet, Chapa fina, Feinblech, Vis, Screw, Tornillo, Schraube, Contact forces, FEM, Joining, Layered tooling, and Stamping process

For low volume production or for rapid prototyping, sheet metal stamping tools can be made by an assemblage of steel sheets or layers and joined by several techniques (such as screws, bolts, brazing, adhesive). However, an important problem in the design and the production of such tools is their mechanical behaviour, in particular the strength of joining techniques which is crucial in the aim of achieving the high required reliability of tools. If tools mechanical behaviour can be mastered and accurately predicted this can increase the tools life duration and be more beneficial for the manufacturing community. In order to properly predict the mechanical behaviour of tools, numerical simulation of stamping taking into account, elastic deformation of tools within a coupled FE analysis is needed. However, simulation results show that the effort and computational times required for such a coupled simulation, in particular in a general three-dimensional (3D) case, could be prohibitive and unrealistic. In this paper, the authors proposed and developed a numerical procedure in two steps, which has the advantage of decoupling the simulation of the blank forming and the stress analysis of the elastic tools. Numerical application is presented for a layered stamping punch, based on the Stratoconception® rapid prototyping process, joined by screws in addition to an epoxy adhesive. The results are focussed on the screws behaviour, showing the potential interest of the developed procedure and numerical modelling technologies in designing layered tools joined by screws.