Author: Shane Keenan
Electric Cars & Elon Musk: The Future?
Electric cars are the future, and Elon Musk is helping to see to that. His new Tesla Roadsters and other models have been revolutionizing the Electric Vehicle market for the past few years. His commitment to Tesla and his other business ventures clearly show his ability to operate as the CEO of a world-changing organization. He has had so many doubters, and he will continue to be doubted until his rise to fame is over, but honestly I cannot understand how you could doubt a man such as Elon. He is truly a modern day genius, and his company’s research has revolutionized compact, high powered batteries that allow electric vehicle technology to expand quicker and quicker. As electric vehicle batteries continue to get more powerful and lighter, the ceiling for the capabilities of these vehicles skyrockets. We are truly seeing the future being built in front of our eyes, as these silent, scarily fast Teslas continue to fill our streets. But the question begs; how far can we go? How much raw power can we harvest from these dense batteries capable of carrying a car over 350 miles on one charge? And one question that could truly change the face of our planet; Will these electric vehicles be the only type of vehicle on the road at some point? If so, when? How long until the streets are ruled by electric vehicles with artificial engine sounds, just to sound like the ‘old’ cars did? Time can only tell.
3D Printing: Revolutionizing Manufacturing Technology?
3D printing is poised to take over the manufacturing industry in the next 5-10 years. Manufacturing companies around the world could cut costs, and more importantly their carbon footprint by switching over to additive manufacturing instead of traditional manufacturing procedures, which create tons of waste that can’t be re purposed for future use. 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) can eliminate or reduce all these problems. Combined with groundbreaking technology that allows for scientists to create ink for these 3D printers that is both biodegradable, and recyclable. Imagine the truckloads of waste created by traditional manufacturing procedures being re purposed for other purposes… the environmental and financial impact cannot be overstated. This technology may seem limited by material type or shape of design, but 3D printing truly allows Mechanical Engineers to have the design freedom that other manufacturing techniques do not allow. Traditional deformative manufacturing limits the design freedom of engineers, but 3D printing technology allows for engineers to produce different types of designs as fast as they can design them. All it takes is a printing plan and a CAD design, and the 3D printer can start printing the design immediately. Deformative manufacturing requires the right size of raw material, and a more detailed printing plan that works around the block of raw material, which severely limits design freedom. 3D printing opens the door for rapid prototyping, and rapid production that both reduces waste and increases profitability. How long until companies across the world being to make the switch to additive manufacturing? And will it truly revolutionize the manufacturing industry?
Shane's Blog 