Batteries seem to be the limiting factor in the popularity of electric cars. They are one of the most expensive components of the vehicle, and have limited range compared with gasoline powered vehicles. While there have been some impressive advances in recent years, a team of researchers have created a supercapacitor film that could replace the need for a battery altogether within the next five years. The collaboration between scientists at Rice University and Queensland University of Technology resulted in two papers, published in Journal of Power Sources and Nanotechnology.Lithium Battery Cell voltage

The supercapacitor consists of two layers of graphene with an electrolyte layer in the middle. The film is strong, exceedingly thin, and is able to release a large amount of energy in a short amount of time, which is essential.

"Vehicles need an extra energy spurt for acceleration, and this is where supercapacitors come in. They hold a limited amount of charge, but they are able to deliver it very quickly, making them the perfect complement to mass-storage batteries," Marco Notarianni of QUT said in a press release. Notarianni was lead author of the Nanotechnology paper. "Supercapacitors offer a high power output in a short time, meaning a faster acceleration rate of the car and a charging time of just a few minutes, compared to several hours for a standard electric car battery.”

Ordinary batteries take up a large amount of space, whereas the supercapacitor film could be integrated into multiple areas of the vehicle, such as the body panels, roof, floor, and doors. A supercapacitor this large could provide the vehicle with the amount of energy it needs, while making the vehicle itself much lighter.

The graphene-based supercapacitor film would be able to be fully charged in a matter of minutes, rather than the several hours it takes for a conventional battery. But while it might charge and release energy faster than standard batteries, they currently don’t hold nearly as much energy. This is one aspect that the scientists hope to change with further study.

"In the future, it is hoped the supercapacitor will be developed to store more energy than a Li-Ion battery while retaining the ability to release its energy up to 10 times faster - meaning the car could be entirely powered by the supercapacitors in its body panels,” added co-author Jinzhang Liu. "After one full charge, this car should be able to run up to 500km (310 miles) - similar to a petrol-powered car and more than double the current limit of an electric car.”

Because the supercapacitors are made out of graphene, a layer of carbon only one atom thick, the film is a more ecological choice. Additionally, because carbon can be sourced more easily than the lithium found in conventional batteries, it could end up being fairly economical as time goes on and production becomes more widespread.

"The price of Li-Ion batteries cannot decrease a lot because the price of Lithium remains high. This technique does not rely on metals and other toxic materials either, so it is environmentally friendly if it needs to be disposed of,” explained lead researcher Nunzio Motta.

Many people enter unknown territory when they buy an electric car. Can they be sure that the batteries will perform?
Yes, absolutely. For our new electric models we’ve essentially built the car around the battery, so there’s plenty of space to store power. This lets us achieve ranges of up to 550 kilometers, and at affordable prices. The battery modules used to be distributed in various places in the car – but now the battery is compactly located between the axles in the underbody. This means we have a central distribution point for the energy. It’s one of the big advantages of our new MEB electric drive platform.bluetooth handsfree car fm transmitter

How long do the batteries last?
Our aim is always for our batteries to last as long as the cars. We guarantee a minimum capacity of 70 percent for eight years or 160,000 kilometers. But drivers can also influence the length of a battery’s service life. Normal charging is better for the batteries than rapid charging, and charging the batteries up to just 80 instead of 100 percent also increases their service life.

Isn’t it a little impractical not to charge the car completely?
In most cases 80 percent is more than enough. Many customers tend to drive short distances, like going to work or going shopping. The battery doesn’t have to be charged 100 percent for that. You do your driving and charge the car when needed, usually at your home wallbox. Of course, if customers want, it’s always possible to charge cars up to the full range. To meet this need, Volkswagen is working with other carmakers to build a network of rapid charging stations on European freeways. That will especially help customers going on long trips, like setting off on vacation.

Can you describe how the battery is structured?
The battery systems in our new e-car models are flat and located between the axles in the vehicle’s underbody. They’re shaped a little like a bar of chocolate. Every battery system is composed of a variable number of battery modules, which in turn consist of individual cells. The advantage of this modular structure is its flexibility. The greater the range the car should have, the more modules we incorporate into its battery system. But the basic structure is always the same. This makes our production both variable and cost efficient.

Since Alessandro Volta created the first true battery in 1800, improvements have been relatively incremental. When it comes to phones and especially electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries have resisted a slew of efforts to increase their power and decrease the time it takes to charge them.Portable Car power Charger

Henrik Fisker, known for his high-end sports-car design, says his Los Angeles-based company, Fisker Inc., is on the verge of a breakthrough solid-state battery that will give EVs like his sleek new EMotion an extended range and a relatively short charging period. "With the size of battery pack we have made room for, we could get as much as a 750-kilometer [466-mile] range," he says. The same battery could reduce charging time to what it currently takes to fill your car with gas.

Traditional lithium-ion batteries, like all others, use a "wet" chemistry-- involving liquid or polymer electrolytes--to generate power. But they also generate resistance when working hard, such as when they are charging or quickly discharging, which creates heat. When not controlled, that heat can become destructive, which is one reason EVs have to charge slowly.

Solid-state batteries, as the name implies, contain no liquid. Because of this, they have very low resistance, so they don't overheat, which is one of the keys to fast recharging, says Fisker. But their limited surface area means they have a low electrode-current density, which limits power. Practically speaking, existing solid-state batteries can't generate enough juice to push a car. Nor do they work well in low temperatures. And they can't be manufactured at scale.
Fisker's head battery scientist, Fabio Albano, solved these problems by essentially turning a one-story solid-state battery into a multistory one. "What our scientists have created is the three-dimensional solid-state battery, which we also call a bolt battery," says Fisker. "They're thicker, and have over 25 times the surface that a thin-film battery has. That has allowed us to create enough power to move a vehicle." The upside of 3-D is that Fisker's solid-state battery can produce 2.5 times the energy density that lithium-ion batteries can, at perhaps a third of the cost.

Fisker was originally aiming at 2023 production, but its scientists are making such rapid advances that the company is now targeting 2020. "We're actually ahead of where we expected to be," Fisker says. "We have built batteries with better results quicker than we thought." The company is setting up a pilot plant near its headquarters.

Solid state, however, isn't problem free. Lower resistance aids in much faster charging, up to a point. "We can create a one-minute charge up to 80 percent," Fisker says. "It all depends on what we decide the specific performance and chemistry of the battery should be." If a one- or two- or five-minute charge gives a driver 250 miles and handles the daily commute, that can solve the range-anxiety issue that has held back EV sales.

General Motors is the latest automaker reported to be working on solid-state lithium batteries, thanks to a $2 million grant from Uncle Sam.

The money is part of a larger grant to develop more fuel-efficient powertrains, CNET reported. The company is expected to use the rest of the money to develop a lighter-weight, more efficient engine for medium duty trucks, perhaps to replace the company's 6.2-liter V-8.Car Battery Charger supercheap

Solid-state lithium batteries replace the flammable liquid organic solvents such as ethylene carbonate as an electrolyte in conventional lithium batteries with a solid, ceramic electrolyte that isn't flammable. That allows engineers to cram more lithium atoms into the battery to give it more energy without increasing volatility, which could lead to lighter, batteries for electric cars with longer ranges.
So far, complex manufacturing challenges, cost, and power output have held the batteries back.

Other automakers, including Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and startup automaker Fisker are also racing to develop solid state batteries for electric cars.

GM is also working with Honda in a joint venture to develop future electric-car and fuel-cell technologies, including batteries.John Goodenough, an engineering professor at the University of Texas, who co-invented the modern lithium-ion battery, announced a breakthrough in solid-state lithium batteries in 2017, but with long automotive development lead times, it has not yet seen the light of day.

Not all automakers or battery companies are optimistic about the prospects for solid-state batteries. Panasonic, Tesla's battery partner, has said it doesn't expect solid-state lithium batteries to be commercially viable for another 10 years, and Tesla recently bought ultracapacitor producer Maxwell Technologies. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said ultracapacitors have more promise for electric cars than lithium-ion batteries.

What started as a design movement in the US in the 1960s is back as a full-fledged trend this year. Yes, minimalism which means “expressing only the most essential and necessary elements of a product or subject by getting rid of excessive and unnecessary components,” is becoming the style trend of 2018. Given the proliferation of multiple multi-functional gadgets performing the same function thereby creating needless redundancy, this move to go back to the basics has come like a breath of fresh air.

The minimalist design statement has been at the heart of every creation from Skagen. Founded in 1989 the company’s philosophy has been to create “honest, simple, purposeful designs and thus share Danish ideals globally.” Started as a watch company, it has since moved into a wide variety of products from handbags, jewellery and other durable personal goods.mixed Signal connector

Two products that exemplify the Skagen design philosophy are its watches. Anita, for women and Signatur, for men. Both of these showcase the very best of minimalist, striking design that is the hallmark of Skagen.

Anita means “grace” in Danish and this particular creation has a lot of that to go around. The minimalist design is meant to gently adorn the delicate wrists of women striving for a combination of practicality and style. The dial is made of mother of pearl giving it a sophisticated yet understated elegance. Finally, there’s the mesh strap that blends comfort with design and is finished in a beautiful rose gold colour.
For the men, Skagen has introduced the Signatur series. The watch stands out for the versatility of its design. It is equally at home in a formal or a casual setting. The dial keeps to the design philosophy of the company and has a minimalist functional look. Hours are marked by linear and dot indexes, with minutes indicated by dots and numeric markers at each hour station. The watch also has an extremely slim profile which means it can easily slip in and out of those full sleeve shirts!
Founded in 1989, Skagen was inspired by the coastal Danish town where the founders delighted in a warm sun and the mysteries of two merging seas. Today, the company designs uncomplicated and timeless watches, wearables, jewellery, leather and other goods for men and women living in an energized world.

With minimalism taking the fashion world by storm, a reductive aesthetic is in vogue. Watch designs too have embraced the trend with plain geometry; understated straps and subtle colours taking centre stage.smart bracelet watch bluetooth

These minimalist watches work well at day and night, making it a tasteful addition to any ensemble. Finding the right watch can be a difficult task as it’s difficult to know where to start with so many watches available in the market today. If you’re planning on splurging on one, we’ve listed out some of the best watches for men that are definitely worth a look:
The Breitling watch has a high level of fit and finish with cross hairs that make the dial look even more alluring. The three-hand timepiece possesses the precise Calibre 01 automatic movement. The AR coated sapphire crystal, applied hour markers and long strips of white lume through the hands make sure that legibility is high. The polished case finishing adds to the overall luxurious aesthetic of the timepiece. The lugs on the watch add to the size, which bestows a tasteful look on the wrist. Overall, the watch is quite well proportioned and is easy on the eyes. The chronograph is available in a number of dial colours as well as with the choice of a padded leather or mesh metal strap.

The Classic Fusion has been the more discreet, subtle timepiece in the Hublot line. It brings to forth an incredibly impressive work of design, material, and technical achievement. The slim timepiece comes in a 45mm-wide case with a titanium finish. The H screws add a hint of masculinity to the otherwise subdued watch, an exception for Hublot’s loud designs. The dial itself is stark black and possesses a satin finish with rhodium plated appliques and hands. The watch also comprises of a power reserve indicator, seconds subdial and date window. The alignment of these components is not symmetrical, yet this aspect is what makes the watch a unique piece to own.

The Oyster Perpetual model is amongst the most recognizable in the collection of Rolex watches. These timepieces have preserved their unmistakable aesthetic association with the original Rolex Oysters whilst having advanced with the ever-evolving watchmaking techniques of Rolex. The Oyster case is built to be waterproof to a depth of 100 metres. The middle casing is crafted from a solid block of corrosion‑resistant Oystersteel. The Oyster case equips the watch with the high precision Rolex movement with optimal protection from water, dust, pressure and shocks.

The Oyster bracelet proffers the perfect amalgamation of form and function, aesthetics and technology. The particularly sturdy yet comfortable metal bracelet with its broad, flat three-piece links is the most universal bracelet in Rolex’s Oyster collection.

The legendary watch is available in various colours and sizes ranging from 26 to 39 mm, which is a wide assortment for a model that provides complete access to the Rolex legend.

Be sure to check out these timepieces at Ethos watch boutiques if you’re on the lookout for watches with a minimalist aesthetic, as these stores have a wide selection. The above-mentioned watches are quite neutral, allowing the wearer to pair it with varying outfits and different occasions. Owing to their classic aesthetic, these watches will also never go out of style!

When you understand how CNC machining works, you can make smart decisions for finding the right machining company to help with your next project.

On top of the vast capabilities our machines provide, we add additional levels of quality management, internal review, and improvement processes to keep our projects on time and budget with as few errors possible.aluminum die casting manufacturer

When you understand how the process works and the benefits it can provide for your business, you can make smart decisions to get the parts you need for the equipment in your business.

Background

Humankind has consistently demonstrated our ability to do and invent amazing things using only our hands and simple tools, but the greatest invention by far has come in the last half century when we developed computers. Computers have the power to command and control other tools with a preciseness that was before unthinkable. This was particularly groundbreaking for the manufacturing industry. For the manufacturing world, the invention of computer technology and accompanying software changed the game for precision, speed, and strength. Today, computer numerical control (CNC) machining equipment is commonplace on many operations floors guided by advanced program software. At Bowman Tool & Machining (BTM), our team of skilled, expert engineers and machinists utilize CNC machining in our state-of-the-art facilities to provide the highest-quality precision manufacturing services possible to our clients.

Computer numerical control was first utilized in some capacity with the tape-punch servomechanisms of the 1940s and 1950s. While effective in its own right, this analog method of manufacturing cannot compare to today’s digital high-powered computer intelligence. With a 150,000 square foot manufacturing space, BTM houses over 50 CNC machining centers and additional automated equipment that serves as a prime example of what computer numerical control can do for the custom manufacturing industry.

For over 40 years, BTM has worked to continue embracing advances and innovations in CNC machining. Today we take projects of all shapes and sizes into our experienced hands and, with an engineering-driven approach, manufacture components and parts with unparalleled quality. Even with our highly skilled team and our efficient production procedures, BTM’s level of excellence would not be possible without our pillar of strength: CNC machining.

This post was updated on July 3, 2019 to reflect updated job projections and Arrow Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports information. Since the initial posting, a Lincoln Tech graduate – highlighted below – has also been hired by the team.aluminum die casting alloys

There are thousands of parts that make up the complex, high-performance cars at the heart of IndyCar racing. And you might be surprised to know that many of them are smaller than a penny! They’re created on computerized equipment that’s driving the modern manufacturing world – and throughout the IndyCar season, students at Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis are at the forefront.

An associate sponsor of Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (ASPM) since 2017, Lincoln Tech has expanded the partnership to give students who are training for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining careers the chance to put their skills to the test. Using equipment provided by Haas Automation, students were tasked with producing components for the team. Working in the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing at the Indianapolis campus, students created parts for the alignment and inspection of driver James Hinchcliffe’s #5 car.

The Indy campus collaboration is continuing for the 2019 season, with new CNC projects that are contributing to the team's success.Along with Haas, the project is supported by Mitsubishi Materials US (MMUS), which provides cutting tools to the campus and also sponsors a modern manufacturing classroom. MMUS also created online educational models for Lincoln Tech students to supplement their hands-on practice with additional tutorials and exercises. MasterCam, a leading software provider, also plays a key role. Students use MasterCam software along with blueprints and CAD models to program and operate the CNC machines, then inspect the parts in post-production before providing them to Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.

The motorsports industry is just one of dozens around the world that rely on computerized manufacturing machines to build components for their products. Businesses in aerospace, healthcare, electronics, construction, defense, robotics, transportation, and many other areas – even space exploration – turn to computer-driven factories for their manufacturing needs. It’s no surprise, then, that by 2026 roughly 145,000 jobs are projected to open across the country in this field*.

CNC Machining and Manufacturing Technology is a great choice for a new career path if you’re looking for a profession with a real impact. The parts you build today will be in the devices, vehicles, and machines improving peoples’ lives tomorrow. With training programs available at Lincoln Tech’s campuses in Indiana, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Texas, you can come from anywhere in the country and leave school with the skills in demand across an industry that’s reshaping the idea of “Made in America”

Stay current with new technologies and trends used in the large part machining and hydraulic press repair industries in the United States. Stay current with technologies used for hydraulic cylinder manufacturing. Find out what is going on with machine shops and machine tools. The engineers at Kiefer Tool (Tom Kiefer Jr., John Kiefer Jr., Jim Kiefer and Tom Kiefer Sr.) are experts at large part machining, hydraulic press repair and custom hydraulic cylinder manufacturing. Their understanding of the machine tool and machine shop industry is legendary. Periodically, the engineers at Kiefer Tool post news articles in this ‘magazine’. Articles written by other talented and experienced machining industry insiders are also featured in this journal.aluminum die casting

In manufacturing, large part production has historically been costly and time-consuming, but the growth of metal 3D printing (if you’ll pardon the pun) is changing that paradigm. While metal 3D printing can be broken down into various sub-types—powder bed fusion (PBF), selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM), etc.—not all of these are suitable for (or even capable of) making large parts. Read More >

The first step in fixing a hydraulic press that simply won’t work, or one that is not performing optimally, is to refer to the hydraulic press maintenance manual or maintenance checklist. To maximize your hydraulic press’ uptime and reliability, it is important to take care of your company’s press by performing preventative maintenance work. To avoid hydraulic press problems and ensure optimal press functionality, be sure to follow the preventive-maintenance (PM) schedule provided by the hydraulic-press manufacturer, if this document is available. When manufacturing companies relay on hydraulic presses to stamp the products they sell, they rely on their operators to keep their presses running. Simple tasks such as replacing the oil/fluid or cleaning a radiator will fix minor hydraulic press efficiency problems. If your hydraulic press operator notices that it is leaking hydraulic fluid, check the hydraulic lines and fittings.

When a hydraulic press cylinder or ram does not retract or is slow to return, you have a problem. When a hydraulic press simply stops working, the problem may be an electrical issue. If a piston is jerky, you may need to bleed the hydraulic system. If your manufacturing facility is having problems with double acting hydraulic cylinders, your maintenance crew will need to do some troubleshooting. If you factory’s hydraulic press won’t hold pressure, your firm’s mechanic may need to adjust the pump and valves.

If your firm operates a press manufactured by Dake, and it is not working right, try to diagnose the symptoms in order to determine the cause of the problem so that you can execute the solution. Dake has published a table online that lists the most common problems hydraulic press operators face, their inherent causes and possible solutions.

Not many people can say that they have swam around Manhattan Island and alongside the famous New York skyline. For long distance swimmer Angel More, swimming is not just a competitive sport but also a way for her to make a difference in the world. More, a senior at Menlo School, has raised $60,000 over the past five years for children in need through competing in open water swimming.Children swimming in Shanghai

She completed the 20 Bridges Swim this past month, a 28.5 mile swim around Manhattan Island. Since her first open water swim at Alcatraz in 2014, More has been regularly competing in long distance swimming events to raise funds for Children International, a non-profit that helps children escape from the cycle of poverty.Through the organization, donors are able to sponsor children, making it possible for them to receive essential needs such as medical care and education. More was introduced to Children International by her parents, who are currently sponsors of nine children.
“I learned about the non-profit because my parents sponsored a girl right when I was born,” More said. “I kind of grew up with the girl and she has always been a big part of my life. Since then, our family has continued to sponsor more and more kids.”

Last month, More launched Angel’s Hope, a two-year campaign that aims to raise $1 million for Children International’s Hope scholarship fund. The money she raises from swimming will go into supporting 5,000 kids to further their education, whether it be high school, college or technical school.

“Right now, we are just in the beginning so I’m first trying to get to $25,000,” More said. “I hope to use that money to try to jumpstart the campaign and get big sponsors to join on.”

To prepare for her open water events, More wakes up at 3:30 a.m. everyday and swims from 4:30-6:30 a.m. before school. Although swimming for hours on end can get boring, More has started to appreciate it, as she is able to temporarily escape from her hectic life.

“The swims can definitely get boring at times since I just swim for hours and hours,” More said. “However, I’ve been doing this for a while now and I’ve started to like how it’s similar to meditation since I don’t have to think about anything at all. Essentially, it’s ‘me time.’”

In addition to the 20 Bridges Swim, More has completed the California Triple Crown of marathon swimming, which consists of the 20-mile Catalina Channel, 12-mile Santa Barbara Channel and 13-mile Lake Tahoe.

“One of my favorite parts about open water swimming is that I am able to see places from a completely different perspective,” More said. “For instance, at the 20 Bridges Swim, it was so cool to see all the tall skyscrapers from the water. There was one point where I could see the traffic and I was literally going faster than the cars.”