Rapid Prototyping Technologies Enhance Innovation Opportunity

For those involved in product development, engineering, and other form-giving applications, rapid prototyping (RP) technology can offer an excellent deliverable for various applications. Prototyping can be used for concept generation, ergonomic testing, test fitting, functional testing and even small-batch production.

There are various rapid prototyping technologies available for use including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (STL), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and 3D Printing. Each of these technologies has advantages and disadvantages.

Fused Deposition Modeling technology is marketed commercially by Stratasys, which also holds a trademark on the term. Like most other RP processes FDM works on an "additive" principle by laying down material in layers. A plastic filament or metal wire is unwound from a coil and supplies material to an extrusion nozzle which can turn on and off the flow. The nozzle is heated to melt the material and can be moved in both horizontal and vertical directions by a numerically controlled mechanism, directly controlled by a computer-aided design software package. In a similar manner to stereolithography, the model is built up from layers as the material hardens immediately after extrusion from the nozzle.

Stereolithography is an additive fabrication process utilizing a vat of liquid UV-curable photopolymer "resin" and a UV laser to build parts a layer at a time. On each layer, the laser beam traces a part cross-section pattern on the surface of the liquid resin. Exposure to the UV laser light cures, or, solidifies the pattern traced on the resin and adheres it to the layer below.

Selective laser sintering is an additive rapid manufacturing technique that uses a high power laser to fuse small particles of plastic, metal, ceramic, or glass powders into a mass representing a desired 3D object. The laser selectively fuses powdered material by scanning cross-sections generated from a 3D digital description of the part on the surface of a powder bed. After each cross-section is scanned, the powder bed is lowered by one layer thickness, a new layer of material is applied on top, and the process is repeated until the part is completed.

3D printing is a unique form of prototype creation that is rooted in traditional rapid printing technology. A three dimensional object is created by layering and connecting successive cross sections of material. 3D printers are generally faster, more affordable and easier to use than other additive fabrication technologies. While prototyping dominates current uses, 3D printing offers tremendous potential for retail consumer uses, especially because the cost of production is less than other methods, and the part build time is minimal. In the latest incarnations, 3D color printing is also available. This means that a part can be printed to represent the colors of the finished product, to show label concepts or requirements, or to indicate the results of stress analysis or other failure mode effects (FME) analysis.

For the most part, all rapid prototype systems require a 3D computer model to start the process. In most cases a significant amount of file preparation must be undertaken to get a file to generate a correct rapid prototype model.

As part of the innovation process, some companies may employ one or several rapid prototyping technologies in-house. However, being a new "cutting-edge" technology, many firms can make use of service bureaus to provide their rapid prototyping as the need becomes evident. Most service bureaus have detailed websites to market and serve their customers.

A handful of service bureaus are fairly large companies with numerous employees and locations. Many provide related services and technologies, such as tooling, industrial design, molding and production. However, service bureaus are typically small companies, and while they may be small, many of them are vertically integrated and can provide services from concept models to finished functional parts.

Service bureaus tend to specialize in one or more areas such injection molding, casting, etc. Examine a company's portfolio or case histories on their web pages, or discuss previous projects with the company to try to better understand areas of particular expertise. Sculptors have also used the technology to produce complex shapes for fine arts exhibitions.

In the near future, rapid prototype technology will become more widespread and pervade even to the home. For now though, for timely and expert delivery, the use of a service bureau is the best way for most innovative companies, individuals and organizations.

Adventure of Innovation
http://www.adventureofinnovation.com

Gift Ideas - Digital Innovation

Digital Photo Frames

A digital photo frame is a modern and great looking way to show off a large number of photographs. Typically, they take virtually any memory card or flash memory and some even allow the transfer of photos directly from a camera to their memory. Once uploaded, photos can be displayed as a slideshow although the recipient may also choose to display their favourite photo. Mp3 player and even mp4 players, along with built in speakers can further enhance the use of the digital photo frame making it as much a portable media player as anything else.

Digital Keyrings

A digital keyring is a tiny digital photo frame that is easily small enough to fit in the pocket and can be attached to a bunch of keys. Holding up to 56 pictures, the digital keyring photo frame is surprisingly powerful and once uploaded, photos can again be displayed individually or as a slideshow. A variety of slideshow and display settings can be altered so that you or the recipient enjoy exactly the show you want.

Digital Fridge Magnets

As well as keyrings, smaller digital frames can also be used as magnetic fridge door decorations. Slightly larger than the keyring but smaller than the 7" photo frame, a fridge magnet offers all of the same options as its counterparts but with the convenience of being to reside on the fridge door - the hub of home life for many families.

Preload Your Photos

Regardless of the size of frame you choose, adding personal photos is what makes the digital photo frame such a popular choice in gift idea. While you can add photos yourself or leave this to the recipient once they open their gift you can also opt to have your selection of photos preloaded to the photo frame before it is posted to your door. This is the perfect choice if you want the gift in a hurry or just want to be sure that everything is done properly to enjoy the best possible results.

Ideal Photo Gifts For Any Occasion

Digital photo frames make ideal photo gift ideas to give to any recipient to celebrate any event or occasion. If you know anybody that loves to take photos then you can give them a gift that they will be able to use and enjoy time and time again and by having your selection of photos added before it is sent you can surprise them with pictures they've not had the chance to see yet.

Other Photo Gift Ideas

As well as digital photo gift ideas, there is a wide range of unique gift ideas that use digital photos in order to create unique and compelling presents. Items ranging from canvas prints to calendars, cushions, and blankets can all be customised by having your choice of photo as well as text printed on them.

Sarah shares her knowledge about gifts. Visit Bags of Love for stunning gift ideas. Bags of Love is a manufacturer of high quality, inexpensive custom gift ideas

A New Innovation In The Audibility Market - Invisible Hearing Aids

The industry for the auditory impaired has grown immensely over the years and offers innovative products to the customers. The greatest of these achievements is the wide range of devices to be used by people suffering from impaired audibility. The most well liked among these being the invisible hearing aids. The concealing factor of these invisible hearing aids boosts the confidence of the patient and he/she moves around and communicates with ease. However, till date, such ones are not capable of handling severe impaired audibility, though search is under way to achieve this. Thus for now, the decision for the device should be made taking into consideration this fact.

Can Everyone Use These Invisible Hearing Aids?

Though everyone with impaired audibility would like to have one of the invisible hearing aids, but unfortunately, till date, they are available for only slight to average audibility impaired-ness. Thesee are generally not available hors prescription, so one must consult an ear specialist and after the appropriate check-up, get the prescription for the most appropriate device amongst the aids available.

Where To Get Them:

There are a few companies, which deal with invisible hearing aids and have them available in their stocks. Before buying one, however, a prescription from the ear specialist is obligatory. These companies are:

Llyods:

Llyods is a top ranking company dealing with the audibility devices. They have over 40 years of experience and have an extensive variety of invisible hearing aids available. One can find a whole range of devices to choose from.

Island Hearing:

Island Hearing scores among good companies too, having an appreciable variety when it comes to invisible hearing aids. One of their most famous designs is the CIC (Completely In the Canal) option. This particular device is structured such that all pieces are contained in a covering or casing and the casing is worn deep inside the ear as compared to the other devices available. This enables the tool to use low amplificatory levels, as it is already much nearer to the eardrum.

The Pros And Cons Of The Invisible Hearing Aids:

It is a psychological need of an audibility-impaired individual to not to be noticed because of this deficiency. It is this sense that drives such patient to avoid wearing his dvice in public places. The invisible hearing aids cater for this psychological factor and boost the patients confidence and of course communication in his/her public appearances. Though they have such a great benefit, but there is an associated shortcoming too and that comes too from its small size!. One has to be extra vigilant while removing them and place them at a secure place, as owing to their tiny size they are more probable to get lost, getting out of sight or getting damaged.

You can also find more info on canal hearing aids and hearing aid batteries. FirstHearingAids.com is a comprehensive resource for people suffering from hearing loss to get information on hearing aid options, prices and maintenance.

The Politics of Innovation - Wising Up to the Gatekeepers

Organisations are filled with politics and organisational games. Here are just a few that are common culprits for stifling innovation.

An interesting idea

In a mild form, resistance can be as simple as declaring that "I thought the ideas in your presentation were really interesting". "Interesting" is the key word here, because it is the word people frequently use when they want to appear supportive and positive about an idea when really they are indirectly resisting. We say "interesting" when asked for feedback and we do not want to reveal our concerns and doubts. "Interesting" can even be a euphemism for "your ideas are rubbish and I will not support them".

Another Time

This is the tactic of resisting an idea or suggestion by pretending that the timing just isn't right (and at the same time implying that at some future, unspecified date the timing may be better) "The only thing wrong with your idea is the timing, come back in the New Year and we will take another look" This usually means "no way is this idea going any further!" Of course, the timing may genuinely be bad but often this tactic is used for sabotaging ideas that someone does not want to see implemented (out of political self interest).

More Information

This is the tactic of deliberately stalling a valid suggestion by continuously demanding more information, hoping that the other party will eventually drop the idea, or forget it. It is entirely reasonable that before new ideas are acted upon, that they should be researched and tested. It is good practice for competent managers to ensure that bright new ideas do not propel organisations into oblivion but this can go too far. This is a convincing, 'professional' and deliberate viewpoint that hides genuine resistance.

The Wise One

They have seen it all and done it all before, and with their vast experience we would be foolish to ignore their protestations when they say it is a poor idea and won't work. We face an uphill struggle against arrogance and ego, it is them or us! Note the key to disarming such a person is that their wisdom is rooted in the past. Times change.

Techno-Babble

The idea is challenged on the scientific level and the resistance takes the form of long winded, confusing, jargon filled explanations which are presented as just being "helpful". They have seen it all before (and have a pile of facts to prove it) and see no new reason to go down a road which has already proved fruitless.

One recognised, these ploys can often be countered or you may just choose another course of action rather than waste your valuable energy.

Derek Cheshire is an expert, speaker, consultant and facilitator in the areas of Business Creativity, Innovation and Idea Generation. He is creator of the Innovation Toolkit, and co creator of workshops such as Creating The Difference, Creativity as a Business Tool, Sticky Strategy and The Idea Factory. Derek is also a director of the PRD Partnership, experts in commercialising ideas.

You can receive regular ideas and updates on Business Creativity and Innovation by visiting http://www.creative4business.co.uk and filling out the simple sign up form. See also http://www.prdpartnership.com

Information as a Competitive Advantage – Part 6, Innovation

The ability to innovate represents a very important success factor in the modern Business environment. Factors which influence the development of an innovative environment are:· the business infrastructures supporting core competence development

• the supply of skills and knowledge in respect with the ability to conduct research and development
• the demand for innovative products in terms of quality, design, performance, safety, customized development
• the degree to which the external environment supports innovative approaches

Modern businesses should shape their operations model, to support innovation. The production of new ideas which shall contribute to a differentiated positioning and the achievement of distinctiveness (one of 6 major strategy elements according to Michael Porter), should be a main business goal. Business focus on quality and productivity is no longer enough. However, in reality few businesses can afford to invest heavily in innovation. Google requires that its employees assign 15% of their time, on a project of their own. Information features supporting innovation, are very different from information features supporting business operations. Information supporting innovation:

• has a very wide scope and may relate to various activities and Organizational units
• includes estimates and forecasts for the market, market trends and changes identified
• gives hints on uncovered market niches which may be of interest (may yield high demand and lead to profitable business)
• includes technology analysis enabling new approaches to the market
• relates to the search and identification of business opportunities and the nourishment of innovative ideas
• is unstructured unlike operations information which is stored in structured format in operational systems
• includes quantitative and qualitative components and usually is analyzed qualitatively

The information production process aiming at innovative action, usually functions in a loosely defined framework. New ideas arise at different organizational levels and functions, which have different views of the market. Information on innovation includes:Market intelligence informationMarket intelligence information which can lead to innovative actions, is very important, but also hard to acquire in a timely fashion (before competition does). It requires the collection and qualitative combination of information from various sources and relates to:

• Changes in the business environment which are caused by social, financial technological or other causes, creating opportunities and risks.
• Market needs which are not identified and not sufficiently covered.

Competitive intelligence

• Information on the current positioning of competition often is available. Information on the next moves and goals of Competitors is hard to acquire.
• Information on core competencies and factors which contribute to the development of competitive advantage, are also important.

Enabling technology intelligence Comprehension of enabling technology trends, is very important to identify business opportunities but also risks. Analysis of:

• current technology and best practices to use it
• new technological trends and capabilities to provide value to the Customer through improved customer service or cost reduction,

may lead to actionable decisions. Copyright 2006 – Kostis Panayotakis

Material relevant to information management, can be found at http://www.pleroforea.com

Kostis Panayotakis - http://www.pleroforea.com

Gibson Guitars: Explorations in Innovation

The tradition of quality associated with Gibson guitars dates as far back as the late 1800s when Orville Gibson started the company with his skill and interest in the guitar. Probably one of the keys to the success of the company then and now is its tangent for innovation. This innovation continued through economic hardship, which saw the introduction of the L-5, ES-150, electric guitar. While the company originated as a manufacturer of mandolins and guitars, it was the design of the ES-150, the company's first electric guitar that hailed them to the top of the list of guitar manufacturers. The innovation in the company originated with guitarists such as Lloyd Loar and Les Paul, whose ideas were used to create some of the company's most innovative designs.

Reviewing the Original Gibsons

The Les Paul Standard is by far the most popular of all Gibson guitars. It was way back in the early 1950s that it was introduced as the company's premier solid body electric guitar. Today the Les Paul Standard has several variations, including the Les Paul Standard Faded, Les Paul Standard Double Cut, Les Paul Standard Limited Edition, and Les Paul Standard Premium.

While many guitar manufacturers find ways to cut corners to assemble guitars as fast as they can, Gibson continues its tradition of hand making each guitar it produces. The Gibson acoustic is the classic tradition of guitars. Gibson continues to make the classic acoustic guitars in natural wood. It's probably the case that if you learned how to play the guitar in elementary school, that your music teacher had an inventory of Gibson guitars. The value of these guitars has not decreased, although many musicians probably wish the price would decrease! Classic Gibson acoustic guitars such as the SJ200 and the Hummingbird are still as popular as when they were first introduced, although most people purchase them as collector's items.

Electric guitars were made to play rock music, right? This message couldn't get any clearer with Gibson's release of a replica of the guitar associated with Angus Young of AC/DC. Usually when makers of guitars reproduce a classic, they tend to add additional features that actually take away from what was so great about the original. The Angus Young Signature SG is basically a mirror image of the classic guitar.

The list of famous individuals who have counted on the traditional quality and innovation of Gibson guitars is long. This relationship is probably due in part to the Gibson company's solicitation of professional guitarists to assist in designing innovative Gibson guitars. Who else knows more about what "serious" guitarists want than the professionals who push them to their limits? Celebrities that have been longtime fans of Gibson guitars include Paul McCartney and Jimmy Page. Aside from the outstanding pickups, Gibson guitars for electric guitar lovers are generally custom-made to order. It is probably the case that the Gibson electric guitars feature some of the most unique styles and designs. The Gibson Firebird Studio Electric, L4 CES Archtop, and the Gibson Zakk Wylde Les Paul electric guitars prove that there are no limits in the how Gibson is able to allow a guitarist to explore the creative limits of Gibson guitars.

For more more information about Gibson Guitars please visit http://www.guitar-directory.net

Video Conferencing - An Innovation to Boost Your Business

In the modern era when there is advancement taking place in each and every field, a similar advancement can also be seen in the field of communication which has entirely changed the way communications are done. The technique of Video Conferencing makes use of audio as well as visual features which look like as if both the parties communicating are sitting together in a single room only.

Its maximum use is made in communications required during businesses. It is often seen that for clearing out the slightest doubt, a company official has to go overseas to meet its client and carry on the talk. But in order to save the cost incurred during the traveling of the official to the other country, the use of the video conferencing technique could save them a lot in terms of money as well as time. For the project which might take extra weeks due to extra time required for traveling, Videoconferencing technique can complete that in some days only.

In order to have an access to the Video Conferencing Facilities, one needs to assemble a simple setup which would speed up its process of communication. The setup is as follows:

1. Initial requirement is a room which can accommodate 20-30 company officials at a single time. One should take care that the room should neither be too big nor too small as in case of a big room the voice would echo as well as it might be possible that the person sitting at the last might not be able to see the screen clearly.

2. A L.C.D screen which would provide the visual features.

3. Good quality speakers. This is important so that the communication taking place is audible to each and every member sitting in the room so that each member can participate effectively.

Video Conferencing and Video Conferencing Facilities enable any organization to tap into cost effective internet channel to carry their day to day activities. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable Videoconferencing Rental please contact a recognized Video Conference Center.

The Top 10 Reasons to Begin an Innovation Practice

Even while the economy languishes, and most companies are in survival mode, technological innovations that have been in the pipeline for decades continue to drive massive change in the markets.  In fact, all signs indicate the rate of change in the economy is increasing.  Those companies with an active innovation program in place will be in the best position to dominate when purchasing power begins to increase.

Many people are confused by the concept of innovation, thinking that it is something in which only the very brightest people participate.  On the contrary, anyone can and should participate in a properly run innovation program. 

Here are 10 top reasons (in no particular order) to begin an innovation practice within your company today.

1. Create a new product/service/process/system - This is the heart of true innovation - the creation of a new thing.  But, remember it does not have to be patentable, just an improvement on an existing system or product.

2. Job creation - Innovation is one of the top drivers of job creation in the US, and is the fastest path we can take out of this economic morass.

3. Cut costs - The simplest innovation program is one in which you ask the people involved how to do the task in a less costly manner.  A properly motivated staff often times produces amazing results.

4. Become more productive - Similar to number three above, you could ask your staff how to do the task in fewer steps, faster, or combine it with another step to be more efficient.

5. Create a better USP - In the hyper-competitive market that we currently find ourselves, being able to differentiate our product/service is absolutely invaluable.  Innovation can make your Unique Selling Proposition truly unique.

6. Prevent boredom - Finding a new way to do the same old task can be fun and possibly exciting.  Innovation of a routine process just for the challenge of it can get the old creative juices flowing again.

7. Open new markets - Sometimes you just have to modify your product/service only slightly to be able to move it into a new market.  Sometime you may have to do more then a slight modification, but if you are successful, you have a new revenue stream.

8. Meet new people - The strength of your business depends to a large degree on the people in your network.  When you do new things in the same market or different things in a new market, you attract new and different people to your company.  By itself this is valuable.

9. Create a new pathway to wealth - While becoming wealthy may not be your primary motivation, innovation is the traditional means and one of the fastest ways to achieve financial independence.

10. Become famous - Becoming famous may not be your primary reason for innovation either, but if you do it properly, it can be a fast track to becoming well known.  With too many media outlets and not enough interesting news, getting your face on one or more of the channels is not that difficult with the right story.

If you are interested in learning more about innovation systems, please visit The Idea Train at http://www.Coaching-Institutes.com/InnerCircle.html Coaching Institutes focuses on leadership development, training and coaching. Michael Larsen is a long time management consultant, speaker and trainer.