Finite Element Analysis (FEA) as a ‘bolt on’ software for 3D CAD software has been around a while to aid mechanical engineering design. The software over this time has improved in leaps & bounds and it’s price has also come down over the years. (In fact IronCAD, one of the 3D CAD packages we use, Read more
Gas Turbine Blades – 3D Printed !
3D Printing has come along way since it was first introduced a few years ago. It is now used in defence, aerospace, and automotive industries and has moved on to metal parts, and is referred to as AM (additive manufacture). The process consists of a nozzle that adds thin layers of metallic powder to a Read more
Reverse Engineering by 3D Scanning
3D Scanning machines have been around for 10 years or so and were a niche market and cost around £30 to £40k. Today you can purchase a scanner for as little as £1500 which plugs into your laptop ! To scan – point the scanner at an object and travel 360 degrees around it. The Read more
3D CAD – The Evolution Journey
Before this CAD was 2D and replicated traditional hand drawn engineering or archtitectural drawings on film or paper, a process that had been around for many years. 3D CAD has grown in functionality since the 90s and has become increasingly sophisticated enabling users to design quicker, easier & more accurately than ever before. The design Read more
Engineering Innovations: The Compass
A compass is defined as a device used to determine direction on the surface of the earth. The most familiar type of compass is the magnetic compass, which relies on the fact that a magnetic object tends to align itself with Earth’s magnetic field. Other types of compasses determine direction by using the position of Read more
Engineering Innovations: The Printing Press
Knowledge is power, and the invention of the mechanical movable type printing press helped spread knowledge wider and faster than ever before. German goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg is credited with inventing the modern printing press around 1436, although he was not the first to automate the book-printing process. Woodblock printing in China goes back to the 9th century Read more
Engineering Innovations: Steam Power
The Aeolipile was the world’s first rotating steam engine, or more technically correct, a steam reaction turbine. It was devised by the great Heron of Alexandria in the1st Century AD. A sphere mounted on a spindle with two opposing outlet pipes for steam that propelled the sphere round on an axle. In more recent times: Thomas Newcomen Read more
Leadership: Succession Leadership
Succession leadership is the ability to pass on your leadership responsibility to another capable of the task. To be able to spot potential leaders to take your place, as you step down, in a smooth hand over of responsibilities confident that they will do a good job. Personally I think good character is a paramount Read more
Women leaders who have changed the course of history
Women have certainly influenced and changed society and nations throughout history. Below is a small sample of some of these great women. I have mainly chosen those who have been leaders of people but there are also those who have been leaders in science, sports, exploration, drama and many other areas. Boudicea – was queen Read more