In the UK and worldwide, solar energy remains one of the most popular renewable energy options. From an engineering viewpoint, there are two primary waypoints that manufacturers of solar panels and arrays need to consider as their products make the journey from the factory to where the end user will install them.

As governments and organisations seek to improve performance and efficiencies across all industries, an engineering and product development company has tackled an issue in the automotive industry that others have deemed to be impossible by bringing the last key element of engine combustion under digital control.

PipeSnug is the evolution of an idea that professionally-qualified bricklayer and builder Chris Burdett, had to help solve a recurrent problem he encountered with his construction business. Making good around pipework can be a messy and time-consuming job, where you need to consider how much mortar to mix or silicone to use; especially if you are lugging it all up a ladder to make good at height.

The call for ‘lightweighting’ has led to significant advancements in how products are designed and constructed. Technology gains have resulted in new and exciting possibilities, but they have also created a unique set of joint design problems.

Bonded shrink fit assemblies not only enhance the service life of an assembly but pave the way for new design concepts and cost savings.

Here Peter Swanson, Managing Director of Intertronics, explains the factors to consider when choosing an optical adhesive.

Custom car pioneers Hackrod are using Lightworks’ SLIPSTREAM to design their concept speedster in VR before manufacturing it using 3D printing.

Recent advances in rubber-like polymeric materials, such as Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE’S), have provided new opportunities in 3D printing.