Resubmission Module 4 : Emerging Technology

3D Printing

There have been recent innovations in the print and media industry. One of such innovations has been 3-D printing. This is also known as additive manufacturing (AM) or direct digital manufacturing (DDM). The new technology makes it possible to create an object by creating a digital file and printing it at home or sending it to one of a growing number of online 3-D print services. This involves creation of a digital blueprint using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This is sliced into 2-dimensional representations that are fed through to a printer that starts building up an object layer by layer from its base. Layers of material are deposited onto a “build area” and fused together. This additive process minimizes waste. This is because it only uses the amount of material required to make the component. Moreover, the technology is distinct from traditional “subtractive” manufacturing processes where materials are cut away to produce a desired form. (Jewell, 2013)

("The Advantages of 3D Printing | Caliper", n.d)

There are a number of 3-D printing techniques. The first of its kind is the commercial 3-D print technology stereo lithography. Charles Hull invented this in 1984. However, there has been emergence of other techniques. They include fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and PolyJet Matrix. Some of these techniques involve melting or softening layers of material while others involve binding powdered materials. There are also those that involve jetting or selectively hardening liquid materials. The process of “growing” objects layer by layer also means that, with 3-D printing, it is possible to create more intricate and complex structures than can be done using traditional manufacturing techniques. (Jewell, 2013)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX6G-TluQHE ("3D Printing Explained in 37 Seconds!", 2012) 

This video clarify that how to print the figures and solids.  

Current Applications

The reasons behind 3-D printing technology were for rapid prototyping purposes, making one or two physical samples. This allowed designers to identify and correct design flaws cheaply and quickly. Consequently, this enhanced the product development process and minimize commercial hazards. According to business analysts CSC, this remains the largest commercial application of the technology, accounting for over 70 percent of the 3-D print market. However, improvements in the technology’s accuracy and speed, as well as in the quality of materials used for printing, have prompted some commercial sectors to move beyond the use of 3-D printing in their research and development (R&D) labs and incorporate it into their manufacturing strategy. Moreover, the technology is already extensively in various fields. This includes making jewelry and other bespoke fashion items, in dental laboratories to produce crowns, bridges and implants, as well as in the production of hearing aids and prostheses, offering patients a perfect fit. This technology particularly suited to low-volume, short production runs. This offer companies a more flexible, cost-effective and speedy alternative to traditional mass production methods. (Jewell, 2013)

Use in the Automotive and Aerospace Sectors

The technology has been used in the automotive and aerospace sectors. The technology is being used in making complex parts for the electronics, automotive and aerospace industries. Major car manufacturers have largely relied on the technology. Some of the manufacturers include GM, Jaguar Land Rover and Audi. They have been using 3-D printing auto parts for a number of years. (Jewell, 2013)  

 

("Automotive parts", n.d) these parts of car was printed by 3D printing.

 Moreover, leading aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing are using it to improve the performance of their aircraft, fuel costs and reduce maintenance. For example, Boeing uses 3-D printing to produce environmental control ducting (ECD) for its 787 aircraft. It can also be used for a wide range of materials from metals to plastics – including composites – and is more efficient and faster to produce. This uses fewer raw materials and produces parts that are stronger, more complex and lighter. Consequently, the airlines have saved significant amount of fuel cost through the adoption of the technology. In fact, the 3-D printing technology is envisaged to be adopted full by the airlines in the year 2050. (Jewell, 2013)  

("Legal battles loom as home 3D printing grows", n.d)

 

Use in Medicine

The other area of application of the technology is medicine. In this filed, the technology is being used for various functions. These include use of3-D printing in producing prosthetics and hearing aids, treating challenging medical conditions, and to advance medical research. The breakthroughs in this area are rapid and inspiring. Surgeons to perform complex surgeries have recently used this technology. For example, in 2011, Surgeons at the University Hospital in Ghent, Belgium, successfully performed one of the most complex facial transplants to date with extensive use of 3D printing to plan and perform the procedure. Anatomical models did this and patient specific guides were 3D printed for use before and during the procedure.  (Jewell, 2013)

(Jewell, 2013)

("Hearing Aids", n.d)

 

 

Less Waste

Several advantages of 3-D technology exist. One of the advantages is that the technology has ensured there is reduced waste in some manufacturing industries. In fact, manufacturing plastic and metal objects in particular is generally a wasteful process. This is because of surplus materials and chunky parts.  For example, in airplane building over 90 percent of the materials used is wasted. However, with the utilization of the technology, it has been possible to create a similar object with the use of additive manufacturing. This has helped in utilization of less energy and less waste. Moreover, other objects can be made with the use of additive manufacturing. They include jewelry, footwear, and automotive parts. Some of the products generated using the technology is over sixty percent lighter and manages to remain strong. Therefore, this technology leads to large cost savings, and reduced waste means a lesser effect on the environment. ("The Advantages of 3D Printing | Caliper", n.d)

 

Cheap Manufacturing

Moreover, the technology helps companies save on their manufacturing cost. For example, some companies save up to 70 percent of their manufacturing cost. This is attained through lower packaging and shipping costs. This is also related to cheaper and more reliable raw materials and lesser workforce needed, as well as overseas parts suppliers. Therefore, most of the companies are able to achieve profit in the short term. ("The Advantages of 3D Printing | Caliper", n.d)

 

Quick Production

The technology has also led to enhanced speed in the production. This is because the speed of 3D printing is faster as compared to the traditional method. In fact, the technology helps in creating an object in a few hours while the traditional manufacturing method takes a longer time. This is making the traditional method to become obsolete. On the other hand, the technology has gained prominence due to considerable cost savings. The benefit of this technology has helped it gain prominence in a number of industries and quickly becoming a favorite tool of progressive marketers. ("The Advantages of 3D Printing | Caliper", n.d)

 

Future influences of 3D printing

Virtually any food

There is a believe that the technology can be used to arrest world hunger. This has led to attempt to create a prototype for a “universal food synthesizer” by some engineers. It is envisaged that the technology will be able to print healthy meals from powders, with a shelf life of at least 15 years. Others believe that the technology can help in printing and constructing homes. (Chung, 2013)

 

Bionic ear and jaw bone

Moreover, the potential exhibited by this technology in the medical sphere is incredible. For example, it has been possible to construct 3D printed jawbone. This occurs through production of a tailored transplant. This technology has also been involved in generation of bionic ear. Such types of an ar have been able to withstand huge ssound waves. (Chung, 2013)

 

High fashion

There has also been experiment of technologies in designer industries. The cheaper cost of manufacturing would certainly have an impact on the current system of mass production. Silk is already being experimented with. (Chung, 2013).

 

 

Reference

 

Jewell, C. (2013, April 2). 3-D printing and the future of stuff. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/wipo_magazine/en/pdf/2013/wipo_pub_121_2013_02.pdf

Chung, B. (2013, July 29). A 3D printed future: 10 surprising things we could see printed soon | TED Blog. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://blog.ted.com/2013/07/29/a-3d-printed-future-10-surprising-things-we-could-see-printed-soon/

(Chung, 2013)

 

 

The Advantages of 3D Printing | Caliper. (n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://calipermedia.com/the-advantages-of-3d-printing/

3D Printing Explained in 37 Seconds! [Video file]. (2012, July 31). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX6G-TluQHE 

Automotive parts. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.stratasys.com/industries/automotive

Legal battles loom as home 3D printing grows. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dw.de/legal-battles-loom-as-home-3d-printing-grows/a-15692676

Hearing Aids. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://envisiontec.com/trends-in-3d-printing-of-customized-medical-devices/

 

 

 

 

Resubmission: Module 1 : Technology through History

Radio in United Kingdom

The radio has been the first device to allow for mass communication. It has enabled information to be transferred everywhere, not only nationally wide but internationally as well. The development of the radio began in 1893. This was done after Nikolai Tesla’s demonstration of wireless radio communication in St. Louis, Missouri. This laid a foundation for the perfection of radio that is currently used today. However, there is a man closely associated with the advent of radio.  This man was known as Guglielmo Marconi. In fact, the British Government awarded him the official patent for the radio in 1986. (Wyman, n.d)

(Wyman, n.d)

Initially, the radio was used to maintain contacts between ships out a sea. This type of radio could only send Morse code messages back and forth between ships and stations on the land. Moreover, during time of disasters such as sinking, the ship would use a radio messaged nearby vessels and stations on the land to ask for aid. In the following period, the use of radio gained prominence. For example, the First World War relied heavily on the use of radio. Those in the war used the radio to relay messages to troops and top officials as well as people not on the battlefront. After the war’s end, there was change of the way radio was used. This led to growth of radio receivers. Consequently, broadcasting began in Europe, and The United States. (Wyman, n.d)

 

 The British Broadcasting Company or BBC began the favorite station at the time. This station began in 1922. One of the founding members was Marconi together with other prominent leaders. Initially, the Broadcasts was done locally in London. However, it spread to most of the United Kingdom by 1925. Some of the things aired included plays, and classical music. On the other hand, the newspaper industry maintained a strong hold over the new. This changed after a newspaper strike in England in 1926. As a result, the BBC took over the role of supplying information to the public. With no news being published, it fell on the BBC to supply the information for the public. In the following year, the BBC became the British Broadcasting Corporation when it was granted it a Royal Charter. The improved information through broadcasting came to a complete stop in World War II. Therefore, the responsibility of covering the news was left to the radio. (Wyman, n.d)

                                               (Wyman, n.d) 

 

The war led to the advancement of radio. This took place through adoption of a more modern form of the radio. Moreover, most of the British citizens relied on the radio for entertainment because of the devastating effects of the war. People enjoyed listening to the music, plays and discussion that the BBC radio played. The form of entertainment increased as radio expanded to more FM programs. As a result, most of the people accessed local BBC stations. Moreover, local BBC stations opened up across England. This expansion was also witnessed in the 1990s. This happened as new radio stations began broadcasting with genres like sports and comedy appealing to new audiences. The continuous growth and popularity of the BBC radio was witnessed in the new millennium. The station continued to gain prominence through its favorite programs such as “The Century Speaks” and a reading of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”.  In the first decade of millennia, the station adopted the digital market. This helped the station achieve its greatest expansion through new stations such as 1Xtra, 5 Live, Sports Extra, 6 Music, and BBC 7. These were also were made available to domestic listeners. (Wyman, n.d)

 

Radio Broadcasting History in United States

The history of radio broadcasting in the United States followed a similar path. In this country, the Westinghouse Company initiated radio broadcasting. The company asked Frank Conrad, one of their engineers, to start regularly broadcasting of music, while they would sell radios to pay for the service. The company applied for a commercial radio license in 1920. Their first station was in KDKA. This was the first officially government licensed radio station. The first program of the station was the election returns of the Harding-Cox presidential race. Moreover, the company took out ads in the newspaper advertising radios for sale to the public. After this period, a number of stations emerged. They played a wide variety of broadcasts and reached people across the country that had bought or built their own receivers. However, a problem existed due to the home building of receivers. They created a problem in the market, since people could simply build their own radios rather than going out to buy them. This forced the intervention of the government to curb this development. Consequently, a government-sanctioned agreement created the Radio Corporation Agreements, RCA. This was formed to manage the patents for the technology of the receiver and transmitter. Companies like General Electric and Westinghouse were allowed to make receivers while Western Electric was allowed to build transmitters. In addition, in the agreements, AT&T was made the only station that was allowed to engage in toll broadcasting and chain broadcasting. This paved the way for the next step in radio development in America, radio advertising. (Wyman, n.d)

(Wyman, n.d)

The first radio advertisement was done in 1923. This was done by WEAF, an AT&T station in New York. However, other companies disagreed with the RCA agreement and began radio advertising.  Additionally, there were other radio stations owned by private businesses. These were mostly used to sell that company’s products. However, problems arose due to The RCA agreements. This is because the agreement gave AT&T a monopoly over toll broadcasting and therefore radio advertisements. This monopoly was only broken after the creation of NBC and CBS. These became the first radio networks in the late 1920s era. Consequently, this led to emergence f first radio journalist. They included Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow. In the following period, the radio had become an important source for news in America. In the wartime, radio acted as a vital source of information. It also acted to pacify and assuage the worries of a confused and scared public. More importantly, the radio helped to pull together the nations moral and backing of the war effort.  The television prominence was only achieved after the end of World War II, and at the same time radio influence declined. The revival of the radio only took place in the second half of 19th century. This was due to the emerging Rock and Roll at the time.

The event after the war made the radio turned into due to musical entertainment. All programming and music became aimed at a target audience of ages twelve to thirty five, and the newly emerging “middle class”. The new music that FM aired began to pose a threat to the old generation. Through the 80s and 90s radio broadcasting continued to expand. Thousands of more stations sprung up playing all different kinds of music such as world, pop, rock, jazz, and classical. However, in beginning of millennia, the radio has reached its greatest heights.
For example, the radio expanded into the satellite and internet markets. The need for live DJ’s is dwindling. This is because everything can be done via a computer. For example, editing and broadcasting can be done using hard drive of a computer. Moreover, Jobs that used to take hours to do can now be done with the simple click of a mouse. (Wyman, n.d)

(Wyman, n.d)

 

From a tiny receiver that could transmit only sounds to a complex device with satellites in space and wireless systems in cars, the radio has seen tremendous development. The purpose of the radio, however, has remained constant. From its inception, the radio was created to communicate messages in mass form. In almost every country, radios are present, and in some, it is a primary means for communication. Without its invention, our world would be vastly different; it offered the first true means of mass communication and allowed leaders and people alike to impart valuable information to each other with the ease and efficiency. (Wyman, n.d)

 

What Impact did Radio have on Society?

The radio has impacted the world in various ways. With the invention of the Radio, the impact of the Radio was immediately felt around the world. The impact on society was evident immediately. The Radio offered to people the ability to have communication with other people.
Societies all over the world began to evolve, change and flourish with this new and amazing machine bringing new ideas and information to them. Broadcasts of all types could be heard by anyone who would listen. Being able to learn about others, whether they were in your own town, or in another part of the world had been unheard of, until the creation of the radio. No longer did you have to wait for mail to arrive, lots of pertinent information came across the airwaves daily.
Radio also gave entertainers and musicians another way to share their talents. This in turn changed society by opening up a completely new world of entertainment to the masses. It also brought about new jobs and different ways for advertisers and station owners to increase their profits, and hence affecting the socio-economics in this country. ("According to Kate: What Impact did Radio have on Society?", 2012)

 

Reference 

 Wyman, L. (n.d.). The History of the Radio. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://www.personal.psu.edu/jtk187/art2/radio.htm

According to Kate: What Impact did Radio have on Society? [Web log post]. (2012, January 22). Retrieved from http://kathleenkaiser.blogspot.co.nz/2012/01/what-impact-did-radio-have-on-society.html

Culture and Technology

Introduction

The Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. The Māori originated with settlers from eastern Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand in several waves of canoe voyages at some time between 1250 and 1300 CE (p179). (Howe 2003), New Scientist web page Over several centuries in isolation, the Polynesian settlers developed a unique culture that became known as the "Māori", with their own language, a rich mythology, distinctive crafts and performing arts. The arrival of Europeans to New Zealand starting from the 17th century brought enormous change to the Māori way of life. Māori people gradually adopted many aspects of

Western society and culture. Initial relations between Māori and Europeans were largely amicable, and with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in1840, the two cultures coexisted as part of a new British colony. (Wikipedia, n.d)

                                                               (Smith, n.d) 

 

Maori and Technology 

 

Until today, most of the Maori culture is preserved to keep their beliefs and customs. One of the Maori culture pride that is Marae is still being built throughout the country. The design and traditional value are intact even today. But contemporary technology is used to help the Marae be strong and bring them to a place in which everyone benefits. (Taylor, n.d. para. 7)

The schooling system in New Zealand follows the British way. However, to help the culture remain strong, the Maori-language education was introduced to help educate young Maori to never forget their roots. Furthermore, most of Maori art nowadays has adopted western techniques to provide contemporary and creative ways to show the Maori culture to the world. (Royal, 2009). Socially, the Maori have adapted well to the technology and have also been successful in establishing urban Maori communities. In the 21st century with Maoris have become a significant part of the workforce. Several businesses are being owned and run by them. (Royal, 2009).

("Māori Television Migrates News Production with Grass Valley",n.d) 

       

("TE KURA KAUPAPA MAORI PUKEMIRO HAS A CERTAIN STYLE OF TRAINING:", 2011)

Comparision

In comparison to the Orang Asli in Malaysia, it may be said that the Moaris have embraced the cultural and technological changes rather well. Orang Asli were classified as the aboriginals in Malaysia and until today, they are still searching for their identities and lands in the fast developing Malaysia land. One of the reasons for this could be the lack of education.

                                                                  (Nicholas , 1997)

A research by Suhakam, a human rights commission in Malaysia shows that nearly 7000 of Orang Asli children never attended school because of inaccessibility of schools form their abode. (MySinchew, 2012). Because of all these factors, the concern from public and non-government organizations turns to help the Orang Asli. This is mainly to protect their rights as the indigenous people of Malaysia and to help them develop their community. (Shukry, 2012).

References

New Scientist Webpage: Rat remains help date New Zealand's colonisation. Retrieved 23 June 2008

Royal, C. (2009, March 3). 'Māori - Urbanisation and renaissance', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/maori/5

Tapsell, P. (2009, March 4). 'Te Arawa - European impact, Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/te-arawa/4

Taylor, E. (n.d) 'Korero'. National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved from

http://teaohou.natlib.govt.nz/journals/teaohou/issue/Mao02TeA/c14.html

Wikipedia, (n.d) Maori people. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M

%C4%81ori_people

Nicholas , C. (1997). THE ORANG ASLI OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA. Retrieved from http://www.magickriver.net/oa.htm

Māori Television Migrates News Production with Grass Valley. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.live-production.tv/news/products/m%C4%81ori-television-migrates-news-production-grass-valley.html

TE KURA KAUPAPA MAORI PUKEMIRO HAS A CERTAIN STYLE OF TRAINING:. (2011, May 11). Retrieved from http://farnorthcih.blogspot.co.nz/2011/05/te-kura-kaupapa-maori-pukemiro-has.html

Smith, A. (n.d.). Cultural reflections in the media (Maori Cinema). Retrieved from http://mcm.uws.edu.au/feed/article/93100