英语 英语 日语 日语 韩语 韩语 法语 法语 德语 德语 西班牙语 西班牙语 意大利语 意大利语 阿拉伯语 阿拉伯语 葡萄牙语 葡萄牙语 越南语 越南语 俄语 俄语 芬兰语 芬兰语 泰语 泰语 泰语 丹麦语 泰语 对外汉语

经济学人86:3D印刷 印刷未来

时间:2013-11-27 02:29来源:互联网 提供网友:mapleleaf   字体: [ ]
特别声明:本栏目内容均从网络收集或者网友提供,供仅参考试用,我们无法保证内容完整和正确。如果资料损害了您的权益,请与站长联系,我们将及时删除并致以歉意。
    (单词翻译:双击或拖选)

   Science and Technology Three-dimensional printing An image of the future

  科技 3D印刷 印刷未来
  One of the biggest manufacturers in the world gives 3D printing a go
  世界龙头机器制造商用3D印刷术进行了一次格外成功的应用
  ULTRASOUND scanners are used for tasks as diverse as examining unborn babies and searching for cracks in the fabric1 of aircraft.
  超声波扫描器的应用领域很广,小到用于检查胎儿,大到飞行器机体瑕疵检测等。
  They work by sending out pulses of high-frequency sound and then interpreting the reflections as images.
  机理过程是,通过发射高频声波脉冲信号对反射信号进行成像解读。
  To do all this, though, you need a device called a transducer.
  但完成该过程,你不能缺少一台叫做‘压电式换能器'的设备。
  Transducers are made from arrays of tiny piezoelectric structures that convert electrical signals into ultrasound waves by vibrating at an appropriate frequency.
  压电式换能器是由具有‘压电'效应的一系列敏感元件机构组成。敏感元件机构通过‘定频'震荡将电信号转换成超声波。
  Their shape focuses the waves so that they penetrate2 the object being scanned.
  机构的特定外形可聚焦超声波,对被扫描的物体产生穿透作用。
  The waves are then reflected back from areas where there is a change in density3 and on their return the transducer works in reverse, producing a signal which the scanner can process into a digital image.
  超声波会从密度发生变化的介质反射回来,这时压电式换能器会反向操作产生信号,再经过扫描器的处理,最后进行数字成像。
  To make a transducer by painstakingly4 micro-machining a brittle5 block of ceramic6 material can take many hours of work, though.
  压电式换能器需要用到陶瓷材料,而精密地加工一块精细的陶瓷材料就要耗费几个小时的工作时间。
  As a result, even as the size and cost of the console that controls the scanner has fallen with advances in microelectronics (some are now small enough to fit in a doctor's pocket and cost a few hundred dollars), the cost of making the probe itself remains7 stubbornly high—as much as ten times that of the console.
  随着微电子领域中,技术的突飞猛进,控制扫描仪的电路板无论从体积还有成本都有很大程度的优化变小和降低。有些电路板小到可以装进医生口袋里面,成本也不过几百美元的价格。而制作换能器探头的成本却一直居高不下,跟电路板相比,探头的制作成本大概是一块电路板的10倍左右。
  At least, it does if you use traditional "subtractive8" manufacturing techniques like cutting and drilling.
  即使不考虑体积及成本的情况下,传统的‘对比相减式'加工流程技术也能完成这些工作,比如切割,机钻等。
  However GE, a large American conglomerate9, is now proposing to make ultrasound transducers by "additive10" manufacturing—or three-dimensional printing, as it is also known.
  而GE作为美国的一个庞大的企业集团正考虑采用‘对比添加式'的加工流程(或者又称大家所熟悉的‘3D印刷')来加工超声波压电式换能器。
  A new laboratory at the firm's research centre in Niskayuna, New York, is taking a hard-headed look at the technique, which some see as a fad11 and others as the future,
  GE在纽约Niskayuna地区的研发中心新成立了一个实验室,目前该实验室正本着理性实际的态度(非一时狂热)对该项技术进行研发,力图找到哪些产品用‘对比添加式'而非‘对比相减式'的技术流程加工生产更加适合。一些人认为,对该项技术的研发只不过是一时狂热。
  and working out which products might be made more efficiently12 by addition rather than subtraction13.
  还有一些人声称,目前的时机并不成熟,对该项技术的研发仅仅具有‘将来时'的意义罢了。
  Ultrasound transducers were an early pick both because of the complicated geometry needed to focus the sound waves and because ceramics14 are harder than metals to cut and drill accurately15.
  最初选择超声波压电式换能器来作为‘3D印刷术'的对象原因有两点。一是该换能器用来聚焦声波的机体外形非常复杂,二是它用到的陶瓷材料比金属的硬度要高很多,很难进行精准地切割和机钻。
  But they are easy to print.
  而用‘3D印刷术'却很容易解决这两个难题。
  The GE process for making a transducer begins by spreading onto the print table a thin layer of ceramic slurry containing a light-sensitive polymer.
  GE对加工换能器的方法是首先在印刷台上撒上薄薄的一层陶瓷粘土,其中混入一种光敏聚合体。
  This layer is exposed to ultraviolet light through a mask that represents the required pattern.
  然后用紫外线通过露光模板的光孔照射到印刷台的粘土层,以此塑造出需要的模型图案。
  Wherever the light falls on the polymer it causes it to solidify16, binding17 the particles in the slurry together.
  光敏聚合体一经被紫外线照射就会立即变得坚硬,粘土中的粒子随即凝结固化。
  The print table is then lowered by a fraction of a millimetre and the process repeated, with a different mask if required.
  接下来,印刷台会以不超过一毫米的距离向下位移,然后重复整个上面这一过程,如果有必要,需要重新更换一个新的露光模板。
  And so on. Once finished, the solidified18 shape is cleaned of residual19 slurry and heated in a furnace to sinter the ceramic particles together.
  以此反复处理直到整个过程结束,再进行清理成模上的残余粘土,最后把成模放入熔炉,以低于熔点的温度进行焙烧,最终完成陶瓷粒子的凝固收缩聚合。
  More work will be needed to turn the process into a production-ready system.
  该处理流程在具有批量生产体系能力之前,还需要做很多的工作。
  But Prabhjot Singh, who leads the project, hopes that it will be possible to use it to make not just cheaper ultrasound probes, but also more sensitive ones that can show greater detail.
  但项目负责人Prabhjot Singh表示,希望不仅仅制造出成本相对低廉的超声波探头,最好探头的灵敏性也会更高,这样可以让我们通过成像看到更加细节化的信息。
  Although researchers have had new transducer designs in mind for years, it has been impractical20 to construct them subtractively. Additive manufacturing could change that.
  多年以来,压电式换能器的研究者们一直都有新型设计的想法,但应用‘对比相减式'的加工流程实际上很难能把这样的构想变为现实,而‘对比添加式'很可能会使这种困顿得到改善。
  The new laboratory will look at other forms of additive manufacturing, too.
  GE的新实验室还将研究其它‘对比添加式'的加工流程。
  Some 3D printers spread metal powders on the print table and sinter the pattern with lasers or electron beams, rather than using masks.
  比如一些3D印刷机在印刷台铺撒金属粉末之后,采用露光模板以外的激光或电子束方式进行热凝处理来产生样模。
  Others deposit thin filaments21 of polymer in order to build structures up.
  其它流程,如混入聚合体热敏细丝通过自加固原理进行聚合以产生成模。
  GE is interested in how the technology could be used right across the firm's businesses, from aerospace22 to power generation and consumer products, according to Luana Iorio, head of manufacturing technologies at GE Global Research.
  GE全球研发中心‘制造技术中心'主任Luana Iorio指出,GE旨在为各种商业形式,包括象航空航天、能源及消费产品等领域提供令人满意的‘3D印刷技术'。
  The gains include less waste and the ability to make bespoke23 parts more easily.
  这种技术的获益在于节约耗材和使第三方定制个性化零部件变得更加容易。
  But one of the most compelling advantages is freeing designers from the constraints24 of traditional production.
  但最无可争辩的优势之一是让设计者从传统工艺的桎梏中解脱出来。
  Those constraints include having to design things not in their optimal25 shape but to be machined, often as a series of pieces.
  这些限制包括,设计者不得不用多个零部件去实现一个功能,不能从最优化的外形尺寸来设计产品。
  Additive manufacturing can combine parts into a single item, so less assembly is needed. That can also save weight—a particular advantage in aerospace.
  ‘对比添加式'可以整合零部件,避免了一些繁琐的机械组装过程,同时减轻了重量,这点对航空航天领域尤为有利。
  These new production opportunities mean manufacturers, big and small, are about to become a lot more inventive.
  在这种新的生产有利背景下,意味着制造商们,无论规模大小,都将变得更加具有创造性。

点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 fabric 3hezG     
n.织物,织品,布;构造,结构,组织
参考例句:
  • The fabric will spot easily.这种织品很容易玷污。
  • I don't like the pattern on the fabric.我不喜欢那块布料上的图案。
2 penetrate juSyv     
v.透(渗)入;刺入,刺穿;洞察,了解
参考例句:
  • Western ideas penetrate slowly through the East.西方观念逐渐传入东方。
  • The sunshine could not penetrate where the trees were thickest.阳光不能透入树木最浓密的地方。
3 density rOdzZ     
n.密集,密度,浓度
参考例句:
  • The population density of that country is 685 per square mile.那个国家的人口密度为每平方英里685人。
  • The region has a very high population density.该地区的人口密度很高。
4 painstakingly painstakingly     
adv. 费力地 苦心地
参考例句:
  • Every aspect of the original has been closely studied and painstakingly reconstructed. 原作的每一细节都经过了仔细研究,费尽苦心才得以重现。
  • The cause they contrived so painstakingly also ended in failure. 他们惨淡经营的事业也以失败而告终。
5 brittle IWizN     
adj.易碎的;脆弱的;冷淡的;(声音)尖利的
参考例句:
  • The pond was covered in a brittle layer of ice.池塘覆盖了一层易碎的冰。
  • She gave a brittle laugh.她冷淡地笑了笑。
6 ceramic lUsyc     
n.制陶业,陶器,陶瓷工艺
参考例句:
  • The order for ceramic tiles has been booked in.瓷砖的订单已登记下来了。
  • Some ceramic works of art are shown in this exhibition.这次展览会上展出了一些陶瓷艺术品。
7 remains 1kMzTy     
n.剩余物,残留物;遗体,遗迹
参考例句:
  • He ate the remains of food hungrily.他狼吞虎咽地吃剩余的食物。
  • The remains of the meal were fed to the dog.残羹剩饭喂狗了。
8 subtractive zhOzLk     
adj.负的;减法的
参考例句:
  • The result is a subtractive number.结果是负数。
  • Complementary to the three additive light primaries,there are three subtractive primaries.与加色法三原色互为补色的颜色为减色法三原色。
9 conglomerate spBz6     
n.综合商社,多元化集团公司
参考例句:
  • The firm has been taken over by an American conglomerate.该公司已被美国一企业集团接管。
  • An American conglomerate holds a major share in the company.一家美国的大联合企业持有该公司的大部分股份。
10 additive BJFyM     
adj.附加的;n.添加剂
参考例句:
  • Colour is often an additive in foods.颜料经常是各种食物中的添加物。
  • Strict safety tests are carried out on food additives.对食品添加剂进行了严格的安全检测。
11 fad phyzL     
n.时尚;一时流行的狂热;一时的爱好
参考例句:
  • His interest in photography is only a passing fad.他对摄影的兴趣只是一时的爱好罢了。
  • A hot business opportunity is based on a long-term trend not a short-lived fad.一个热门的商机指的是长期的趋势而非一时的流行。
12 efficiently ZuTzXQ     
adv.高效率地,有能力地
参考例句:
  • The worker oils the machine to operate it more efficiently.工人给机器上油以使机器运转更有效。
  • Local authorities have to learn to allocate resources efficiently.地方政府必须学会有效地分配资源。
13 subtraction RsJwl     
n.减法,减去
参考例句:
  • We do addition and subtraction in arithmetic.在算术里,我们作加减运算。
  • They made a subtraction of 50 dollars from my salary.他们从我的薪水里扣除了五十美元。
14 ceramics 0a6d841bb40f677207869b9f856b3b21     
n.制陶业;陶器
参考例句:
  • an exhibition of ceramics by Picasso 毕加索陶瓷作品展
  • The ceramics bore the imprint of Luca della Robbia. 陶器上印有卢卡·德拉·罗比亚的字样。
15 accurately oJHyf     
adv.准确地,精确地
参考例句:
  • It is hard to hit the ball accurately.准确地击中球很难。
  • Now scientists can forecast the weather accurately.现在科学家们能准确地预报天气。
16 solidify CrJyb     
v.(使)凝固,(使)固化,(使)团结
参考例句:
  • Opinion on this question began to solidify.对这个问题的意见开始具体化了。
  • Water will solidify into ice if you freeze it.水冷冻会结冰。
17 binding 2yEzWb     
有约束力的,有效的,应遵守的
参考例句:
  • The contract was not signed and has no binding force. 合同没有签署因而没有约束力。
  • Both sides have agreed that the arbitration will be binding. 双方都赞同仲裁具有约束力。
18 solidified ec92c58adafe8f3291136b615a7bae5b     
(使)成为固体,(使)变硬,(使)变得坚固( solidify的过去式和过去分词 ); 使团结一致; 充实,巩固; 具体化
参考例句:
  • Her attitudes solidified through privilege and habit. 由于特权和习惯使然,她的看法变得越来越难以改变。
  • When threatened, he fires spheres of solidified air from his launcher! 当危险来临,他就会发射它的弹药!
19 residual SWcxl     
adj.复播复映追加时间;存留下来的,剩余的
参考例句:
  • There are still a few residual problems with the computer program.电脑程序还有一些残留问题。
  • The resulting residual chromatism is known as secondary spectrum.所得到的剩余色差叫做二次光谱。
20 impractical 49Ixs     
adj.不现实的,不实用的,不切实际的
参考例句:
  • He was hopelessly impractical when it came to planning new projects.一到规划新项目,他就完全没有了实际操作的能力。
  • An entirely rigid system is impractical.一套完全死板的体制是不实际的。
21 filaments 82be78199276cbe86e0e8b6c084015b6     
n.(电灯泡的)灯丝( filament的名词复数 );丝极;细丝;丝状物
参考例句:
  • Instead, sarcomere shortening occurs when the thin filaments'slide\" by the thick filaments. 此外,肌节的缩短发生于细肌丝沿粗肌丝“滑行”之际。 来自辞典例句
  • Wetting-force data on filaments of any diameter and shape can easily obtained. 各种直径和形状的长丝的润湿力数据是易于测量的。 来自辞典例句
22 aerospace CK2yf     
adj.航空的,宇宙航行的
参考例句:
  • The world's entire aerospace industry is feeling the chill winds of recession.全世界的航空航天工业都感受到了经济衰退的寒意。
  • Edward Murphy was an aerospace engineer for the US Army.爱德华·墨菲是一名美军的航宇工程师。
23 bespoke 145af5d0ef7fa4d104f65fe8ad911f59     
adj.(产品)订做的;专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 );订(货);证明;预先请求
参考例句:
  • His style of dressing bespoke great self-confidence. 他的衣着风格显得十分自信。
  • The haberdasher presented a cap, saying,"Here is the cap your worship bespoke." 帽匠拿出一顶帽子来说:“这就是老爷您定做的那顶。” 来自辞典例句
24 constraints d178923285d63e9968956a0a4758267e     
强制( constraint的名词复数 ); 限制; 约束
参考例句:
  • Data and constraints can easily be changed to test theories. 信息库中的数据和限制条件可以轻易地改变以检验假设。 来自英汉非文学 - 科学史
  • What are the constraints that each of these imply for any design? 这每种产品的要求和约束对于设计意味着什么? 来自About Face 3交互设计精髓
25 optimal zmDzhM     
adj.最适宜的;最理想的;最令人满意的
参考例句:
  • What is the optimal mix of private and public property rights in natural resources?私人和国家的自然资源产权的最适宜的组合是什么?
  • Optimal path planning is a key link for the sailing contest.帆船最优行驶路径规划是帆船比赛取胜的关键环节。
本文本内容来源于互联网抓取和网友提交,仅供参考,部分栏目没有内容,如果您有更合适的内容,欢迎点击提交分享给大家。
------分隔线----------------------------
TAG标签:   经济学人
顶一下
(0)
0%
踩一下
(0)
0%
最新评论 查看所有评论
发表评论 查看所有评论
请自觉遵守互联网相关的政策法规,严禁发布色情、暴力、反动的言论。
评价:
表情:
验证码:
听力搜索
推荐频道
论坛新贴