l Site Map l

News

CORRELATED ELECTROMAGNET ARRAY SELECTED AS INDUSTRY GAME-CHANGER

SME Unveils Annual “Innovations That Could Change the Way You Manufacture” List

Huntsville, Alabama, March 14, 2011 — Programmable “correlated” electromagnet array technology from Correlated Magnetics Research (CMR) was recently selected by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers as one of the 2011Innovations That Could Change the Way You Manufacture.

An annual effort of SME’s Innovation Watch Committee of the Manufacturing Enterprise Council, this list showcases new and emerging technologies and processes that are already making a difference in manufacturing.

“Our Committee’s goal is to scan the vast technology landscape for cutting-edge innovations and to investigate ways they can be utilized,” says committee member Christopher Kaye, director of innovative technology, US Endoscopy.

The newly patented idea from CMR employs a surface array of electromagnets, a control system to vary the polarity of individual electromagnet elements in time, and a free-moving object programmed to attach precisely using correlated magnetics technology.

Using the control system to create and then “move” a pattern by discreet steps through the electromagnet array, the coded magnet device will correlate with (and bind to) the moving magnetic field pattern as shown in Figure-1. In this manner, objects can be transported from one point to another without mechanical means. The array can be any size and the surface can be arbitrary. Manufacturing and complex assembly operations that rely on robotic positioning and transport systems can deploy those systems in the vertical dimension or even make use of ceiling space.

“Manufacturing automation and mechanization is an obvious application for correlated magnetics enabled by electromagnet arrays,” said correlated magnetics inventor and CMR CEO Larry Fullerton. “Prior to this, we have shown - with permanent magnets - the precision alignment control and benefits in tensile and shear strength for coupling correlated magnetic devices. Now, with a software-controlled electromagnet array, we can add the time dimension and substantially extend the capabilities of our technology.”

Other innovations recognized this year include: quantum dots, microstructured molding tools, a remote-presence robot, super velcro using shape memory polymer, graphene – the strongest known material, and Build To Demand – a capacity-driven production strategy.

Innovations That Could Change the Way You Manufacture will be a central focus of the Manufacturing Velocity: SME Annual Conference scheduled for June 5-7, 2011, in a Seattle suburb. Attendees of this conference can learn more about the programmable electromagnetic array when CMR vice-president Ron Jewell presents Correlated Electromagnets and Manufacturing. The conference will bring together manufacturing professionals and leaders throughout North America and beyond who are interested in innovations and exchanging ideas in one place.

For the most complete information, visit www.sme.org/innovations or for more information about the SME Annual Conference visit www.sme.org/conference.

About CMR:

About Correlated Magnetics Research, LLC: CMR was founded in 2008 to pursue research and development activities in the field of correlated magnetic structures. Polymagnet™ is a trademark of Correlated Magnetics Research, LLC.

About SME:

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events, magazine, publications and online training division, Tooling U, SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technologies and to the most up-to-date manufacturing processes. SME has members around the world and is supported by a network of chapters and technical communities. A 501(c)3 organization, SME is a leader in manufacturing workforce development issues, working with industry, academic and government partners to support the current and future skilled workforce.

North America

Ron Jewell, Correlated Magnetics Research, LLC

TEL: 678-528-411

United Kingdom

Matthew Scherba, Tx3 Solutions, Ltd

TEL: +44 (0) 207 297 2036

Denmark

Ole Toft, OLETO Corporation

TEL: +45 2922 6564