Entries by Richard Walton

4D Substrates Now

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4D Printing is a combination of 3D printing and a time change element that provides the fourth dimension — hence a 4D substrate is one that will by design change form over time. Smart fabrics and 4D printing were identified by Gartner as technologies way up on their hype cycle. We tend to agree with […]

The Cost of a Free Screening Trial

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We understand that at large companies, trying out new products can be complicated. The development process is full of trial and error – but if you add to that the administrative red tape, interfacing with SAP, etc., it can be almost impossible. That’s why at Micrex, we help you shed the red tape and focus […]

4 Tips to Scale Up – Going Beyond Lab Trials

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Producing a new product using a sheet material (paper, textile, film, nonwoven or composite) involves overcoming a lot of obstacles and rocky patches, especially when moving from a small concept sample to a commercial product. How to scale up and achieve success despite the roadblocks? Realize that changes will likely be needed in the product […]

The Portfolio Effect – Odds of Success (Part 3)

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Here are a few more thoughts to add to our discussion of the portfolio effect and risk. I grew up admiring the concept of the “Lone Wolf” inventor. The Wright Brothers, Edison, Tesla, Bell. Parts of what we all have heard are myth, and some is reality. Several of these “individual inventors” created what looked […]

Fail Fast: It Should Be Part Of Your Strategy

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At Micrex, we are big believers in the concept of “Fail Fast”. We have always talked about it with our customers – and what we have learned is that there are different interpretations of what “fail fast” means. From an engineering perspective, fail fast is about system safety and optimization. A system that is designed […]