On Sunday, August 13, 2000 7:41 AM Ross A. Finlayson raf@tiki-lounge.com
wrote:
> One thing I like about nanotechnology is that it can be used to aid and
> measure quality processes with manufacturing. For example, if nano is
> applied to some process or method then it might make some economically
> viable where they otherwise might not be, in terms of utility.
While I agree nanotech can be used to "aid and measure quality," the example
Ross gives seems to be off the mark. To me, aiding in quality would be any
thing or process that increases quality, such as testing a product before
rolling it out the door and making changes based on the tests (and then, of
course, retesting). Or having clear specifications and requirements for the
product. (Working in the software industry, I've seen people build product
without such.:)
Measuring quality would be any thing or process that yields information
quality, such as some way of probing metal parts for aircraft to make sure
they don't have microfractures.
Of course, the two go hand in hand. I think nanotechnology could be
directly applied to both, since it will allow finer control over
construction of things as well as finer detection of flaws in them.
I also agree with the example Ross uses, those this is one of nanotechnology
increases the capabilities of building (and repairing) things overall. I
believe, if it pans out, it will allow things to be built which hitherto
could either not be built at all or which would be cost prohibitive (the
abstract example he uses). But most people on this list already know that.
That said, I wish stuff would start to leave the lab. Of course, there are
no nanoassemblers in Drexler's sense yet, but some things could be massed
produced using current technology, such as nanowire, nanotubes, and the like
and start to find their way into non-nanotech products, such as cars,
aircraft, space vehicles, and lab equipment. (Nanoscale measuring devices
would be especially good for the lab.)
My two cents!
Daniel Ust
http://uweb.superlink.net/neptune/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Oct 02 2000 - 17:35:47 MDT