Re: Nanotechnology

From: Ross A. Finlayson (raf@tiki-lounge.com)
Date: Sun Aug 13 2000 - 11:11:55 MDT


Well, it would be possible to use nanoscopes to see structural defects at a
level finer than currently. That, way, all the processes could be tuned for
comprehensive fitness.

In terms of nanotech replication machines it could probably reproduce nanotechs
at a pretty fast rate. That means very high quality crystals until it is used
for plastics and other polymers.

Technotranscendence wrote:

> 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/

--
Ross Andrew Finlayson
Finlayson Consulting
Ross at Tiki-Lounge: http://www.tiki-lounge.com/~raf/



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