Metal powder bed additive manufacturing (AM) methods Essay

Metal powder bed additive manufacturing (AM) methods - Essay Example The paper tells that the method of selective laser sintering was carried out first by use of nylon combined with polymers when a need arose to have assistance of audio-visual prototypes and the fit-to-form research tests that were previously conducted. This process received considerable research and as a result, it was further expanded to incorporate metals and subsequently got into alloys that were used in the production of functional prototypes and also in the process of developing rapid tooling procedures. The past practices have seen the status of SLS reconsidered based on rapid prototyping approaches, SLM with the use of phosphorous during the binding mechanism, post-processing that involved parts that were laser-sintered, metals that have undergone direct selective laser sintering, rapid tooling application, and consideration of materials that have been put to use. Substantial research has thus been done in this area and many publications made. This could be attributed to the u sefulness of the technology, its commercial viability, and the kind of broad application that it has found. The technology also has evolved to include the Electron Beam Melting, which is a technology that incorporates building parts laying layer-by-layer by use of metal powder through application of powerful beams of electron. Initially, powder-based AM manufacturing processes did construct various layers made up of plastic and metallic materials that dispersed powders on a given set substrate. These were liquid based processes. AM is also based on the same principle but curing is done by the UV light. The advancements in these technologies have made the AM be of greater use in many industries including fabrications, biomedical, and repairs of metallic forms of components since they have the capacity to deposit metal matter on set substrates (Kruth, et al., 2003, pp.357–371). 2.0 Introduction There has been a considerable increment in new and sophisticated technologies in onl y a span of 20 years. These sophisticated technologies and the innovations have been able to produce some complex and freeform solids (Shiomi, et al., 1999, pp.237–252). Besides, the different additive or subtractive techniques are evolving quite fast into rapid manufacturing processes in the cases of mass-customized goods, which have taken a deviation from the rapid prototyping processes (Mercelis & Kruth, 2006, pp.254–265). The intermitted measurements of those components that have been fabricated through the process of additive manufacturing (AM) have the capacity to boost the in-process improvement as well as change the characterization related to the internal geometrics of materials. These AM processes do take into account the planar layer. The layer-upon-layer aspect of various processes involving AM techniques has the ability to incorporate very simple measurements of two-dimensional nature (Mercelis & Kruth, 2006, pp.254–265). This is attributed to the f act that the current layer of the parts used is focused on a continuous basis when it comes

Report and Accounts for Tesco PLC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Report and Accounts for Tesco PLC - Essay Example The report provided shows an insight of supermarket sector, the emphasis majorly being on the analysis of its finances, competence, resources and culture. There are two options on future strategies that are suggested regarding financial strategies.This company is amongst the biggest in the globe, vested in operations in approximately 2,318 outlets and has employed over 320,000 employees. It also offers services only via its subsidiaries. The United Kingdom is its largest market, in which it runs in four ways superstore, extra, express and metro. The firm’s own labels of products are categorized under three levels inclusive of normal, finest and value. The firm makes sales of approximately 40,000 products of food inclusive of clothing and some other lines that do not deal in food stuff. Apart from convenient products, many stores contain gas stations, making them amongst the largest independent retailers of petrol in Britain. Other services offered by Tesco include personal fin ance. The main reason for the success of Tesco is the various products they deal in, popular products and the brand preferences. Furthermore, Tesco operate online sales of product which has seen them expand internationally and get customers all over the world. There are reasons as to why Tesco is customers’ favorite store in the UK. Tesco have got a well analyzed capital structure which supports the growth of business plan with consideration of their expertise in financial system and cash management. Financial Analysis In Britain, Tesco services offered by this firm are via Tesco bank. The main products offered are inclusive of mortgages, credit cards, savings accounts, and loans. They also offer insurance services like insurance on cars, travel and life. The awareness of these services is boosted by their website and leaflets given out in their stores. Tesco generated a profit worth 130 M pounds in 2007 which rated the value of shares at 66 M pounds. The impact that this mov e created towards the sector of finance brought diversification to the brand of Tesco. It also provided for growth opportunities in the external retail sector.In 2008, announcement was made on of purchase of 50% of its shares. In the year 2009, Tesco Finance changed to a bank. Other financial service was the intent to buy Dobbies Garden. This enterprise owns 28 gardens, almost half in the UK. In 2007, the deal had been sealed by BODs of Tesco on receivership of 53% of shares meeting the conditions that were set. This led to Tesco’s shares rising to 65% and in 2008, the acquisition was fully met. Tesco commenced selling of petrol in the year 1974.The main sources of finance for Tesco plc is long term debts, retained profits, commercial paper, leases, issues and bank borrowings.By the year 2006, Tesco was rated fourth biggest retailer after Carrefour, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot. In 2007, this firm managed to jump Home Depotdue to the sale of division of Depot’s professiona l supply and fall in value of US dollar on Britain pound. Immediately behind was Metro which may also make its way ahead in case the euro becomes stronger against pound. Though, Metro has its sales inclusive of wholesale turnover in terms of billions and its turnover in regard of retail is less than that of Tesco’s.Instead of Tesco increasing its revenue by way of increasing its leverage, they take