ASU Scholarship Showcase

In-process laser heating technique delivers a cost-efficient way to improve mechanical and geometrical properties to nearly isotropic and extremely smooth, respectively. The technique involves the incorperation of a solid-state laser into a commercial off-the-shelf 3D printer, mechanical system to allow controllable laser allumination on desired surfaces, and a gcode postprocesser to proper control of the mechanical system. This process uses laser for local heating, to enhance mass transfer between boundaries or to enhance surface reflow to smooth surface irregularity, to improve mechanical and geometrical properties. Only less than 3 W of laser power (CO2 laser) was used for high temperature material like PEEK and Ultem; less than 1 W (808nm laser) was found to be sufficient for achieving optimal properties for PLA. This technique has the potential for after-market integration into most commercial FFF 3D printers to achieved nearly isotropic and smooth 3D printed objects with various thermoplastic polymers.

Successful public transit systems increase the value of locations they serve. Capturing this location value to help fund transit is often sensible, but challenging. This article defines location value capture, and synthesizes lessons learned from six European and North American transit agencies that have experience with location value capture funding. The opportunities for and barriers to implementing location value capture fall into three categories: agency institutional authority, agency organizational mission, and public support for transit. When any of these factors is incompatible with a location value capture strategy, implementation becomes difficult. In four of the cases studied, dramatic institutional change was critical for success. In five cases, acute crisis was a catalyst for institutional change, value capture implementation, or both. Using value capture strategies to fund transit requires practitioners to both understand agency organizational constraints, and to view transit agencies as institutions that can transform in response to changing situations.