Talking Points

SpaceX Falcon9 lifts off. Photo credit NASA TVCongratulations to SpaceX on the successful launch of the Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 3:44 am EDT this morning! Falcon 9 is carrying the Dragon cargo capsule on its historic flight as the first non-governmental space vessel to dock with the International Space Station (ISS). The test flight was used as a restocking mission to carry food and clothing to ISS's crew. It also carried some rather unique items into space. Spa...

There aren't many books dedicated to coordinate measuring machines. Maybe it's the small number of people who even know what a CMM is. Maybe it's a (gasp) lack of interest in the topic.  Whatever the reason, here at Hexagon we're always excited to see a new book about CMMs. We're even more excited when that book features our machines on the cover. Check out Coordinate Measuring Machines and Systems (second edition) by Robert J. Hocken and Paulo H. Pereira. But wait - it gets better. Dr. Paulo ...

Section 179 of the IRS tax code facilitates small business growth by making capital purchases more affordable. It allows businesses to treat the qualifying purchase as an expense, rather than a capital expenditure.  Therefore instead of depreciating the cost of equipment, a company can write off some or all of the amount in the first year. Section 179, combined with equipment financing, may be profitable for you. That’s because you could save MORE with the deduction than you pay in finance paym...

We've all heard discussions of skyrocketing gas prices, concern for reliance on fossil fuels, and an overall movement to go green. Alternative sources of energy enter the conversations, with wind power playing a prominent role. However, when we take a step back and look at wind patterns across the continental United States, they look like a work of art. Click here to view. Of course over 8,000 parts operating at over 250 feet above the ground translates into sky high repair costs for component...

Do you have an idea that could save lives, generate jobs, or make the world a greener, safer place? Enter the 2012 "Create the Future" Design Contest — sponsored by COMSOL, Nordson EFD, and Tech Briefs Media — for a chance to see your idea become reality. The tenth annual contest offers a grand prize of $20,000 and worldwide publicity. Entries can be submitted by individuals and/or teams in seven categories:  Consumer Products Electronics Machinery & Equipment Medical (sponsored by Value...