Mike Hepburn

What are TVOCs? The Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) level is a measurement of the sum of all of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in an air sample.  “Organic” means it has at least one carbon atom. “Volatile” means it is a gas under normal atmospheric conditions, so it has low boiling point and a high vapour pressure. That...

If you are like me, hay fever and pet allergens are making Spring a time of absolute misery. Many Australians will spend the coming months conducting a symphony of sniffing, sneezing and the sound of scratching our reddened, allergy-ridden eyeballs. Foremost on our blurry minds will be the quest to reduce pollens and allergy symptoms. Fortunately, studies show the use...

Particulate matter (PM), is a term that describes microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets, which are suspended in air. PM2.5 are particles or droplets that are two and a half microns or less in width. One micron is equivalent to one one-thousandth of a millimetre or 1 micron (micrometer) = 1/1,000,000 of a metre. To put this in context, the...

Teachers often ask us how do schools justify the cost of a laser cutter? Sure, laser systems can be a substantial up-front investment, but the benefits are phenomenal, ongoing and constantly evolving. Laser cutters have revolutionized manufacturing industries by offering unparalleled levels of speed, precision and, indeed, creativity. Consequently, they are becoming firmly entrenched into the education sector. The versatility...

How do laser focus lenses work? How do laser focus lenses work? Lasers use an intense beam of light to cut, engrave or etch directly onto the surface of a variety of materials. For instance, a focus lens in a Co2 laser cutter/engraver converges the laser beam to create a focus point where the laser is cutting or engraving the...

Wander down the aisle of your local hardware store and you will discover a massive variety of hammers available. They vary in shape, size, weight, and styles, and have a myriad of uses. Have you ever wondered where this most useful tool came from, and what exactly it is capable of? This article delves into surprisingly fascinating world of all...

Below are 5 AI STEAM Projects Using DOBOT Magician. Now is the time to discover the future of robots combined with the emerging field of AI. Fortunately, you don't need a million dollar research facility to get started, because the DOBOT Magician is already available, and is the perfect teaching tool. In the 1990s the idea of the collaborative robot...

Painting is essential for children, because it aids in the development of mobility skills, stimulates their brains, and promotes improved focus and attention, but how is paint made? Look around you, that liquid magic is everywhere! It covers your walls, your car and if you have kids - the masterpieces on the fridge... and probably their clothes too!  Life would...

3D Printing is a phenomenally exciting Space-Age technology. However, your plastic masterpiece won't be auto-magically conjured by a simple Star Trek-like voice command. This is because there are currently a few steps in the process. From the initial design to its final clean up, and all the rewarding - albeit sometimes frustrating - stages in-between. Firstly, converting the 3D model into...