Category Archives: Engineering
Advanced Cell Engineering Unveils New State-of-the-Art Battery … – PR Newswire
STUART, Fla., July 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --Advanced Cell Engineering (ACE), a Developer and Licensor of Advanced Lithium-Ion Technologies for the Electric Vehicle (EV) Market, proudly announces the opening of their new Battery Research and Development Laboratory.
The 10,700 square-foot facility is a testament to ACE's dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in energy storage. Outfitted with the latest equipment and staffed by a team of expert scientists and chemists, this facility will serve as a hub for groundbreaking research, experimentation, and the development of ACE's proprietary LFP and LNFP-based chemistries, materials, and cell designs.
This new laboratory represents a significant investment in our commitment to revolutionize energy storage technologies.
"We are thrilled to announce the opening of our expanded Battery Laboratory," said John Kaufman, Founder & CEO of Advanced Cell Engineering. "This facility represents a significant investment in our commitment to revolutionize energy storage technologies. We aim to accelerate advancements in battery performance and contribute to the global transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sources."
The laboratory will serve as a collaborative space, fostering partnerships with industry leaders to push the boundaries of innovation in energy storage. By combining expertise and resources, ACE intends to accelerate the pace of battery research and development, ultimately delivering innovative solutions that address the world's energy challenges.
Key areas of focus in the laboratory will be:
The establishment of this new laboratory represents an exciting chapter in Advanced Cell Engineering's journey. The company remains committed to advancing the pace of battery innovation and contributing to a sustainable future.
About Advanced Cell Engineering: Advanced Cell Engineering develops and licenses advanced lithium-ion battery cell technologies for the electric vehicle industry. The higher energy density of ACE's Advanced LFP battery technology will transform the EV industry by offering significantly longer driving range in a safe, cost-effective cell. ACE's team leverages unparalleled experience in developing and commercializing innovative battery technologies. For more information visithttps://www.advancedcellengineering.com/
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Connor Finley [emailprotected] 978.985.4377
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Advanced Cell Engineering Unveils New State-of-the-Art Battery ... - PR Newswire
Ceinsys Tech Ltd: A specialized GIS & Mobility engineering services provider celebrates 25 Years of Enhancing Possibilities; eyes global expansion…
NAGPUR, India, July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 8th, Ceinsys Tech Ltd, (a company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange) and an integral part of the prestigious conglomerate - Meghe Group, celebrated its 25 years of relentless pursuit towards driving change and enriching human life.
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Ceinsys began its journey in the late 1990s, empowering engineers and designers with CAD solutions. Adapting to evolving needs, it expanded its focus to projects that enhanced the lives of individuals across various aspects of society.
In the past 25 years, its work in the GIS space has (to name a few):
reached 20M+ population with equitable water supply across Urban and Rural communities.
ensured reliable power distribution in 600+ towns, covering a network of 50K+ miles.
transformed citizen and governance engagement in 3 Indian states.
streamlined highway inventory and maintenance for over 10,000 kilometers.
provided infrastructure maintenance and planning solutions for 2.5 million+ properties.
In the year 2022, Ceinsys entered the mobility services space by acquiring AllyGrow Technologies, a specialized engineering service provider with core competencies in engineering design, development, and manufacturing engineering services. This move allowed Ceinsys to tap into the transformative potential of GIS and autonomous driving technologies combined. This acquisition will also enable Ceinsys to expand its global reach by leveraging AllyGrow's presence in the US & European regions.
Today, Ceinsys Tech Ltd, a CMMI Level 5 V2.0 appraised company, is a prominent player in the Geospatial, Engineering, and Mobility Solutions space. The company operates globally with 12 offices across three continents and has a dedicated team of over 1000 employees, serving diverse clients. With an eye toward the future, it is committed to expanding its global presence while strengthening its core competencies. Ceinsys will explore both organic as well as inorganic growth strategies to ensure continued success and increased market influence.
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In commemorating its 25th anniversary, Ceinsys' Chairman, Mr. Sagar Meghe, commented on the firm's strong dedication to innovation and customers. "Our journey is defined by an exceptional team and a legacy of accomplishments. Through investments in human capital, innovation, and technology, we have continuously improved while staying true to our core principle of "Enhancing Possibilities." Enriching human life remains our unwavering focus as we embrace opportunities and deliver greater value. Together, we will shape a brighter future."
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Cision
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Former Security Engineer For International Technology Company … – Department of Justice
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Chad Plantz, the Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Tyler Hatcher, the Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging SHAKEEB AHMED with wire fraud and money laundering in connection with his attack on a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange (the Crypto Exchange). AHMED was arrested this morning in New York, New York, and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: This is the second case we are announcing this week to shed light on fraud in the cryptocurrency and digital asset ecosystem. As alleged in the indictment, Shakeeb Ahmed, who was a senior security engineer at an international technology company, used his expertise to defraud the exchange and its users and steal approximately $9 million in cryptocurrency. We also allege that he then laundered the stolen funds through a series of complex transfers on the blockchain where he swapped cryptocurrencies, hopped across different crypto blockchains, and used overseas crypto exchanges. But none of those actions covered the defendants tracks or fooled law enforcement, and they certainly didnt stop my Office or our law enforcement partners from following the money.
HSI Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz said: Financial crime strikes at the core of our national and economic banking security. With an attack of this magnitude, its crucial we ensure continued consumer confidence in our financial system. Ruthless and reckless attempts aimed to sabotage legitimate commerce for greed must be stopped. Its cases like these that demonstrate HSIs commitment and ability to work with a coalition of the willing to dismantle these complicated and technical fraud schemes and identify those responsible regardless of where they operate.
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher said: As alleged, Mr. Ahmed used his skills as a computer security engineer to steal millions of dollars. He then allegedly tried to hide the stolen funds, but his skills were no match for IRS Criminal Investigation's Cyber Crimes Unit. We, along with our partners at HSI and the Department of Justice, are at the forefront of cyber investigations and will track these fraudsters anywhere they try to hide and hold them accountable.
As alleged in the Indictment:[1]
The Crypto Exchange was incorporated overseas and operates on the Solana blockchain. At all relevant times, the Crypto Exchange allowed users to exchange different kinds of cryptocurrencies and paid fees to users who deposited cryptocurrency to provide liquidity on the Crypto Exchange.
In July 2022, AHMED carried out an attack on the Crypto Exchange by exploiting a vulnerability in one of the Crypto Exchanges smart contracts and inserting fake pricing data to fraudulently cause that smart contract to generate approximately $9 million dollars worth of inflated fees that AHMED did not legitimately earn, which fees AHMED was able to withdraw from the Crypto Exchange in the form of cryptocurrency. This conduct defrauded the Crypto Exchange and its users, whose cryptocurrency AHMED had fraudulently obtained. Additional details regarding the attack, including AHMEDs use of cryptocurrency flash loans to further defraud the Crypto Exchange, are described in the Indictment publicly filed today.
After he stole the fees he never legitimately earned, AHMED had communications with the Crypto Exchange in which he decided to return all of the stolen funds except for $1.5 million if the Crypto Exchange agreed not to refer the attack to law enforcement.
At the time of the attack, AHMED was a senior security engineer for an international technology company whose resume reflected skills in, among other things, reverse engineering smart contracts and blockchain audits, which are some of the specialized skills AHMED used to execute the attack.
AHMED laundered the millions in fees that he stole from the Crypto Exchange to conceal their source and ownership, including through (i) conducting token-swap transactions, (ii) bridging fraud proceeds from the Solana blockchain over to the Ethereum blockchain, (iii) exchanging fraud proceeds into Monero, an anonymized and particularly difficult cryptocurrency to trace, and (iv) using overseas cryptocurrency exchanges.
After the attack, AHMED searched online for information about the attack, his own criminal liability, criminal defense attorneys with expertise in similar cases, law enforcements ability to successfully investigate the attack, and fleeing the United States to avoid criminal charges. For example, approximately two days after the attack, AHMED conducted an internet search for the term defi hack, read several news articles about the hack of the Crypto Exchange, and visited several pages on the Crypto Exchanges website. As another example, AHMED conducted internet searches or visited websites related to the charges in the indictment, including by searching for the term wire fraud and for the term evidence laundering. Finally, AHMED also conducted internet searches or visited websites related to his ability to flee the United States, avoid extradition, and keep his stolen cryptocurrency: he searched for the terms can I cross border with crypto, how to stop federal government from seizing assets, and buying citizenship; and he visited a website titled 16 Countries Where Your Investments Can Buy Citizenship . . .
* * *
AHMED, 34, of New York, New York, is charged with wire fraud and money laundering, each of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of HSI and IRS-CI. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California for their assistance in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Offices Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit and Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David R. Felton and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.
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Former Security Engineer For International Technology Company ... - Department of Justice
Air Force Materiel Command Establishes New Software Engineering … – Executive Gov
Air Force Materiel Command is establishing a new organization within the Air Force Sustainment Center to facilitate software engineering collaboration throughout the enterprise.
The AFSC Software Engineering directorate will consolidate the three existing software engineering groups located at each of the Air Logistics Complexes in an effort to eliminate redundancy, improve the effectiveness of processes and prioritize the delivery of software.
This decision will align and integrate our software ecosystem capabilities to Air Force priorities and rapidly address the growth in volume and complexity of software-enabled DAF weapon systems, said Lt. Gen. Shaun Morris, commander of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
Gen. Duke Richardson, commander of AFMC, said the new organization aligns with the commands strategic plan and will enable seamless integration of other software factories in the future.
Software engineering group employees will begin consolidating workload and resourcing decisions through the new organization.
This realignment will enable us to spread the workload and allow for an increased flow of idea-sharing. Working together to solve complex issues will greatly accelerate our capacity to support the warfighter, said Michael Jennings, senior technical leader at the AFSC Software Engineering directorate.
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Air Force Materiel Command Establishes New Software Engineering ... - Executive Gov
Clark State to host engineering celebration this month – Springfield News Sun
Clark State College will hold an engineering celebration and enrollment fest later this month for current and future students.
The Engineering Summer Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, at Shull Hall on the main campus.
At the event, students can meet the engineering faculty, network with new and current engineering students, receive assistance with scheduling, financial aid and other student services, as well as celebrate the accomplishments of the Metallica Scholars. There will also be food trucks, music, a bouncy house and other activities.
We hope to see folks from all our service community represented, of all ages and educational backgrounds, said Dr. J. Nickey Brown, assistant professor of manufacturing technology management. This is a family friendly community event for anyone curious about robotics, automation, manufacturing and welding.
Brown said the goal of the event is to create an opportunity for new and prospective students to apply for college, meet faculty, tour classrooms and labs, network with each other, and celebrate the Metallica Scholars for completing their welding certificate in one year.
We want to open our doors to those who arent familiar with some of the new technology and programs we have starting in the fall, she said. Clark State is in a great position to meet the needs of our local and national industries.
With the help of the H-1B One Workforce Grant funding, students will be able to apply for scholarships and grants towards in-demand programs such as welding, CNC machining and the laser material processing certificates, Brown said.
The college was also selected to receive $100,000 through the Metallica Scholars Initiative that will transform the future of students.
The Metallica Scholars Initiative, established in 2019, is funded by All Within My Hands (AWMH) and led by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to provide support for career and technical education programs. This initiative focuses on enhancing skills while also providing services to students looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program.
Our goal for the Metallica Scholars Initiative is to shine a light on workforce education and support the next generation of tradespeople, said Pete Delgrosso, Executive Director, All Within My Hands. With the addition of the 2022-2023 Metallica Scholars program, our grants will reach over 2,000 men and women in 32 community colleges across 27 states.
The Metallica Scholarship application is open for students to enroll in the fall. The scholarships cover tuition, books, materials, and experience with equipment for students to obtain a welding certificate. This certificate can be earned in two semesters and is stackable with an associate degree in manufacturing engineering technologies and a bachelors degree.
Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by July 24 at https://bit.ly/EngineeringSummerFest.
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Clark State to host engineering celebration this month - Springfield News Sun
Unpacking the U.S. Network Operations & Engineering Salary and … – Fagen wasanni
Unpacking the U.S. Network Operations & Engineering Salary and Skills Pay Survey Report: A Comprehensive Analysis
The U.S. Network Operations & Engineering Salary and Skills Pay Survey Report is a comprehensive analysis that provides valuable insights into the current state of the industry. This report, which is based on data collected from thousands of professionals across the country, offers a detailed look at salary trends, skill demands, and other key factors that are shaping the field of network operations and engineering.
The report reveals that the median salary for network operations and engineering professionals in the U.S. is currently around $85,000 per year. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, education, and location. For instance, professionals with advanced degrees or certifications tend to earn higher salaries, while those working in major tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City can expect to earn significantly more than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
In addition to salary information, the report also provides a detailed breakdown of the most in-demand skills in the field of network operations and engineering. Unsurprisingly, technical skills such as network design, troubleshooting, and security are highly sought after by employers. However, the report also highlights the growing importance of soft skills such as communication, project management, and leadership. As the field becomes increasingly complex and interdisciplinary, professionals who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and business acumen are in high demand.
The report also sheds light on the impact of emerging technologies on the field of network operations and engineering. For instance, the rise of cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to a surge in demand for professionals with skills in these areas. Similarly, the growing threat of cyber attacks has made cybersecurity skills more valuable than ever. As these trends continue to evolve, professionals who stay ahead of the curve by continuously updating their skills and knowledge are likely to have a competitive edge in the job market.
Another key finding of the report is the significant gender pay gap that exists in the field of network operations and engineering. According to the data, women in this field earn, on average, 20% less than their male counterparts. This disparity is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges that women face in the tech industry, and underscores the need for continued efforts to promote diversity and equality.
In conclusion, the U.S. Network Operations & Engineering Salary and Skills Pay Survey Report offers a wealth of information for both professionals and employers in this field. For professionals, it provides a benchmark for evaluating their own salary and skills, and highlights the areas where they may need to focus their career development efforts. For employers, it offers valuable insights into the current talent market, and can help inform strategies for recruitment, retention, and workforce development. As the field of network operations and engineering continues to evolve, staying informed about these trends will be crucial for success.
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Unpacking the U.S. Network Operations & Engineering Salary and ... - Fagen wasanni
Diversity bolsters the strength of the engineering sector – Gillian … – The Scotsman
As managing director at a civil and structural engineering consultancy, I am often asked whether a career in engineering is a good choice, and in particular for women.
As a new cohort of engineering graduates enter the workplace, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a short survey of my female colleagues to get their take on what its like to be in engineering.
At Will Rudd, women are excelling at all levels of the business, fulfilling technically challenging roles across a wide (sometimes niche) range of engineering disciplines and sharing their expert knowledge and insight with both colleagues and clients.
Engineering undoubtedly makes for a rich and varied career with so many opportunities to grow and learn within a given role and to advance through the practice. When I asked colleagues to describe a typical day, the response was that no two days were the same. All of the Will Rudd team get involved in varied projects. This, I believe, is key to nurturing talent and honing technical skills.
One of our newest recruits, for instance, graduate engineer Ira Abu Omar gets involved in all types of projects, such as designing structures from steelwork, new builds, roof trusses and underground pipes. Whereas project engineer, Nikki Devon Brannan Johnston could be out one day (or night) hanging over a bridge doing inspections, the next she could be crunching numbers doing hydraulic modelling. Her colleague, senior engineering technician Tracy Milne, could be on site undertaking surveys; or drawing 2D and 3D layouts.
Irem Serefoglu, an experienced project engineer who recently joined our practice has worked in regions where women typically dont go for technical jobs. I had to smile in agreement when she told me that as a woman in engineering, its always fun to surprise people with your knowledge and technical skills, and yes, I agree, thats definitely a nice part of our job.
I think I speak for all engineers when I say that a highlight of the job is seeing a project you have worked on come to fruition and knowing that it will be seen, used and even admired for years to come. And projects really do come in all shapes and sizes. I myself have worked on Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport I am still very proud every time I travel through Heathrow to know that I contributed to it. More locally, at Will Rudd, I led the renovation of the Usher Hall.
My colleague Shirley Evatt, senior associate, who has been with the firm since the nineties has taken the lead role in so many ambitious and diverse projects. The more unusual ones that spring to mind include designing bases to support huge model giraffes; and redesigning steel trusses to make sure Concordes tail could fit inside an aircraft hangar. Shirley is now working on the multi-million-pound renovation project of the Kings Theatre in Edinburgh.
I say to the women and girls out there contemplating a career in engineering: Just go for it! There are not many jobs where you point out structures to other people and say, I did that!.
Gillian Ogilvie is managing director, Edinburgh, at civil and structural engineering consultancy Will Rudd
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Diversity bolsters the strength of the engineering sector - Gillian ... - The Scotsman
Mizzou alumna uses web design expertise to give back to … – University of Missouri College of Engineering
July 10, 2023
Erica Martin, BS CS/IT 08, has had a whirlwind couple of years. Her business, Pixel Jam Digital, celebrated its fifth anniversary this summer with a current roster of roughly 100 clients from across the globe seeking website and digital design services. Last year, she launched an online database of medical, social and other resources. And shes been to a few awards ceremonies Pixel Jam Digital was named a Columbia Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year finalist this summer, and much to her delight Martin received the Nerd of the Year award from a local non-profit.
Despite her jam-packed schedule, Martin jumped at the opportunity to join the new Department of Engineering and Information Technology Industrial Advisory Council. For her, it was a way to use the skills she honed at Mizzou Engineering to give back while also encouraging diversity within engineering.
Professor Chip Gubera reached out to me last summer and told me they were putting this committee together and wanted people they knew would be active, she said. So, of course, I was like, Yes, sign me up, thats me. But it also reminded me of how I felt when I was one of four women in the computer science department. Representation is extremely important. I thought what can I do on the council that would make other women and students in general feel safe, comfortable and confident that they can succeed?
Now interim chair of the IAC, Martin helps guide curriculum and programming, while providing industrial input for accreditation. As part of IAC duties, she joined fellow council members to judge senior capstone projects this spring.
I was so overwhelmingly impressed by some of the projects, not just by the functionality or design, but the business planning in general, she said. I know how much thought and effort they put into it, and I was impressed to see that at an undergraduate level.
From fashion to passion
Martin grew up in what she calls the gateway computer era, and she was passionate about programming from the get-go.
At that time, households had a dedicated computer room with a huge monitor and came in a box that looked like a cow, she said. I remember when we got our first computer. I set up an AOL profile and discovered ASCII code, the most basic version of digital design, and I would customize my profile daily.
She soon found herself helping friends personalize their MySpace profiles and exploring web design through the once-popular web hosting service, GeoCities.
Not realizing yet she could turn that passion into a career, she enrolled at Stephens College to study fashion design. When she took Calculus I for fun, a professor suggested she look into engineering at Mizzou. By sophomore year, she had transferred to information technology, then under the umbrella of computer science, with a minor in fine art .
The crossover of studies really kept my interest piqued, she said. I could do the math and programming, and then do colorful design and aesthetics an hour later.
Academically, she surpassed male classmates, ultimately leading a capstone project that took second-place in a statewide competition and helped IT at Mizzou snag its first award as a program.
In addition to leadership, she gained foundational and analytical skills that helped her navigate industry before ultimately branching out on her own in 2018.
Mizzou Engineering really set good expectations for me in terms of learning how to learn, she said. It helped me learn to break things down granularly, which has helped with business ownership.
Today, Pixel Jam Digital offers a full range of web design, custom development and analytics services. Her client base has grown from contracting with other brand and design agencies to working directly with businesses around Missouri to servicing companies as far away as Australia.
Changing the world, one pixel at a time
During the pandemic in 2020, Martin began noticing a hodgepodge of social service messaging scattered across her social media channels. One organization was offering food assistance, another transportation, another medical screenings and so on.
To better organize these resources, she created an online database to serve as a one-stop shop for users. When other organizations began launching similar databases, she paused the project but returned to it last year, expanding the scope and type of resources.
I decided to relaunch it in 2022 with the long-term goal of building it on the Decentralized web, a different foundation of the internet thats more private and secure, she said. The whole premise is you can go to a website that doesnt track your data and find unbiased information.
The site, Help Radar, connects users to food, legal assistance, LGBTQIA+ support, mental health services and more. Currently, she manually populates the site with mostly regional resources but ultimately hopes to expand it across the country with representatives in each state to keep content current.
Its just another way shes using her Mizzou Made expertise to give back.
I like to joke that I want to save the world through web design, she said. But what I mean is that I want to use my knowledge to build tools that end up helping people.
Learn more about the information technology program at Mizzou Engineering.
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Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering at KAIST – Argonne National Laboratory
Materials Science Seminar
Abstract:In this seminar, I will briefly introduce the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at KAIST and present two main themes: visualization of polarization using atomic force microscopy and machine-learning-based materials design and development.
In the first part, I will show how proxies like piezoelectric strain, screening charges, and friction coefficient can be used to image ferroelectric polarization and how the contrast mechanism can be applied to energy harvesting and chemical mechanical polishing. In the second part, I will show how machine learning can help us find the quantitative correlation between processing, structure, measurement, and performance parameters from related journal papers and how it can be used to develop processing recipes for improved performance. Materials imaging combined with machine learning will be compelling shortly and accelerate the speed of analysis without sacrificing accuracy, leading to more competitive failure analysis and new materials design. Finally, I will briefly cover the materials and molecular modeling, imaging, informatics, and integration (M3I3) initiative at KAIST and conclude my talk.
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Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering at KAIST - Argonne National Laboratory
Art and Engineering: The World of Custom Motorcycle Builder … – Nippon.com
Motorcycle customizer Nakajima Shirs engineering expertise and passion for crafting perfect riding machines have made him one of the top artisans in his field. We visited him at his workshop 46works in the hills of Yamanashi Prefecture to talk about the aesthetics of creating functional bikes of exquisite beauty.
In customized motorcycle circles, Nakajima Shir needs no introduction. Since joining the niche world, his reputation for craftsmanship in converting retro European machines has made him a leader in his field. Based at his workshop 46works in the foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains in Yamanashi Prefecture, he labors in isolation, spending months at a time focused solely on building and maintaining his creations.
People are free to email him with inquirieshe keeps the telephone number and address of the shop secret to minimize distractionsbut should keep in mind that Nakajima does not do general repairs, reserving his skills and creativity for grander projects. Although not the easiest person to reach, in February of this year Nakajima gave customized motorcycle aficionados a rare, first-hand glimpse at his craftsmanship with the solo exhibit Zenkai ka ina ka (Full Throttle or Nothing). Held at a gallery in Tokyo and featuring five of his creations, the event drew over 2,000 visitors from around Japan during its 10-day run.
The exhibition featured privately owned motorcycles that Nakajima built.
Nakajima first rose to prominence on the customizing scene with Ritmo-Sereno, a custom shop he established in Tokyo in 2001. There he and his small crew of employees made and sold original parts and worked on semi-custom orders along with providing general mechanical services. As the shop grew, though, Nakajima noticed that business matters demanded a greater share of his attention, leaving diminishing time for building bikes. I had to stop and ask myself what I really wanted to do, recounts Nakajima. Thats when I decided to focus my energy on customizing. Leaving the shop in the capable hands of his staff, Nakajima in 2014 packed up and relocated to the countryside of Yamanashi, far from the bustle of city life.
Nakajimas workshop 46works sets in the shadows of the Yatsugatake range. A 1970 Alpha Romeo, one of Nakajimas many other customizing projects, sets in the shops carport. (Fuchi Takayuki)
Parts and tools carefully collected by Nakajima over years line the walls and other spaces of the workshop. (Fuchi Takayuki)
When Nakajima set out building bikes, customized motorcycles were synonymous with youth counterculture. Harley-Davidson choppers of Easy Rider fame and the British-made bikes and vintage Italian scooters favored by the Mods and Rockers of Quadrophenia dominated the scene.
Nakajimas creative muse, however, led him toward European makers, in particular classic BMW and Moto Guzzi models from the 1970s and 80s. Using contemporary techniques and materials, he built machines that boasted the speed, comfort, and performance of modern bikes while preserving their classic look and feel. This novel combination of retro and new firmly established Nakajima as a customizer par excellence.
Nakajimas 1991 BMW R100RS Caf Racer. (Nakajima Shir)
A custom based on the 1987 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000. (Nakajima Shir)
Today, Nakajima enjoys acclaim among motorcycle fans of all stripes, with his works regularly setting the internet and social media abuzz. He has also drawn the attention of manufacturers like BMW, who teamed up with him on a special project to mark the ninetieth anniversary of the German makers motorcycle division, Motorrad.
The undertaking brought together Nakajima and other Japanese customizers to reinterpret BMWs classic R nineT roadster. The project had a huge impact on the custom bike scene. True to form, Nakajima impressed with his contribution, the lightweight and functional Club Racer.
Nakajimas Clubman Racer is beautiful in its simplicity. (Takayanagi Ken/BMW Motorrad)
Nakajima says that he was initially drawn to BMW and Moto Guzzi models for their performance and distinctive engine designs. Theyre great bikes to work with, he declares. All I do is build on the quality thats already there. This typically involves souping up the engine, swapping out heavy exterior components with modern materialsa lightweight bike is easier to rideand boosting comfort and safety with a high-performance suspension and upgraded braking system. When building a bike, though, Nakajima insists that it has never been his style to add elements for the sake of playing to the crowd. Rather, his focus is solely on making a custom that fits the demands and desires of the person ordering it, declaring that a 46works custom is always a one-of-a-kind machine.
An experienced racer with several titles to his name, Nakajima has honed his technique as much on the speedway as in the workshop. Racing serves as a testing ground for both new ideas and the machines he builds. He asserts that in customizing, there are no correct answers, but a machines performance on the track provides a clear indication of its merits. As Nakajima says, winning is all the proof you need.
Nakajima rides a custom BMW of his own design in a vintage road race. (Nakajima Shir)
This BMW R80 Racer built by Nakajima in 2006 while at Ritmo-Sereno was a first in featuring modern components and set the customizing world abuzz with its beauty and speed. (Nakajima Shir)
Nakajima is known for the beauty of his customs, a reputation he welcomes even though he maintains that aesthetics are not one of his top priorities. Im not one to rely on inspiration or let my imagination run wild as an artist might, Nakajima says. Im totally lost when given a free hand. To him, the artistic appeal of the bikes he builds arises from applying the preferences of the person ordering the custom in a way that heightens the inherent qualities of the machine. Its about enhancing the different features of a motorcycle and improving performance.
Describing the process, he says the first step is to work out with the client the overall feel they are aiming for. This will determine what features and functions to include and the eventual shape the machine will have, he explains. From there, I tweak and adjust the various components millimeter by millimeter, a process that both imbues the machine with beauty and maximizes functionality.
Nakajima has always been one to pursue his passions wholeheartedly. Even as a child, any new pursuit that piqued his interests quickly absorbed him completely. In elementary school, he became an amateur radio operator and spent countless hours entranced by the diverse people he found on the airwaves. In response to his mother trying to teach him to play the piano, he took up the guitar, which in time led him deep into the music scene. It was the same with manga, vintage cars, and ultimately motorcycles.
His first job as an adult was editing a motorcycle magazine. At the same time, he pursued a career in music, playing guitar, writing, and producing other musicians. However, these felt like ways to pass the time rather than true passions. The one exception among his many interests was customizing motorcycles.
Now an established builder, Nakajima refuses to be complacent and continues to forge new ground. His recent solo exhibition represents an attempt to raise custom bikes from niche objects to works of art.
Nakajima, surrounded by the trappings of his many interests, at his office at 46works. (Fuchi Takayuki)
Nakajima has also set up a YouTube channel where he posts videos introducing his customizing techniques. The goal is to pull the curtain back on 46works to give motorcycle fans an entertaining tour of the manufacturing process. The channel boasts some 170,000 subscribers from around the globe who tune in to admire Nakajimas unparalleled skills and experience.
Some have expressed surprise at Nakajimas openness in sharing his talents and know-how online, but the customizer is unconcerned about the threat of copycats stealing his techniques. Anyone who feels up to it is welcome to imitate what I do, he declares confidently. Traditionally, customizing has just been about builders filling orders for clients. My aim is to take the industry beyond this model. Sharing techniques and other information through videos seemed like a good place to start.
Ambitious and driven when it comes to what he loves, Nakajima firmly believes that there are others out there who share his passions. This conviction gives him the confidence to continue crafting stunning customs and to share his creations and skills with likeminded individuals online the world over.
Motorcycles, parts, and machinery fill the main shop of 46works. A different wing is dedicated to four-wheel vehicles. (Fuchi Takayuki)
(Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: Custom bike specialist Nakajima Shir in his workshop. Nakajima Shir.)
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Art and Engineering: The World of Custom Motorcycle Builder ... - Nippon.com