Communicating technical information

Many different methods are used to communicate technical information. The method chosen will depend on how much information has to be dispensed and its complexity. Whichever method is chosen the all-important factor is that the information is simply presented, easy to understand and unambiguous. 

Technical drawings can vary from thumbnail sketches to illustrate a particular piece of information through pictorial drawings in isometric or oblique projection to major detail and assembly drawings. These are covered later in this chapter. 

Exploded views are used where it is necessary to show the arrangement of an assembly in three dimensions. They are used for assembly 

The purpose of an operation sheet is to set out the most economic sequence of operations required to produce a finished object or process from the raw material. Although the main purpose of operation sheets is to set out the sequence of operations, they also serve a number of other very important functions  

Operation sheet 1 Material 17 A/F x 42mm. M.S. hexagon bar. Name fitted tx)lt 

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O Connor, M. Writing Successfully in Science Chapman Hall New York, 1992. Rathbone, R. R. Communicating Technical Information A New Guide to Current Uses and Abuses in Scientific and Engineering Writing 2nd ed. Addison-Wesley Reading, MA, 1985. 

A select group of seven assembled to discuss how to effectively exchange information among scientists and the general public. Individuals recounted some of their experiences and frustrations, admitting that communicating technical information to the public is difficult but important. Discussants sensed that the scientist has lost the confidence of the public and cannot be "trusted". To alleviate this problem, scientists should participate in community groups but must avoid an... 

Mutagenicity Testing - Jerry J. Carter, Carter Research Corporation Robert W. Naismith, Pharmakon Laboratories. Communicating Technical Information - Elvins Y. Spencer, Agriculture Canada Research Institute, at London, Ontario Ben Luberoff, editor of CHEMTECH. 

In order to create the necessary uniformity in communicating technical information, a system of standardisation has to be adopted. The standardisation can be the information contained on a drawing, the layout of the drawing, the standardisation of sizes or of parts. 

We will look at the types of drawings and diagrams which we use within our industry to communicate technical information between colleagues and other professionals. The type of diagram to be used in any particular situation is the one which most clearly communicates the desired information. 

The current and past operation should be compared so that the timing of the observed problems is estabhshed. The possible causes (hypotheses) can be compared against the measurements found on the log sheets. The number of possible causes can then be reduced. When the quantity or quahty or measurements is insufficient to further reduce the set of causes, additional measurements are required. These may require special instruments (e.g., gamma-ray scanning) not routinely usedin the plant. Alternative operating conmtions may also be required to further reduce the number of causes. As part of the problem identification, it is alwavs important to look for measurements that are inconsistent with the proposed explanation. They will be more informative than the ones justifying the hypothesized cause. Ultimately, with appropriate additional measurements, the cause can be identified. This is not an exact science and, as stated above, relies heavily upon the communication, technical, and investigative skills of analysts. 

PLASTEC. The Plastics Technical Evaluation Center (PLASTEC) is one of approximately 20 technical information analysis centers sponsored by the US Dept of Defense (DoD) to provide the defense community with a variety of authoritative information services. Located at the Armament Research Development Command -(ARRADCOM), Dover, NJ, PLASTEC has been serving this community since 1960 via state-of-the-art reports, handbooks, newsletters, current awareness studies, engineering assistance, bibliographies, literature searches, technical inquiries and special investigations on plastics, composites and adhesives... 

This expanded view of task automation includes new capabilities in the the traditional area of instrument automation and in the somewhat newer related field of robotics. In addition it includes a number of functions which are not new to the office and business environment but have only recently become readily available in the laboratory. These are tools such as data base management, scientific text processing, and electronic mail and document transfer. One way to improve technical productivity Is by giving the scientist more time to do science. This can be accomplished through improved efficiency In the office, communication, and information retrieval functions which must be performed as well as by allowing science to be done In new and more efficient ways through the use of computers. 

Commission of the European Communities, Directorate General Scientific and Technical Information and Information Management, Luxenbourg. Criteria (Dose/Effect Relationships) for Cadmium Pergammon Press Elmsford, NY, 1978. 

Share technical information to benchmark catalyst additive performance, control technology performance, and emission limits Facilitate improved communications with the EPA... 

A nonprofit trade organization that acts as a clearinghouse for medical and technical information about asbestos and asbestos-related products, with emphasis on safety, health, and environmental issues. Works with government agencies to develop and implement industry-wide standards for exposure to asbestos dust emissions into community air and water and exchanges information on methods and techniques of asbestos dust control. Maintains a reference library on asbestos-related subjects. 

PLASTEC is one of 20 information analysis centers sponsored by the Department of Defense to provide the defense community with a variety of technical information services applicable to plastics, adhesives, and organic matrix composites. For the last 21 years, PLASTEC has served the defense community with authoritative information and advice in such forms as engineering assistance, responses to technical inquiries, special investigations, field trouble shooting, failure analysis, literature searches, state-of-the-art reports, data compilations, and handbooks. PLASTEC has also been heavily involved in standardization activities. In recent years, PLASTEC has been permitted to serve private industry. 

The first level is to provide factual, scientific information to the public. It is the duty of the risk conununicator to explain the assessment tools and results, and to clear the uncertainties in a way that the public may develop a better undostanding of the risks. In terms of substance, the aim is to communicate facts and knowledge. This requites both, a high scientific expertise and the ability to translate technical information into a common sense language. 

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