TO READ THIS STORY - you must have a paid subscription to Technology Review OR you can purchase special archive reading credits here. Choose from these great offers below.

I'm a paid subscriber please
log me in

I want to purchase this article for
only 99¢
(requires login)

I want to purchase five articles for
only $3.99
(requires login)

I want to buy
1 Year TOTAL Access for
only $24.95
(requires login)

Please note: Click here if you are currently a Technology Review print or digital subscriber and do not have access to this article.

Click here if you are an MIT alum and do not have access to this article.

March 1999

Ions on the Prize

By Herb Brody

What do coin mints, sheep farmers and carmakers have in common? All depend on metal tools that wear out sooner than they would like. Although sheep farmers can just pick up a new pair of shears, the down time required to switch tools in a factory can be among the most costly components of manufacturing.

Select from the choices above
to read the entire article.

Customer Service

Magazine Services

•	Subscription FAQ
•	Pay Your Bill
•	Renew Your Subscription
•	Change Your Address
•	Check Your Start/Expire Issue
•	Feedback
•	Buy a Back Issue
•	Permissions/Reprints
•	Cancel Your Subscription
•	Digital Subscription Customer Service