Designfax – Technology for OEM Design Engineers was launched as an exclusive eMagazine in October 2005 following 25 successful years in print. Subscribers to the weekly publication (48 issues a year) are high-level OEM product design engineers and engineering managers who operate in a broad range of manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, appliances, medical equipment, transportation, computer process controls, industrial equipment, and more. Primary content focuses on the latest exciting applications and products for Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, Motion Control, Fluid Power, and Materials engineering, including articles on powerful software programs that serve as a primary engineering tool. Take a look at what Designfax offers and then subscribe.
| May 13, 2025 | Volume 21 Issue 18 |
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 | Precision-fit desiccants protect your products!
Injection molding techniques enable desiccants to provide moisture adsorption in nearly any enclosed volume, regardless of the volume's shape complexity, and are tough enough for use as structural components. Specifically, injection molding allows for desiccants formed to occupy up to 100% of available space in order to maximize moisture adsorption -- especially in enclosures for sensitive instruments -- while bringing the low costs, repeatability, and precision tolerances typical of molded plastics. Great for electronics, aerospace and defense, and more.
Learn how to protect your project or products!
Or speak with an AGM engineer at (520) 881-2130. |
| | Feature articles |
 | Inside a Navy-certified torpedo repair depot
Sailors and submariners often do maintenance on the vessels they serve, but when it comes to advanced capabilities such as anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare weapons, those sophisticated systems require a higher level of repair. That's where the Undersea and Combat Systems Depot Division, one of the Navy's certified organic facilities for depot-level torpedo repair, comes into play.
Read the full article. |
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 | Fortified with iron: New natural wood materials for building
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University, and collaborators from the University of Miami and Oak Ridge National Lab, wanted to find out if adding extremely hard minerals at the nanoscale could make the walls of wood cells stronger -- without making the wood heavy, expensive, or bad for the environment -- to design and build sustainably.
Read the full article. |
 | Mopar '25 Ram 1500 RHO: Limited-edition beast
Ram Trucks' Mopar '25 Ram 1500 RHO truck will push the limits on nearly any terrain. The Mopar '25 Package features special interior and exterior content inspired by the "Moparized" Ram 1500 RHO displayed at the 2024 SEMA Show and features a more powerful and more efficient 540-hp 3.0-liter Hurricane High Output Straight-Six Turbo engine.
Read the full article. |
 | What can you do with touchless magnetic angle sensors?
Novotechnik has put together an informative video highlighting real-world applications for their RFC, RFE, and RSA Series touchless magnetic angle sensors. You may be surprised at the variety of off-highway, marine, material handling, and industrial uses. You'll learn how they work (using a Hall effect microprocessor to detect position) and their key advantages, including eliminated wear and tear on these non-mechanical components. We love when manufacturers provide such useful examples.
View the video. |
 | Top die casting design tips
You can improve the design and cost of your die cast parts with these top tips from Xometry's Joel Schadegg. Topics include: Fillets and Radii, Wall Thicknesses, Ribs and Metal Savers, Holes and Windows, Parting Lines, and more. Follow these recommendations so you have the highest chance of success with your project.
Read the full Xometry article. |
 | New open-center XYZ stage
ThruSight-Focus is a high-performance, compact motion platform specifically engineered for applications requiring dual-side access to the sample or workpiece. It pairs ALIO's monolithic open-center XY stage -- known for its nanometer-level precision, crossed roller bearings, and direct linear drives -- with a novel Z-wedge mechanism that converts horizontal drive force into vertical motion via direct drive. This innovative architecture eliminates backlash, enhances servo responsiveness, and delivers fast, stable Z-axis movements -- all within a low-profile footprint.
Learn more. |
 | Güdel introduces Swiss-quality tracks for cobots
Güdel Inc. is highlighting new technologies at Automate 2025 booth #2418 that demonstrate its unmatched ability to solve automation engineering challenges. One is the Cobomover, a 7th-axis linear track purpose-built for collaborative and lightweight robots. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, this unit extends the working range of robots up to 5 m, allowing them to operate multiple workstations and perform a variety of tasks without manual repositioning. Compatible with over 60 cobots and small traditional robots.
Learn more and get all the specs. |
 | What are non-captive linear actuators?
According to PBC Linear, their new non-captive linear actuators are different from the more common external versions of lead screw-driven linear actuators because they allow the lead screw to completely pass through the motor. This fundamental difference offers advantages for designs that have limited space available or for engineers looking to shrink the overall size of their design package.
Read the full PBC Linear blog. |
 | All-in-one embedded PLC based on Raspberry Pi 4 -- build control applications
The new PLC CPI-PS10CM4 from Contec Co. is a compact embedded programmable logic controller (PLC) that is loaded with CODESYS, the world's most widely used software PLC. This product uses Contec's original single-board computer, which is based on Raspberry Pi's latest embedded module, the Compute Module 4 (CM4). By using the wide range of peripheral devices for Raspberry Pi, such as Contec's CPI Series, you can build various control applications in a PLC language that complies with the IEC 61131-3 international standard.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | First look: Advanced autonomous naval attack vessel
Want to know what's next-level and next-generation in the world of naval attack vessels? Take a look at the AIRCAT Bengal MC from U.S. defense company Eureka Naval Craft -- a fast and efficient autonomous surface effect ship that can carry a 40-ton payload, including a full suite of sensors and weapons.
Read the full article. |
 | Aston Martin DBX S: If James Bond drove an SUV
If 007 drove an SUV, it would probably be the new Aston Martin DBX S, the most powerful ICE SUV you can get that doesn't have any assistance from electric motors. With a 717-hp engine enhanced by technology transferred directly from the company's Valhalla supercar, DBX S offers one of the most engaging and responsive driving experiences and a more assertive yet elegant design.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Looking to save space in your designs?
Watch Smalley's quick explainer video to see how engineer Frank improved his product designs by switching from traditional coil springs to compact, efficient wave springs. Tasked with making his products smaller while keeping costs down, Frank found wave springs were the perfect solution.
View the video. |
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