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April 15, 2025Volume 21 Issue 15


Image - What is the C-Flex Pivot Bearing?
What is the C-Flex Pivot Bearing?
It's a flexure-based bearing utilizing internal flat crossed springs, capsuled in a cylindrical housing, to provide precise rotation with low hysteresis and no frictional losses. The C-Flex bearing will offer infinite life when used within its rated load and rotation values. Applications include Medical, Industrial, Aerospace, Semiconductor, and Optical.

Advantages include: Frictionless, Backlash-free, Self-centering, Simple installation, Low hysteresis, Vacuum applications, Stock items, No lubrication, No maintenance, and Infinite life.
Learn more from C-Flex, The Leader in Flexing Metal Technology.
View the C-Flex Pivot Bearing training page.


In this issue of Designfax

  • Can data center computers be cooled with lasers?
  • Weird science: Can electricity flow without electrons?
  • NASA antenna takes 3D printing to new heights
  • First look: New Corvette concept
  • Save up to 50% in axial space: Smalley Wave Springs
  • Cobot 7th axis with collision detection introduced
  • Injection molded desiccants lead to better moisture adsorption in any space
  • Compact gantry system for high dynamics
  • Stepper motors made to handle harsh environments
  • NEW! Aluminum Press-In Inserts for plastics
  • Dual-laser metal AM system makes parts faster
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • SOLIDWORKS 2025: Sheet metal design top features
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • Will Genesis make a muscle car?
    • Military: Chain gun switches ammo with button
    • Supersonic speed limit for metal bonding
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: Chevrolet Corvette concept car

News

Amplifier with 10x bandwidth opens up new laser possibilities

Engineers create and patent 3D-printed bendable concrete

New aircraft wing undergoes crucial NASA icing testing

Remembering the Battle of Okinawa; lessons learned for future fights



Image - Line Vac Air Operated Conveyors
Line Vac Air Operated Conveyors
EXAIR's Line Vac connects to standard hose or tube to create a powerful conveyor. The design features large throat diameters for maximum throughput capability. A small amount of compressed air is injected through directed nozzles to produce a vacuum on one end and high output flows on the other.
See video online.

Feature articles

Image - Can data center computers be cooled with lasers?
Can data center computers be cooled with lasers?
Although lasers are better known for heating things up, such as in laser welding, engraving, and 3D printing, they can also cool under specific conditions. Sandia National Labs is helping a tech company test a new idea for cooling data center computers.
Read the full article.

Image - Weird science: Can electricity flow without electrons?
Weird science: Can electricity flow without electrons?
We all learned that electricity is caused by electrons moving in a metal. Each electron carries a discrete charge. Surprisingly, many new conductors, named "strange metals," fail to obey this paradigm.
Read the full article.

Image - NASA 3D-printed antenna takes additive manufacturing to new heights
NASA 3D-printed antenna takes additive manufacturing to new heights
Engineers from NASA's Near Space Network and Goddard Space Flight Center's 3D Printing of Electronics group designed and printed an antenna, tested it with a network's relay satellites, and then flew it on a weather balloon -- all in just three months.
Read the full article.

Image - First look: New Corvette concept hints at what's to come
First look: New Corvette concept hints at what's to come
General Motors has given the world a first look at the possible design direction for a next-generation Corvette. A Chevrolet Corvette concept car developed by the company's new UK advanced design studio captures an even-more-aero-inspired, low-slung racecar-meets-spaceship vibe that oozes futuristic cool.
Read the full article.

Image - Save up to 50% in axial space with Smalley's Wave Springs
Save up to 50% in axial space with Smalley's Wave Springs
Smalley's Crest-to-Crest® Wave Springs save up to 50% in axial space compared to standard coil springs. Their flat-wire design is lightweight and accurate with predictable loads. With a compact design, Crest-to-Crest Wave Springs fit in tight spaces and can help reduce the spring cavity size within your application. Try the Smalley Advantage for yourself with a complimentary product sample -- request one on our website!
Learn more.

Image - Cobot 7th axis with collision detection turbocharges multitasking
Cobot 7th axis with collision detection turbocharges multitasking
Do you need to move a cobot assembly from one task location to another? Thomson Industries' new Movotrak CTU 7th axis features collision detection settings for expanded programming and control benefits. Also known as a range extender, the Movotrak CTU 7th axis features a servo motor and linear-unit-driven guide rails that move a cobot assembly. An industrial robot transfer unit has also launched.
Read the full article.

Image - Injection molded desiccants lead to better moisture adsorption in any space
Injection molded desiccants lead to better moisture adsorption in any space
Injection molding enables large-scale production of precision-fit desiccants that feature the adsorption properties of molecular sieve. Further, moisture adsorption is maximized as a result of the desiccant occupying the full volume of space specified.
Get the Spec Sheet
or speak with an AGM engineer at (520) 881-2130.

Image - Compact gantry system for high dynamics
Compact gantry system for high dynamics
Rollon's new compact and highly versatile H-Bot gantry system meets the needs of applications requiring a small footprint and a high level of efficiency. It boasts two fixed motors on the X-axis with a single belt, motorized via pulleys and easily tensioned. The option of mounting the motors on either the front or rear heads, upwards or downwards, gives H-Bot extreme versatility. The absence of a motor on the Y-axis significantly reduces moving masses, decreasing vibrations and allowing high dynamics to be achieved. Designed to handle light loads that require a high level of precision.
Learn more.

Image - Stepper motors made to handle harsh environments
Stepper motors made to handle harsh environments
The new, high-torque AW stepper motors from Applied Motion Products are an ideal choice for exposure to splash, moisture, and dust in Food Processing, Medical, and Industrial Manufacturing applications. These NEMA 23/24/34 motors feature IP65-level protection, and their M8 and M12 connectors ensure a secure connection in high-vibration dynamic systems. Variants equipped with brake and 1,000-line optical encoder are available.
Learn more.

Image - NEW! Aluminum Press-In Inserts for plastics
NEW! Aluminum Press-In Inserts for plastics
SPIROL is pleased to introduce a range of 2024 aluminum Press-In Inserts. Available in symmetrical (Series INS 50) and headed (INS 51) versions, the new aluminum Press-In Inserts line complements the existing brass line. Threaded Inserts are essential for reinforcing plastic components and provide a reusable thread within a bolted assembly. This ensures a proper seating torque and prevents the potential for plastic creep over time. These inserts are designed to be Pressed-In without heat and provide the lowest cost to install with acceptable joint performance for many applications.
Learn more.

Image - Dual-laser metal AM system makes parts faster
Dual-laser metal AM system makes parts faster
Renishaw's new dual-laser RenAM 500D metal additive manufacturing machine has been designed to offer exceptional product quality and productivity for a wider range of budgets. The RenAM 500D features two 500-W lasers that can access the entire build platform, delivering superior performance when compared with single-laser systems. Additionally, the RenAM 500D Ultra, fitted with Renishaw's TEMPUS technology, allows the laser to fire while the recoater is moving, saving up to nine seconds per build layer and reducing cost per part. This also helps to deliver a production speed up to three times faster than conventional single-laser systems. Many more features.
Learn more.

Most popular last issue

Image - Will Genesis make a two-door muscle car?
Will Genesis make a two-door muscle car?
Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, demonstrated it's not afraid to buck the SUV trend and bring back a little old-school flavor with the introduction of the X Gran Coupe Concept car -- a ripped version of the G90 sedan. There's a companion X Gran Convertible Concept too.
Read the full article.

Image - A military first: Chain gun switches ammo with push of a button
A military first: Chain gun switches ammo with push of a button
The next-gen M230 Link Fed Dual Feed Bushmaster Chain Gun from Northrop Grumman offers two ammunition feed paths for the first time for military manned vehicles. A dual-feed system gives operators the option to change between advanced ammunition rounds with the flip of a switch, delivering increased mission flexibility and lethality.
Read the full article.

Image - Supersonic speed limit for strong metal bonding pinpointed
Supersonic speed limit for strong metal bonding pinpointed
Faster isn't always better when it comes to high-speed materials science, according to new Cornell research showing that tiny metal particles bond best at a precise supersonic speed in industrial processes like cold spray coating and additive manufacturing.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
SOLIDWORKS 2025: Sheet metal design top features from an expert
Find out what's new in SOLIDWORKS 2025 when it comes to sheet metal and weldments, and learn some valuable tips and tricks along the way from TriMech. Topics covered include copying cut list properties, bend notches, tab and slot enhancements, groove beads (a new type of weld bead), performance enhancements, and more. When you're done, check out TriMech's full YouTube channel filled with educational material.
View the video.

New products

Electrical/Electronics
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Mechanical
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Motion
View Products…


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