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.
| December 30, 2025 | Volume 21 Issue 48 |
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 | Need Inserts? We make it E-Z.
E-Z LOK threaded inserts allow users to repair or reinforce threads without the need for special taps or installation tools. Our line of threaded inserts is used in metal, plastic, wood, composite and additive industries. Extensive inventories of standard products are available throughout the U.S., and we are also able to produce special threaded inserts to print or per application requirements. Our products are available through a variety of different channels depending on the volume needed.
FREE SAMPLES FOR STANDARD PRODUCTS.
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or contact Kyle Lindsly-Roach at 310.323.5613 x221. |
 | Happy New Year from Designfax!
We made it! Woohoo! Thanks to all our readers, sponsors, writers, and article contributors for supporting us in 2025. We wish all of you a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2026. Hang in there!
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 | Rectangular space telescope could find Earth 2.0
A new study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and NASA reveals that a radically different telescope design could accelerate the search for potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system. The design solves a longstanding problem in exoplanet detection using existing technology.
Read the full article. |
 | Smart composite breakthrough: Shape-memory ceramics
Shape-memory ceramics, materials that change their internal structure in response to stress or heat and then return to their original shape, could be incredibly useful because they could move or absorb energy without gears or moving parts. Developing them, however, has been a tough nut to crack -- until now.
Read the full article. |
 | Tech Tip: How slip clutches can help maximize your designs
The way they see it over at Polyclutch, there aren't a whole lot of problems you can't solve with a slip clutch. Way beyond using them for overload protection, there are a surprising number of other applications for these versatile and valuable components. From increasing machine speeds and applying constant tension on wire to indexing a conveyor and automatic screw assembly, slip clutches just may provide the design leverage you've been seeking.
Read the full article. |
 | Mini pull-type solenoid made to meet requirements
Magnetic Sensor Systems (MSS) has released its S-69-38 Series of compact Pull Type Tubular Solenoids. This series of 16 "Made in America," off-the-shelf solenoids is based on the voltage, duty cycle, force, and stroke requirements of the user. These mini solenoids measuring just 0.38 in. diameter have a 0.69-in.-long housing and when retracted are just 1.306 in. long. Glass-filled nylon bearing and electroless nickel-plated plunger contribute to the exceptionally long life.
Learn more. |
 | Heat sinks for NVIDIA Jetson Thor modules: AI, robotics, and more
Advanced Thermal Solutions (ATS) has introduced a line of high-performance heat sinks engineered for NVIDIA Jetson Thor modules, providing robust thermal management for next-gen edge computing, physical AI, and robotics platforms. The new heat sinks include active and passive cooling options, giving developers flexible, ready-to-deploy thermal solutions for sustained, intense workloads. Frameless fan or top-mounted blower options available.
Learn more. |
 | One-part epoxy handles extreme temps
Master Bond Supreme 10HTLV is a one-part, non-frozen, heat-cured epoxy formulated for demanding structural bonding applications that require strong, durable bonds to replace traditional mechanical fastening. This toughened system features a moderately high viscosity with good flow that will not thicken over time. It is engineered for extreme environments, withstanding cryogenic temps down to 4 K and is serviceable at temps as high as 400 F. Bonds well to metals, glass, ceramics, and many plastics.
Learn more. |
 | High-performance encoder with maximum precision
FAULHABER has expanded its product range with the ultra-precise incremental encoder IERF3 L. Thanks to the optical measuring principle and state-of-the-art chip tech, this device offers the highest resolution, excellent repeatability, and outstanding signal quality. In typical applications, the positioning accuracy is 0.1 deg and the repeatability is 0.007 deg, making the encoder the perfect solution for high-precision applications in confined spaces. It is available in three sizes and is optimally matched to the BXT family of brushless flat DC micromotors.
Learn more. |
| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Giant gun will shoot stuff into space
Longshot Space Technologies is a startup based in Oakland, CA, that aims to build a giant cannon to gradually accelerate a projectile up to orbital launch speeds. How long would such a big space gun need to be? Maybe 6 miles long or more. After building a 60-ft working prototype, Longshot has obtained a new test facility and is building a 120-ft working model that is 30 in. in diameter. Bigger, longer cannons complete with barrel boosters are in the works too for hypersonic testing. The goal is to launch payloads of about 100 kg to Mach 5+ (over 3,800 mph) and eventually into orbit using hydrogen gas as the propellant. See what Longshot engineers are up to building their latest kinetic accelerator prototype at their new Alameda test facility.
View the video. |
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