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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 05, 2026Volume 22 Issue 17


Image - Reach higher RPM with self-locking rings
Reach higher RPM with self-locking rings
Upgrade your design with Smalley's self-locking retaining rings, including Tab and Slot and Revolox® options, engineered for high RPM applications. Tab and Slot uses an interlocking feature to prevent ring expansion under centrifugal forces, delivering maximum retention at extreme speeds. Revolox features a dome and slot design that improves balance, reduces vibration, and simplifies installation. Ideal for electric motors, transmissions, and other high-speed assemblies, both provide secure, reliable performance.
Learn more.

In this issue of Designfax

  • Record-setting heat-conducting material: 3x copper
  • A look back: X-29A forward-swept-wing aircraft
  • Focused microwaves used to 3D print electronics
  • Ferrari Purosangue: Luxe SUV gets special handling
  • Cool! New energy-efficient R290 enclosure ACs
  • Surface inspection: From Army depot to factory floor
  • Drive system enables two synchronous movements
  • Top Resource: ABCs of gears and more
  • Decentralized drives offer seamless integration
  • What is Cold Metal Fusion?
  • Non-Magnetic ball slides made in the USA
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • What are Onshape Custom Features?
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • New insulation to benefit many industries
    • Cleaner fuel made in single step
    • Cold-start tech reduces gas engine emissions 70%
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale

News

Scientists discover surprising new way to control light

MIT researchers build world's largest collection of Olympiad-level math problems -- open to everyone

Army successfully tests new drone-delivered bunker-busting warhead

FireDrone can handle temps to 200 C



Image - Machining Without Coolant
Machining Without Coolant
Replace messy mist systems and improve dry machining with clean, cold air! EXAIR's Cold Gun Aircoolant System improves tolerances, tool life and production rates by cooling with 20°F air. The Cold Gun is ideal for tool sharpening, drill and cutter grinding, milling, band sawing, more.
Website offers detailed information, video and more.

Feature articles

Image - Metallic material has record thermal conductivity: 3x better than copper
Metallic material has record thermal conductivity: 3x better than copper
A team working at Argonne National Lab has discovered a metallic material with the highest thermal conductivity measured among metals -- three times that of copper. Copper currently accounts for roughly 30% of commercial thermal-management materials in industry.
Read the full article.

Image - A look back: X-29A forward-swept-wing experimental aircraft
A look back: X-29A forward-swept-wing experimental aircraft
It looked like someone had installed the wings on backwards, and it was so unstable in flight that no pilot could fly it without the help of a computer, but the X-29A was a marvel in its day. A pair of the Grumman-built experimental aircraft flew 436 times between December 1984 and August 1992 and provided research information useful for many aircraft designs still to come.
By Christian Gelzer and Jim Banke, NASA
Read the full article.

Image - Focused microwaves used to 3D print electronics
Focused microwaves used to 3D print electronics
A new process developed at Rice University integrates electronic functionalities into a broad range of multimaterial architectures, creating new classes of hybrid electronic devices previously not possible.
Read the full article.

Image - Ferrari Purosangue: 715-hp SUV gets special handling configuration
Ferrari Purosangue: 715-hp SUV gets special handling configuration
Ferrari is offering a new special handling configuration on its powerful, super-luxe SUV called the Purosangue -- the first four-door, four-seater Ferrari in the history of the Prancing Horse. The upgrade aims to sharpen the car's mechanical and electronic responses, without compromising everyday versatility. Owners get a number of exclusive styling elements too. It's a beautiful -- and very pricey -- ride.
Read the full article.

Image - Cool! New energy-efficient R290 enclosure air conditioners
Cool! New energy-efficient R290 enclosure air conditioners
Seifert Systems introduces PFAS-free SoliTherm® SlimLine NEO air conditioners using eco-friendly R290 refrigerant. These units offer high energy efficiency (EER up to 3.6) and a compact, under-8-in. internal depth. Featuring maintenance-free design with external or recessed mounting options, they deliver up to 8,500 BTU/hr, providing flexible cooling solutions for varied industrial enclosure needs. Several models available based on size/cooling capacity needs.
Learn more and see all your options.

Image - Surface inspection: From Army depot to factory floor
Surface inspection: From Army depot to factory floor
Born from U.S. Army requirements for rotorcraft inspection, the GelSight Modulus 3D surface measurement system has surpassed 100 units sold to commercial and Department of Defense customers. The handheld, micron-scale tool with interchangeable probe tips delivers fast, high-res measurements in places traditional tools can't reach.
Read the full article.

Image - Conveying: Drive system enables two synchronous movements with max performance
Conveying: Drive system enables two synchronous movements with max performance
The new FAULHABER DualGear drive system optimizes automated warehouse logistics, enabling two synchronous, powerful movements in one compact unit. Combining a BX4 motor with two GPT planetary gearheads, it is ideal for storage/retrieval machines and autonomous logistics. Hall sensors ensure exact positioning for compact, efficient, and reliable performance in demanding, small-space environments.
Learn more.

Image - Top Resource: ABCs of gears and more
Top Resource: ABCs of gears and more
KHK USA takes you on a journey through the history and applications of gears in two information-packed, no-cost volumes called "The ABCs of Gears." Part A is aimed at beginners, while part B moves on to intermediate fare, such as types of gears and tooth forms, heat treatment, surface treatment, production methods, etc. Another mid-level text called "Introduction to Gears" and an in-depth "Gear Technical Reference" are also available. No registration required.
Check out these valuable KHK resources.

Image - Decentralized drives offer seamless integration
Decentralized drives offer seamless integration
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS' NORDAC LINK motor starters, plus NORDAC LINK and NORDAC FLEX variable frequency drives, feature a plug-and-play design for rapid commissioning and high system availability. With onboard AS-Interface (ASi) functionality, these modular products integrate seamlessly into existing or new systems, supporting ASi standards V2.0 and V3.0 with integrated follower profiles for connectivity.
Learn more.

Image - What is Cold Metal Fusion?
What is Cold Metal Fusion?
Cold Metal Fusion is an open industry standard for sinter-based metal additive manufacturing. It combines polymer SLS design freedom with reliable debinding and sintering workflows, enabling complex geometries, lightweighting, lattice structures, conformal cooling channels, and high-precision metal parts with predictable shrink behavior. Now available from TriMech Group, this process offers a faster, cost-effective way to produce strong, high-performance metal parts.
Learn more from TriMech Group.

Image - Non-Magnetic ball slides made in the USA
Non-Magnetic ball slides made in the USA
Del-Tron's USA-made, non-magnetic ball slides prevent magnetic interference in medical, semiconductor, military, and laser applications. Featuring silicon nitride ceramic bearings, titanium shafts, aluminum components, and brass fasteners, these lightweight slides come in seven sizes with travels from .5 to 12 in., providing an ideal solution for sensitive environments.
Learn more.

Most popular last issue

Image - NASA Spinoff: Space insulation upgrade to benefit many industries
NASA Spinoff: Space insulation upgrade to benefit many industries
One of NASA's most significant, widespread technologies in space and on Earth -- multi-layer insulation made of Mylar sheets -- has gotten an upgrade, more than 60 years after its invention. Find out how this incredibly useful material has been improved significantly.
Read the full article.

Image - Lightning in a bottle makes a cleaner fuel in a single step
Lightning in a bottle makes a cleaner fuel in a single step
Northwestern University chemists have discovered a new way to turn natural gas into liquid fuel in a single step. The method bypasses the extreme heat and high pressures required by current industrial processes.
Read the full article.

Image - Bosch's new cold-start tech for gas engines reduces emissions up to 70%
Bosch's new cold-start tech for gas engines reduces emissions up to 70%
As automakers focus on the efficiency and performance of internal combustion and hybrid powertrains as part of a multi-lane approach to vehicle propulsion, Bosch is advancing technologies that help to reduce real-world emissions without requiring major vehicle redesigns.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
What are Onshape Custom Features?
Certified Onshape Professional Too Tall Toby explains how to supercharge your workflow using community-created tools. In this insightful tutorial, he dives into the world of FeatureScript -- the powerful coding language behind Onshape. Learn where to find new scripts and how to use them. Save time. Learn new skills, shortcuts, and maybe even better ways to do things. Incorporate Custom Features into your everyday work. Very useful.
View the video.

New products

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