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.
| September 22, 2026 | Volume 22 Issue 36 |
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 | C-Flex Bearings for Precision Motion Control
C-Flex Bearings are the preferred choice for Space, Aerospace/Defense, Optics, and Precision Motion Control applications, including Micro-Satellites, Gimbals, Telescopes, Fast beam Steering systems, optoelectronics and several other high-tech applications.
Trusted by leading Fortune 500 companies, they deliver maintenance-free, lubrication-free operation, exceptional performance in vacuum environments, resistance to high G-forces, zero backlash, self-centering accuracy, and micro-radian precision. With indefinite service life and simple installation, C-Flex Bearings provide reliable, high-precision motion control for the most demanding advanced optical systems.
Learn more from C-Flex, The Leader in Flexing Metal Technology.
View the C-Flex Pivot Bearing training page. |
| | Feature articles |
 | Cool! Solar tower simulates spacecraft's fiery Titan entry
When NASA sends Dragonfly to explore Saturn's moon Titan, the rotorcraft must survive a two-hour plunge through Titan's dense atmosphere. At the National Solar Thermal Test Facility, Sandia engineers tested Dragonfly's heat shield protection system with controlled solar-generated heat pulses exceeding 4,500 F on large test articles.
Read the full article. |
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 | Car generates more energy than it consumes
Clemson University unveiled Deep Orange 17 late this summer, a solar-integrated, energy-positive electric vehicle prototype designed to generate more energy than it consumes during a typical day of urban commuting. Developed in collaboration with BMW's research and development team, the prototype integrates solar technology, lightweight engineering, and intelligent vehicle controls.
Read the full article. |
 | Development of heat-resistant carbon-carbon materials on a faster track
Carbon-carbon composites are elite-tier materials, combining low weight, exceptional mechanical performance, and the ability to remain strong and structurally stable at temperatures exceeding 5,000 F. They take a long time to make, though. Inspired by NASA efforts to create adaptable materials for spacecraft heat shields, Johns Hopkins APL researchers have devised a one-and-done fast procedure for cranking out the material.
Read the full article. |
 | Retro Willys vibes: Jeep Wrangler JL-2A
More than 80 years after the Willys CJ-2A brought Jeep capability to civilian life for the first time, the Jeep brand is going back to where it all began with the debut of the 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A, the 11th drop in the yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series. This Jeep reaches back to 1945 for inspiration, reimagining the original's bold colors and iconic design cues with a modern Wrangler attitude.
Read the full article. |
 | Aluminum oxide filament for FDM printers
Virtual Foundry, the company that brought us 3D-printable lunar regolith simulant, has a new product called Aluminum Oxide Filamet™, giving users the power to print alumina parts using the FDM printers they already own. This composite 3D-printing material allows researchers, engineers, and makers to bypass expensive ceramic tooling and produce pure ceramic components in-house. Print using a 0.6-mm hardened-steel, standard-flow nozzle on virtually any open-architecture printer.
Get all the material specs. |
 | How to master metal powder management in 3D printing
What's the real cost of "good enough" powder tracking for powder-bed fusion 3D-printing machines? According to Tim Wischeropp, CEO and Co-Founder of amsight, the technology is rife with hidden costs. Every cycle, every handling step, every exposure, and every mixing decision plays a part. Surprisingly, though, with the right strategy, users can turn their losses into a competitive edge. Learn how.
Read the full article. |
 | What is a stick-slip bi-phase positioning stage?
PI (Physik Instrumente) is expanding its Bi-Phase Inertia Drive (BIX) technology with new motor architectures for compact, high-precision nanopositioning applications. Based on the piezo stick-slip principle, BIX stages replace conventional single actuators with two synchronized multilayer piezo actuators. This compact design delivers precise, repeatable motion while maintaining piezo inertia self-locking.
Learn more about this technology. |
 | New ROBOMACHINE products and more from FANUC
FANUC America demonstrated the future of manufacturing at IMTS 2026 last week, showcasing how Physical AI-powered automation integrates advanced CNC, machining, and robotics to boost productivity and speed deployment. One highlight was the debut of the ROBODRILL DC Series machining centers -- including the high-speed D54CS and D74CS models -- alongside interactive demonstrations featuring collaborative robots, robotic welding, material joining, painting, and assembly technology.
See all the FANUC new tech featured at IMTS. |
 | Siemens Meet at the Machine: Be productive from day one of new CNC machine delivery
Traditionally, many programming, validation, and training activities begin only after a machine is installed. Not anymore. Meet at the Machine is Siemens' new initiative uniting machine builders, software, and automation for next-level CNC through a continuous digital thread across engineering, programming, virtual validation, and execution. By pairing a Digital Twin with Digital CNC powered by SINUMERIK, manufacturers can prepare, validate, train, and optimize workflows before your specialized machine's physical delivery! TRAK Machine Tools is the launch partner -- see what they are doing.
Learn more. |
 | Simplify pick and place with the THK PPR
THK's Pick-and-Place Robot PPR is a robot that can pick up delicate or minute workpieces such as electronic components and quickly and accurately transfer and assemble them to the base. In addition to the basic movements of raising, lowering, and rotating, various sensors (such as a force sensor), solenoid valves, and controller are all in one unit. The PPR is a process-optimized robot that can improve the production speed of the parts assembly processes and reduce work damage.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Honda Passport TrailSport reaches new heights
Honda has advanced the rugged capability and bold styling of the 2027 Passport TrailSport models that will begin arriving at dealerships later this month. The extensively reengineered suspension along with styling and feature enhancements reinforce the position of Passport TrailSport as the ultimate Honda adventure SUV. About 80% of Passport buyers choose the TrailSport trim.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Mind blown: Scientists release biggest 2D map of the universe
The DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys team has released the largest-ever 2D color map of the universe. The 5.6-trillion-pixel map contains nearly 4 billion celestial objects, primarily stars and galaxies. The data is available for all to use and publicly viewable through the Legacy Survey Sky Viewer. Covering roughly 75% of the sky in visible and near-infrared light, the map was 13 years in the making and is available to all. Take a few minutes to blow your mind today. [Credit: Image screenshot courtesy of Berkeley Lab]
Learn all about it and view the video. |
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