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 12, 2026 | Volume 22 Issue 18 |
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 | Pressure Equalization for Sealed Electronics
As sealed enclosures heat, cool, or experience altitude changes, internal pressure differentials can stress seals, pull moisture into the system, and reduce long-term reliability. Engineers must manage pressure cycling to maintain environmental protection.
This engineering guide explains how controlled venting improves reliability in sealed electronics, instruments, and enclosures.
- Manage thermal expansion and vacuum conditions
- Reduce moisture ingress caused by uncontrolled airflow
- Select valve flow rates based on enclosure size
Read the Engineering Guide.
Talk to an AGM Design Engineer or call (520) 844-0952. |
| | Feature articles |
 | Hydraulics-free brakes for cars may go mainstream
Brembo's Sensify brake-by-wire system has entered production for a global automaker's vehicle line. This fluid-free architecture replaces hydraulic circuits with software-controlled electro-mechanical actuators at each wheel. The system is designed for both electric and internal combustion vehicles.
Read the full article. |
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 | Neat! High-precision gripping without wear points
The PiezoGrip delivers high grip force and wide jaw travel in a compact, solid-state design, combining advanced piezoelectric actuation with flexure guidance to enable ultra-fast, high-precision gripping without contamination or wear points. This gripper supports demanding applications that require speed, repeatability, and reliability. No bearings. No lubricants. Use as an end-effector on robotic arms or gantries, integrate into inspection and metrology stages, pair with machine vision for adaptive gripping, or use in micro-assembly workstations.
Learn more and get all the specs from Motion Solutions. |
 | How to wreck your coupling-driven system:
8 top ways
Engineers at Ruland Manufacturing Co. have compiled the eight best ways to consistently sabotage or damage your coupling-driven system -- and how to avoid these pitfalls in the future. Misunderstanding performance criteria such as misalignment, torque, or rpm can be all it takes to cause a costly failure.
Read the full article. |
 | Intelligent integrated electro-hydraulic solutions
HydraForce and Elevāt have announced a strategic collaboration to provide integrated hydraulic and electronic control solutions for OEMs. By combining Bosch's iTraMs hardware with Elevāt's AI-driven IoT platform, the partnership enables real-time telematics, remote diagnostics, and preventive maintenance. This scalable architecture helps construction and agriculture manufacturers optimize machine efficiency, improve serviceability, and deploy secure, branded digital experiences.
Learn more. |
 | Simplify your designs with slewing ring bearings
According to Kaydon Bearings, "A slewing ring bearing has rolling elements designed to create a reactive moment within the bearing's dimensions envelope to oppose applied (overturning) moment load," so you can use one bearing instead of two, reducing the height requirements, and even improve performance. Slewing ring bearings can also simplify a drive system by utilizing gear teeth on the inner or outer race. Learn all about slewing ring bearings in this informative article.
Read the Kaydon technical article. |
 | New ATEX EasySwitch Wet-Dry Vac for industrial cleanup
EXAIR's new ATEX EasySwitch® Wet-Dry Vac is engineered to provide safe, reliable industrial cleanup in hazardous environments, including ATEX Zones 1 and 21. Designed for use in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres, this pneumatic system eliminates the risks associated with electric vacuums while delivering powerful performance for wet and dry applications. With its ability to quickly switch between material types, the ATEX EasySwitch offers a versatile, compliant solution for maintaining clean and safe workspaces in critical industries.
Learn more. |
 | World's smallest 4-channel camera for vision systems
Allied Vision's new FXO series features the 24.6-MP fxo935 and 12.4-MP fxo936 cameras. Utilizing Sony Pregius S sensors and a 4-channel CoaXPress-12 interface, they deliver 50 Gbit/s data rates. The ultra-compact fanless design ensures vibration-free, efficient operation. Ideal for space-constrained electronics, metrology, and medical applications, these cameras offer high-speed, high-resolution imaging with simplified system integration.
Learn more. |
 | Stainless steel brushless DC motor -- a first for Oriental Motor
Oriental Motor USA has released its first stainless steel brushless DC motor, expanding the BLE2 Series lineup to support demanding washdown applications. Designed for high-temperature, high-pressure environments, this new motor delivers reliable and highly efficient performance while meeting strict corrosion resistance requirements. Hollow shaft flat gearhead for high torque and space savings. Motor and gearhead offered as a combination model. Motor power: 200 W (1/4 hp).
Learn more and get all the specs. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | 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. |
 | 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. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | All about Smalley retaining rings
Learn the fundamentals of Smalley retaining rings and how their innovative spiral design sets them apart from traditional stamped alternatives. This short overview highlights key benefits like uniform cross-sections, burr-free edges, and space-saving performance. Discover why Spirolox® rings are trusted across demanding industries and how they improve assembly reliability and efficiency.
View the video. |
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