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.
| March 03, 2026 | Volume 22 Issue 09 |
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 | The Engineer's Choice® now carries Circlips -- from stock!
Smalley now offers even more retaining ring solutions with the same quality you trust. In addition to our Spirolox® and Constant Section Rings, we've expanded our offering to include Tapered Section Retaining Rings (Circlips) for internal and external grooves, available in sizes from 0.25" to 3". With over 100 years of experience serving industries like aerospace and automotive, Smalley is your trusted source for precision, reliability, and quality in every retaining ring.
Learn more. |
| | Feature articles |
 | NASA Spinoff: Keeping cool, containing flame
Developed from NASA technology, a thin, fire-retardant foam made by Solarcore is popping up all over the place, making EV batteries safer, HVAC systems quieter, snow boots warmer, and RVs more comfortable. So what's in the secret sauce of this highly adaptable and effective advanced thermal insulator?
Read the full article. |
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 | Lexus LC 500: Luxe flagship sports coupe
Lexus' 471-hp LC 500 sports coupe blends emotional design and high performance like few other cars on the road. The 2026 LC 500 includes a new limited-edition Inspiration Series. The package comes with the new-to-LC color Smoke Matte Gray, paired with a white and black interior treatment, along with blacked-out exterior and carbon fiber aesthetic.
Read the full article. |
 | Add that cool factor and extra utility: 2-shot molding
Rogan Corp.'s advanced 2-shot molding creates complex and durable multi-material parts in a single operation, cutting assembly time and boosting durability. It's the same process behind colorful toothbrushes with soft-grip handles. Materials are combined seamlessly using advanced press technology and tooling expertise. Add custom colors, graphics, or markings to differentiate your product, or use overmolding to enhance function and value with performance similar to full 2-shot molding.
Learn more. |
 | Holding firm: Standard parts with increased clamping force
JW Winco has upgraded its proven hand knob nuts, star knob screws, and adjustable hand levers with increased clamping force. Their clamping surface with ball bearing doubles the clamping force while protecting the surface from damage. With typical screws and nuts, roughly half the tightening torque is lost to under-head friction. Get high axial clamping force purely by hand and without tools with these new JW Winco standard parts.
See all your new clamping options. |
 | Super Resources: 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.
Learn more. |
 | Mate-XT GO Exoskeleton reduces effort up to 50%
Comau's MATE-XT GO exoskeleton supports arms and shoulders during repetitive or overhead work, reducing muscle and perceived effort by up to 50% to improve comfort, endurance, and posture. Weighing under 3 kg, it dons in 30 seconds and removes in 10. Made in Italy, Category II PPE for industry, logistics, construction, agriculture, and trades.
Learn more. |
 | New low-noise gearheads for high-torque mini motors
FAULHABER expands its GPT family with the quiet 22GPT LN and 32GPT LN gearheads, engineered for noise-sensitive laboratory, optical, medical, testing, and measurement systems. They pair high torque with compact, reliable design, delivering up to 2.2 Nm (22GPT LN) and 8 Nm (32GPT LN) in intermittent operation, and can handle occasional peak loads of 4 Nm and 12 Nm, respectively.
Learn more. |
 | Trick out your workstation: FATH components for T-slotted rails
AutomationDirect has added additional FATH components for T-slotted aluminum rail including sleek casters with lifting foot options for mobility and stability, an ergonomic dual monitor workstation, monitor mount extensions, and a wide array of tool hooks, holders, and accessories that streamline organization and workflow. From cup holders to storage trays and fastening hardware, every component is crafted for durability and seamless integration into industrial and lean workstation environments.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | New exploding ammo makes Apache copter a drone killer
The U.S. Army's Apache AH-64 Attack Helicopter has reached a new milestone in battlefield capability with the successful live fire test of its new APEX ammunition. In December 2025, the Apache demonstrated its first-ever air-to-air engagement using the ammo against unmanned aircraft systems targets.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Are eCVTs genius transmissions?
Engineering Explained's Jason Fenske takes on the haters to run through why he thinks electronically controlled continuously variable transmissions (eCVTs) exhibit some real engineering brilliance. Learn how they work with no belts or pulleys -- just a single planetary gear set -- and infinitely tunable peak power or peak efficiency RPMs.
View the Engineering Explained video. |
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