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 19, 2026 | Volume 22 Issue 19 |
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 | 27,000 Stock Metric Gears from KHK
KHK USA offers the largest selection of stock metric gears in North America -- with over 27,000 configurations. KHK USA offers Metric Spur Gears, Metric Helical Gears, Metric Internal Ring Gears, Metric Gear Racks, Metric Bevel Gears, Metric Worms and Wormwheels all from stock! Free 3D CAD models, technical specs and 24/7 price and availability are all detailed online.
See what KHK USA has in stock for you today! |
| | Feature articles |
 | Cathedral of detonation: Texas A&M opens mega explosion lab
The new Detonation Research Test Facility at Texas A&M University -- a steel-and-concrete behemoth nearly two football fields long -- is the largest academic detonation research site in the world, driving experiments at supersonic speeds to unlock the mysteries of reactive flows, shock behavior, and the elusive transition of fast flames to full-on detonations.
Read the full article. |
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 | Machining tool-wear detection transformed
Current methods for tracking machining tool wear often fall short, so manufacturers replace cutting tools early leading to underused tooling, more frequent tool changes, and higher costs. To address these challenges, Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers developed a novel monitoring system that delivers rapid wear measurements -- with 98% accuracy in seconds.
Read the full article. |
 | Materials 'reprogrammed' by quickly rearranging their atoms
In 1989, IBM researchers used a scanning tunneling microscope to arrange 35 atoms on the surface of a chilled crystal to spell out "IBM." The process was painstakingly slow, but it was the first time atoms had been precisely positioned. Now, a team led by researchers at MIT has created a way to precisely move tens of thousands of individual atoms in minutes.
Read the full article. |
 | Audi rebuilds 1930s record-breaking aero speedster
Audi has recreated a blast from its past in the form of the extreme-aero Auto Union Lucca, the fastest road racer in the world back in 1935. Sporting a massive V-16 powerplant, the mid-engine car reached a top speed over 200 mph back then and was emblematic of the top-tier technical innovation of the four rings in the 1930s.
Read the full article. |
 | 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. |
 | Ball screw assemblies: Ships in 2 to 3 weeks
Designed to simplify your projects and minimize assembly time, the BNK and SDA-VZ Ball Screw Assembly Series from THK are ready when you are. Each ball screw assembly includes: ball screw shaft (finished ends for standard THK support units), nut bracket, support units, housings, and coupling. Intermediate flange and coupling kit for your motor available.
Learn more. |
 | World's first native color lidar sensors
Ouster Rev8 features the world's first patented native color lidar sensors. For the first time, a single lidar sensor can understand road signs, interpret brake lights, or simply capture the richness of planet Earth in survey-grade, colorized maps. Based on patented Ouster Silicon with embedded Fujifilm color science, the L4 chip boasts 42.9 GMACs of processing power, detection of up to 20 trillion photons per sec, and a 40-kHz measurement rate with picosecond timing precision. Sees up to 200 m.
Learn more. |
 | How healthy is your machine? Moisture-in-Oil Sensor
iST's Moisture-in-Oil Sensor is a compact, digital RH/T module that accurately and continuously monitors the water content in oils and fuels. This sensor does not simply measure the absolute water content -- it measures the relative saturation level in % RH or water activity aw in %. This means you get a direct picture of the current oil quality and can react in time. Applications include: marine engines and gearboxes, commercial and rail vehicles, wind turbines and generators, drilling and paper machines, and more. Eval kit available.
Learn more. |
 | Economical gearbox series for delta robot drives
Neugart's new NDFC gearbox series expands its delta robot portfolio, balancing cost efficiency with reliability. Positioned below the NDF series, it features a proven output stage, robust sealing, and a dynamic clamping system. Available in three sizes (064, 090, 110) with ratios from 16 to 100, it offers adjustable backlash to optimize savings. Ideal for food, beverage, and packaging applications.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | 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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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Get an edge with a wedge: How Nord-Lock washers work
Can you get a design and functional edge with a wedge? In this animated video, Nord-Lock explains the principle behind their original wedge-locking technology, which secures bolted joints even when exposed to severe vibration and dynamic loads. The company says it is impossible for this washer type to loosen unintentionally, due to the wedge created underneath the bolt head and nut.
View the video. |
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