| December 08, 2020 | Volume 16 Issue 47 |
 | Skyrocket your productivity 🚀
What will manufacturing companies look like in five years? And what role will collaborative applications play? It's not too late to attend the OnRobot Expo -- as part of the on-demand virtual event register below to join Mark Cuban (Robotics Investor), Enrico Krog Iversen (OnRobot) and Rob Goldiez (Hirebotics) for a guided tour on the future of manufacturing.
Save my seat! |
 | What is the C-Flex Pivot Bearing?
It's a flexure-based bearing utilizing internal flat crossed springs, capsuled in a cylindrical housing, to provide precise rotation with low hysteresis and no frictional losses. The C-Flex bearing will offer indefinite life when used within its rated load and rotation values. Applications include Medical, Industrial, and Aerospace.
Advantages include: Frictionless, Backlash-free, Self-centering, Simple installation, Low hysteresis, Vacuum applications, Stock items, No lubrication, No maintenance, and Indefinite life.
Learn more from C-Flex, The Leader in Flexing Metal Technology.
View the C-Flex Pivot Bearing training page. |
 | 9 unseen Porsche concept cars
Not every car design makes it to production, but there are some exciting ideas along the way. In that spirit, Porsche has released design studies of some of its coolest concepts that did not make the cut from 2005 to 2019. "It is not about bringing every car onto the road," said Michael Mauer, Vice President Style at Porsche. "It is more a question of establishing creative space and a relationship with the future."
Read the full article. |
 | Cost analysis: 3D printing vs. injection molding with part examples
Although 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has emerged as an increasingly important manufacturing strategy, it cannot replace traditional manufacturing of parts through injection molding, or other mass manufacturing means. When does it make sense from a business perspective to use 3D printing to get the job done? Greg Paulsen from Xometry runs through some very useful examples, complete with analyses, to find out, including a drone leg, a potentiometer knob, and a junction housing.
Read this informative Xometry blog. |
 | Top Tech Tip:
6 plastic product design principles
The rapid development of modern 3D CAD systems has facilitated a move to more organic forms and ever-increasing geometry complexity. Just think about the change in design from the conventional box-shaped vacuum cleaner to the modern Dyson. This article focuses on design fundamentals like wall thickness, rib designs, and draft angles and the impact they have when it comes to complexity vs. manufacturability.
Read the full article. |
 | New Sensors In Automotive Applications brochure
Sensors expert Novotechnik U.S. has released an applications brochure for engineers in the automotive, off-highway, and other mobile industries. It describes various automotive motion control applications, safety considerations for sensors, and quality. It also touches on customization. The brochure takes readers through the operation of both electronic throttle valve and pedal position, mechanical throttle, and gear selection. EMC protection, operating temperature ranges, IP class, and redundancy are also covered. It highlights the manufacturer's experience in automotive -- including that more than 50,000 cars have Novotechnik's sensors installed in them every day -- and specific industry awards.
Get the brochure (no registration required). |
 | Springs made of high-performance engineered plastic provide tons of options
Lee Spring's LeeP plastic composite compression springs molded from Ultem resins provide critical advantages over traditional metal alloy springs. They feature high strength-to-weight ratio, no magnetic interference, high corrosion resistance, and dielectric insulation for non-conductive applications. They are stocked in a variety of standard sizes, each available in a "rainbow" of strengths formulated from different Ultem resins. They were designed to meet a wide range of spring applications where non-corroding, non-metallic, inert materials are preferred. These include medical, aerospace, marine, food prep, pharmaceutical, communications, and more.
Learn more. |
 | Ultra-miniature reed switches offer wider sensitivity range
Littelfuse has just introduced the MITI-7 Series Ultra-Miniature Reed Switch, a Form A (single-pole, single-throw, normally open or SPST-NO) switch that's hermetically sealed in a 7-mm-long glass envelope. The MITI-7 Series offers sensitivity options ranging from 6 AT to 20 AT -- far wider than existing magnetic switches of comparable size, which were limited to a range of just 6 AT to 10 AT. These small-format switches help circuit designers save space on crowded circuit boards. Typical applications include position and speed sensing in a broad array of markets including appliances, building and home automation, consumer electronics, data centers, industrial, and healthcare. Surface-mount switch (MISM-7) also available.
Learn more. |
 | NORD energy-consumption analysis/optimization service for drives
The NORD ECO service provides several advantages over traditional methods of energy-consumption analysis. With a more holistic audit of the drive systems in place, the process to identify energy-saving opportunities is clearer. Those opportunities are then implemented into a financial assessment of an energy-efficient application redesign. This allows for a customized solution where Total Cost of Ownership is optimized and helps provide an insight on evaluating the amount of carbon emission savings. For example, a customer who has a 5-hp motor with 28% load capacity could switch to a 3-hp motor with 50% load capacity and bring down the total energy cost.
Learn more. |
 | Fastest linear motion guide on the market
With speeds reaching 15 m/s, THK's Type FHS is the fastest linear motion (LM) guide available on the market today. The unprecedented performance of the Type FHS makes it ideal for applications requiring the fastest motion, including robot transfer devices and laser cutters. The Type FHS can be installed in horizontal, vertical, inverted, and wall-mounted orientations. Four-way equal load rating in all directions (radial, reverse radial, right, and left directions) ensures high rigidity. In addition, The FHS is constructed with components designed to provide stability during extremely high rates of speed. Four sizes available.
See the full range of THK LM guides. |
 | LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
LEGO has given us a little something to look forward to in the new year. Jan. 1, 2021, is when the all-new, 665-piece LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model will be available. Builders will have fun recreating the high-performance 4x4 systems, rugged tires, fold-down rear seats, and classic seven-slot grille on this first-ever LEGO model of a Jeep SUV. It includes a button-operated front steering system and powerful axle-articulation suspension. It's too bad it isn't available now. Some of these sets sell out fast, though, so a heads-up is always nice to have.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Army tests aluminum foam for blast protection
Forward Operating Bases are typically surrounded by barbed wire, concrete barriers, gates, watchtowers, and other infrastructure. A new material -- aluminum foam -- may be a possible solution for additional force protection, due to its ability to absorb energy from blasts.
Read the full article. |
 | Satellite fuel gauge designed by NIST
Inside a spacecraft, microgravity allows liquids to slosh and float around freely. This behavior has made fuel quantity in satellites difficult to pin down, but a new prototype fuel gauge engineered at the National Institute of Standards and Technology could offer an ideal solution. It can digitally recreate a fluid's 3D shape based on its electrical properties.
Read the full article. |
 | Top shelf: New Acura MDX Prototype comes complete with massage modes
If your idea of an everyday ride is tooling around in private jet-like premium comfort and commanding awesome power, Acura's new MDX Prototype could be the one for you. The fourth-gen 2022 model is longer, wider, sportier, and more luxurious, and it boasts the option of the line's first-ever Type S 355-hp 3.0L turbocharged V6. It comes with nine personal massage modes too.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action |
Sneak peek: Kawasaki hybrid motorcycle
Engineers at Kawasaki think motorcycles that utilize both gas and electric power could save fuel and lessen emissions and noise for riders who frequent urban environments. A new prototype they're working on is meant to use gasoline power on the open road and electric power in town. This hybrid power, when combined, could also provide some extra kick for conquering challenging terrains. Seems like a good idea for increasingly regulated European cities especially.
View the video. |
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