| July 20, 2021 | Volume 17 Issue 27 |
|
 | How to convert hydraulic cylinders to electric actuator systems
Flexible. Precise. Reliable. These are just of the few advantages you gain from converting hydraulic cylinders to a high-force electric actuator system. The process is straightforward as long as you follow a few guidelines -- the most important being don't oversize the actuator. Our Tolomatic resource page provides all the details, including an e-book and a video demonstrating how to size electric actuators for hydraulic replacement.
Visit our Resource page. |
 | New rocket thruster concept may propel spaceships much faster
A new type of rocket thruster could take humankind to Mars and beyond. Its novel design applies magnetic fields (and not electric ones, like current designs) to cause particles of plasma to shoot out the back of the rocket and propel a spacecraft forward. The technology accelerates the particles using magnetic reconnection, the phenomenon at the heart of solar flares.
Read the full article. |
 | Top Tech Tip: Innovative way to take up tolerances!
Smalley Linear Springs are a continuous wave formed (marcelled) wire length produced from spring tempered materials. They act as a load-bearing device with approximately the same load/deflection characteristics as a wave spring. Linear Springs are now available as a standard part in carbon and stainless steel, with over 200 sizes.
Learn more. |
 | 0 to 60 in 1.85 sec: All-electric Rimac Nevera
The hottest car company that you've probably never heard of has just released details of its production-ready hypercar that can do 0 to 60 mph in 1.85 sec. Croatia-based Rimac Automobili's all-electric Nevera boasts 1,914 hp, four motors, a super-strong carbon fiber monocoque with integrated battery pack, and cutting-edge braking system. The tech is so promising that Porsche has bought a 24% stake in the company. Hyundai Motor Group is a major investor too.
Read the full article. |
 | Precise motion for optics and thermal imaging
From scanning buildings for heating and cooling inefficiencies, to scanning people at the airport for elevated core temperature, thermal imaging systems play a critical role in many industries. Thermal cameras rely on many of the same motorized components as standard cameras: focusing, zooming, aperture adjustments, and shutter mechanisms. Inside these advanced optics systems, micro brush DC motors from FAULHABER help cameras capture precise images and temperature readings in a fraction of a second.
Read the full article. |
 | Lucid Air gets 500 miles on a charge
Are you ready for an all-electric car that goes 500 miles on a single charge? Well newcomer Lucid Motors is with their first -- and exclusive -- high-end EV called the Lucid Air Dream Edition. The Dream sedan boasts 1,080 hp, DC fast charge, and lots of technical goodies to rival Tesla and other EV automakers.
Read the full article. |
 | Top Toolbox: 7 ways to improve sheet metal parts
When designing sheet metal components, there's a lot to consider: bends, reliefs, offsets, hems, holes, slots, tabs, and inserts -- not to mention material and finishing options. The engineers at Proto Labs take a quick look at the different ways to improve sheet metal part design while creating cost-efficient components. Learn some great tips.
Read the full article. |
 | Top Toolbox: What they didn't teach you about fittings in engineering school
Do you know why an old standard "Christmas-tree" barbed fitting may not be your best choice for your miniature fluid power application? Experts at Beswick Engineering run through the common types of fittings used in these smaller pneumatic applications, along with thread sizes and seals to help you make the correct choice. They also touch on pressure and temp ranges, chemical compatibility issues, rigid and flexible lines, and the ease of assembly and maintenance.
Read the full article. |
 | Top Product: Copper foam -- so many advantages
Copper foam from Goodfellow combines the outstanding thermal conductivity of copper with the structural benefits of a metal foam. These features are of particular interest to design engineers working in the fields of medical products and devices, defense systems and manned flight, power generation, and the manufacture of semiconductor devices. This product has a true skeletal structure with no voids, inclusions, or entrapments. A perennial favorite of Designfax readers.
Learn more. |
 | Top Product: New skinny enclosure air conditioners
Seifert Systems has introduced the SoliTherm SlimLine Series of enclosure air conditioners that have an inside-cabinet depth of only 3.5 in. and are 4.5-in. deep overall. The SlimLine Series has a condenser specifically designed to maintain performance without maintenance -- even in environments where dust and dirt are present. Models are available with steel covers and external or recessed mounting. The line provides cooling capacities from 1,130 to 5,120 BTU/hr. Operating temperature range is 50 F to 122 F or 131 F -- depending on model. Eight SlimLine models available.
Learn more. |
| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Can the U.S. power grid handle electric cars?
If everyone had to drive electric vehicles, could the U.S. power grid handle it? Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained runs through the numbers while he takes a scenic drive, and his answer may surprise you. You almost always learn something new from a Fenske presentation. Now if the power goes out, well, that's a whole different story.
View the video. |
 |
Peoria Lock and Dam gets upgraded giant 30-ft hydraulic cylinders from Bosch Rexroth
Bosch Rexroth recently serviced and upgraded giant hydraulic cylinders for the Peoria Lock and Dam in Illinois. Built in 1938, the Peoria Lock and Dam helps make the Illinois River navigable and establishes a route for barges between Chicago and the Mississippi River. The locks are controlled by four of Bosch Rexroth's 30-ft-long hydraulic cylinders, with a fifth unit held in reserve as a backup. With the locks temporarily closed, a team managed to repair and make extensive updates to all five cylinders in a 60-day period.
View the video for all the details. |
 |
What's a magnetic GHOST fastener?
PEM® GHOST™ Fastening Technology from PennEngineering uses a fully concealed pinch-lock mechanism to create a secure and sleek lock with zero visible evidence of disassembly once engaged. Using a magnetic release tool on the concealed fastener actuates the internal components, unlocking the pinch-lock grip and instantly releasing the pin from the fastener. From automotive interiors to access control systems, this clever fastening tech is adaptable to many applications.
View the video. |
 |
|
|
