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October 26, 2021Volume 17 Issue 40


Image - Get Your Free Guide to Machine Shop Automation
Get Your Free Guide to Machine Shop Automation
We know that collaborative automation starts with your specific needs -- your shop, your employees, your products. OnRobot can help you find the easiest and most cost-effective way to get started with automation. Download our free ebook to learn how to transform your machine shop with automation.
Download your ebook:
Learn how to build your own robotic machine tending application:

In this issue of Designfax

  • Researchers improve tractor hydraulics efficiency 25%
  • U.S. Air Force backs supersonic UAV concept
  • Porsche to offer 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seats
  • All-new 2022 Lexus LX 600: Luxury to the max
  • What can you do with magnetic angle sensors?
  • Engineer's Toolbox: Self-clinching fasteners tips
  • How to convert from hydraulic cylinders to electric actuators
  • Achieve up to 20% faster cycle times
  • Qs to ask when shopping for packaging machinery
  • Replace traditional fasteners: 50+ retaining ring applications
  • 3D-printed electronics increase 5G signals 100%
  • Molded material sample kits
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • 3D print virtually any powder material
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • Ford building mega factories to push shift to EVs
    • All-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 4x4 with style
    • Latest Trends: Batteries and motors in EVs
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: All-new 2022 Lexus LX 600

News

Air Force and university scientists share their vision for unconventional computing

High-speed alloy creation may accelerate hydrogen's future as power source

New extreme heat-resistant carbon-carbon composites to be tested in space

Opinion: Lethal autonomous weapons and World War III -- It's not too late to stop the rise of 'killer robots'



Image - Your Source for Metric Gears
Your Source for Metric Gears
KHK USA Inc offers the largest selection of stock metric gears in North America -- with over 30,000 configurations. KHK USA can supply your Metric Spur Gears, Helical Gears, Internal Ring Gears, Gear Racks, Bevel Gears, Worms and Wormwheels from stock in most cases. Free 3D CAD models and 24/7 quoting available.
See what KHK USA has in stock for you today!

Feature articles

Image - Researchers improve tractor hydraulics efficiency by 25%
Researchers improve tractor hydraulics efficiency by 25%
Purdue University researchers have undertaken a $3.2 million Department of Energy project to optimize the hydraulic systems that connect tractors and implements. During recent tests, the hydraulic control system of a tractor showed only 20% efficiency when connected to the hydraulic systems of certain implements like planters, seeders, and bailers. With the help of Bosch Rexroth, the team has, so far, designed hydraulic control systems that translated into a significant efficiency increase.
Read the full article.

Image - U.S. Air Force backs supersonic UAV concept
U.S. Air Force backs supersonic UAV concept
The United States Air Force has awarded transport company Exosonic a Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to fund the development of a low-boom supersonic uncrewed aerial vehicle demonstrator to aid in USAF pilot training.
Read the full article.

Image - Porsche to offer special 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seats
Porsche to offer special 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seats
Porsche is giving series-production customers the opportunity to experience technology carried over from motorsports in the form of a new 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seat available for Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models. It features sandwich construction with parts made using additive manufacturing and a new fastening method.
Read the full article.

Image - All-new 2022 Lexus LX 600: Luxury to the max
All-new 2022 Lexus LX 600: Luxury to the max
Be a VIP or just look like one in the all-new 2022 Lexus LX 600. Totally redesigned from the ground up, this flagship ultra-luxury, full-size SUV blends athletic performance, functionality, and solid design for a sophisticated work-play vehicle that impresses both on- and off-road.
Read the full article.

Image - What can you do with touchless magnetic angle sensors?
What can you do with touchless magnetic angle sensors?
Novotechnik has put together a really informative video highlighting real-world applications for their RFC, RFE, and RSA Series touchless magnetic angle sensors. You may be surprised at the variety of off-highway, marine, material handling, and industrial uses. You'll learn how they work (using a Hall effect microprocessor to detect position) and their key advantages, including eliminated wear and tear on these non-mechanical components. We love when manufacturers provide such useful examples.
View the video.

Image - Engineer's Toolbox: <br>Self-clinching fasteners design tips
Engineer's Toolbox:
Self-clinching fasteners design tips

Dozens of types and thousands of variations of self-clinching fasteners (steel, stainless steel, or aluminum) have been engineered over the years. Leon M. Attarian of PennEngineering provides three mini case studies where manufacturers benefited greatly by switching to self-clinching fasteners in their assemblies. This article is filled with insightful tips and suggestions.
Read the full article.

Image - How to convert from hydraulic cylinders to electric actuators and why
How to convert from hydraulic cylinders to electric actuators and why
Hydraulic cylinders are traditionally the go-to technology for high-force linear motion. They deliver high force at a low cost per unit of force, are rugged, and are simple to deploy. However, electric cylinders with high-force capacities are now available, and they are more flexible, precise, and reliable than their hydraulic counterparts. This is a very detailed article, including lifecycle and power costs, force requirements, and data collection.
Read this informative Tolomatic blog.

Image - Achieve up to 20% faster cycle times
Achieve up to 20% faster cycle times
Lenze's Smart Servo Axis is a scalable drive solution that combines an i950 servo inverter with auto-tuning, m850 synchronous motor, and g700 planetary gearbox with One Cable Technology to facilitate cost-effective and flexible production processes such as handling, assembly, robotics, or conveying. The i950 servo inverter features greater computing power, and the integrated EtherCAT-Port makes it possible to control multiple axes synchronously at high speed to complete complex tasks. The i950 has three different modes of operation. It can be freely programmed or serve as an actuating drive under CiA402 motion control, with the most common mode using integrated FAST technology modules that allow simple parameter setting.
Learn more.

Image - Qs to ask when shopping for packaging machinery
Qs to ask when shopping for packaging machinery
Machines aren't one-size-fits-all solutions, and choosing a machine that isn't compatible with your products, materials, or facility could spell disaster. The stretch-wrapping experts at Robopac have put together some questions to ask when shopping for packaging machinery. Be prepared to answer these questions during your search.
Read the Robopac blog.

Image - Replace traditional fasteners: 50+ retaining ring applications
Replace traditional fasteners: 50+ retaining ring applications
The benefits of a Rotor Clip Retaining Ring are simple: The ring is made from less material than traditional fasteners, eliminating machined shoulders, threads, cover plates, and heat-formed studs -- so you save. Using a retaining ring to fasten your assembly instead of a traditional fastener not only reduces your costs, but also saves the environment. Fewer parts and less material means cost savings for you and less waste for the planet. This quality part offers lot traceability. Want to know what you can do with a Rotor Clip Retaining Ring?
View more than 50 application examples.

Image - 3D-printed electronics increase 5G signals 100%
3D-printed electronics increase 5G signals 100%
Customers have reported up to a 100% increase in transmitted signal power for each circuit connection in the millimeter range using Optomec's 3D Printed Interconnect solution. The Aerosol Jet process works by jetting extremely fine droplets of nanoparticle conductive inks onto circuit boards and components from a distance of up to 10 mm away, yet it can produce conductive features as fine as 10 microns in width. The solution supports standardized in-line automation for direct integration into existing packaging lines. Great for mm-wave applications such in autonomous vehicles, defense, and medical.
Learn more.

Image - Molded material sample kits
Molded material sample kits
Two mechanical engineers have started their own business selling Plastic Sample Kits that provide material-to-material comparisons of different types of injection molding plastic. These plastic material samples, each with the material name molded into the part, aim to improve your ability to optimize material selection and part design -- all with a hands-on approach. Compare glass-filled and non-glass-filled resins; common resins and common blends; stiffness, rib thickness, and sink; colors, textures, and more. Options include a 20 Material Base Kit, High-Performance Materials Kit, and Custom Materials samples. Very useful.
Learn more.

Most popular last issue

Image - Ford building U.S. mega factories to push shift to EVs
Ford building U.S. mega factories to push shift to EVs
Ford Motor Co., together with partner SK Innovation, is making the largest-ever U.S. investment in electric vehicles at one time by any automotive manufacturer -- and creating nearly 11,000 new jobs in Tennessee and Kentucky in the process.
Read the full article.

Image - All-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 4x4 with style in a lot of flavors
All-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 4x4 with style in a lot of flavors
Whether you are climbing mountains or cruising in town, the all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a top-line choice when it comes to 4x4s with proven capability and style. The fifth-gen lineup brings an all-new architecture, a plug-in hybrid powertrain option, all-new exterior and interior design, and first-to-market tech to the global full-size SUV segment.
Read the full article.

Image - Latest Trends: Li-ion batteries and motor types in electric vehicles
Latest Trends: Li-ion batteries and motor types in electric vehicles
Overall, worldwide electric car sales were stronger than expected in 2020. In this report update, IDTechEx takes a look at the Li-ion batteries that power electric vehicles and the trends driving new battery material technologies. Evolving motor types are also discussed.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
3D print virtually any powder material
The material flexibility and sustainability of ExOne's patented binder jet 3D-printing technology using metal or sand materials is showcased in a new company video. ExOne says it is open to developing virtually any powder material in partnership with manufacturers for their specific application. Beginning in the mid-1990s, ExOne pioneered the commercial development of MIT's patented binder jet 3D-printing process, which transforms powdered materials into precision parts or tooling at high speeds. An industrial printhead selectively deposits binder into a bed of powder particles, creating a solid part one layer at a time.
View the video.

Video Image

New products

Electrical/Electronics
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