| April 12, 2022 | Volume 18 Issue 14 |
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 | LM Guide Actuator with Right/Left Ball Screw for Symmetrical Movement
THK's innovative Type KR-RL Actuator features a driving element that uses right/left threads and enables symmetrical movements with a single motor. Two drive systems are combined into a single package, resulting in a compact overall design. This electric actuator outperforms pneumatic versions by offering precise force control, speed control, a longer life, and energy savings. Applications include gripping, measuring, and positioning for robot hands, screw-tightening machines, cutting equipment, and dispensers.
Learn more. |
 | Yamaha testing power steering for motorcycles
Yamaha Motor Co. is testing out a unique new steering support system on MX race bikes, and if it proves successful it could make its way to street bikes too. The prototype system aims to provide steering damper benefits at high speed and steering assist input at low speed.
Read the full article. |
 | Rubber material may hold key to long-lasting, safer EV batteries
For electric vehicles (EVs) to become mainstream, they need cost-effective, safer, longer-lasting batteries that won't explode during use or harm the environment. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology may have found a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion battery electrolytes. It's made from a common material: rubber.
Read the full article. |
 | Top Product: Wear-free angle measurement made easy
Novotechnik's RFC 4800 Series of touchless sensors use a magnet attached to your application's rotating shaft. Now with IO-Link output option, analog and IO-Link versions of RFC 4800 sensors can be easily connected with three wires -- power, ground, and signal. Key specs: measures 0 to 360°, repeatability to 0.1°, 2-ch. version option, speed output option. Touchless angle sensing tech excels in many applications, including: measuring through a wall or plate, sealed-shaft or high-vibration environments, and driveshaft misalignment. Contactless sensors feature unlimited mechanical life because they have no moving sensor parts.
Learn more and view the video. |
 | New Gefran inclination sensors use MEMS technology
AutomationDirect has added Gefran inclination sensors to their growing lineup of position transducers. Gefran sensors use cutting-edge MEMS technology (micro-electromechanical devices integrated onto a single silicon chip) to provide reliable and precise tilt angle measurement with respect to gravity. These sensors are rugged and suitable for the harshest environments. M12 quick-disconnect models are fully redundant, having two sensors in one housing.
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 | Overload safety devices for corrosive and washdown applications
Providing both torque-limiting and coupling functions in a compact design, Zero-Max Overload Safety Devices can operate as a coupling and an overload safety device connecting two inline shafts in a power transmission system. Power Take-Off models are also available for use with chain or belt drives. These Overload Safety Devices protect motor and drive systems from excessive overloading and potentially expensive system jam ups. They also offer easy re-engagement, allowing the system to be running again as quickly as possible.
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 | Miniature linear guides simplify mounting in tight spaces
IKO's new LWLF2 linear motion rolling guide addresses the demand for device miniaturization with a compact, lightweight design that makes mounting easy in tight spaces. With an ultra-small 2.5-mm height dimension, it is designed with tapped rails for bottom mounting and stability. The LWLF2 guide is structured with two rows of balls that make contact with the raceway at four points to provide high stability and accuracy -- even in applications with varying load direction or complexity. Applications include robotics and grippers, semiconductor fabrication, life science, and aerospace.
Learn more. |
 | Neat. How to prototype 4x machine vision applications on one small embedded system quickly
Teledyne FLIR has put together a neat article that shows how to prototype a machine vision system quickly that runs four simultaneous applications, three of which use deep learning. The system uses the Quartet Embedded Solution for TX2, a customized carrier board that enables easy integration of up to four USB3 cameras at full bandwidth. The example traffic systems application includes license plate recognition, vehicle type categorization, vehicle color classification, and seeing through a windshield -- all simultaneously. Very cool.
Read the Teledyne FLIR application article. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | How a NASA engineer created the modern airplane wing
Once dubbed "the man who could see air," NASA engineer Richard T. Whitcomb used a combination of visualization and intuition to revolutionize modern aviation -- by turning the shape of the airplane wing on its head. Today, nearly every commercial airplane bears the marks of Whitcomb's several innovations, which include the development of winglets on wing tips.
Read the full article. |
 | Run about in retro style: All-new Morgan Super 3
If classic cars with a modern twist get your motor running, then specialty British automaker Morgan Motor Co. has a little something for you. It's a two-seat three-wheeler called the Super 3 that features a clean-sheet jet-age design, a 116-hp three-cylinder Ford gasoline engine, and loads of opportunities for fun driving while you feel the road. Left-hand drive available.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Cool Tools: Next-gen desktop 3D scanner
Exact Metrology now offers the newest version of its Artec Micro ultra-high-precision, industrial desktop 3D scanner. This unit, with its twin color cameras and blue LED lights, is designed to deliver industrial-quality scans in just one click. With a 2-year warranty, it features up to 10-microns accuracy and is perfect for quality testing and reverse engineering. It produces metrology-grade scans suitable for quality control, while removing the need for targets on the scanned object.
View the overview/unboxing video.
Learn more in-depth details about Artec Micro. |
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