| February 13, 2024 | Volume 20 Issue 06 |
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 | 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 infinite life when used within its rated load and rotation values. Applications include Medical, Industrial, Aerospace, Semiconductor, and Optical.
Advantages include: Frictionless, Backlash-free, Self-centering, Simple installation, Low hysteresis, Vacuum applications, Stock items, No lubrication, No maintenance, and Infinite life.
Learn more from C-Flex, The Leader in Flexing Metal Technology.
View the C-Flex Pivot Bearing training page. |
 | How a BattleBot was built using Onshape
Learn how RoboGym Robotics, a veteran BattleBots team, said goodbye to Solidworks and took their design game to the next level using Onshape, the cloud-native, all-in-one CAD and PDM solution. RoboGym was able to analyze key components of their Roundhouse BattleBot like its armor and weapon bar, run simulations, collaborate, iterate, and optimize their design to its fullest.
Read this informative Onshape blog. |
 | How piezoceramics can help improve root canal treatments
Engineers at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany have created an innovative dental tool file used for root canals that reduces the workload of the dentist and shortens procedure times. The tool uses a tiny piezoceramic stack actuator that overlays the file's rotation with axial vibration in the ultrasonic frequency range.
Read the full article. |
 | Telescoping linear actuators for space-constrained applications
Rollon's new TLS telescoping linear actuators enable long stroke lengths with minimal closed lengths, which is especially good for applications with minimal vertical clearance. These actuators integrate seamlessly into multi-axis systems and are available in two- or three-stage versions. Equipped with a built-in automated lubrication system, the TLS Series features a synchronized drive system, requiring only a single motor to achieve motion. Four sizes (100, 230, 280, and 360) with up to 3,000-mm stroke length.
Learn more. |
 | Who knew? How colorants affect plastic
In plastic injection molding, one aspect of polymer characteristics that doesn't always get the consideration it deserves is the addition of colorant. Believe it or not, there is a whole scientific body of knowledge about the ways in which adding color to plastic can affect its behavioral properties. This short article by Denny Scher of ICO Mold takes a high-level look at some of the different, and surprising, ways colorants can affect plastics.
Read the full article. |
 | Competitively priced long-stroke parallel gripper
The DHPL from Festo is a new generation of pneumatic long-stroke grippers that offers a host of advantages for high-load and high-torque applications. It is interchangeable with competitive long-stroke grippers and provides the added benefits of lighter weight, higher precision, and no maintenance. It is ideal for gripping larger items, including stacking boxes, gripping shaped parts, and keeping bags open. It has high repetition accuracy due to three rugged guide rods and a rack-and-pinion design.
Learn more. |
 | Extend your range of motion: Controllers for mini motors
FAULHABER has added another extremely compact Motion Controller without housing to its product range. The new MC3603 controller is ideal for integration in equipment manufacturing and medical tech applications. With 36 V and 3 A (peak current 9 A), it covers the power range up to 100 W and is suitable for DC motors with encoder, brushless drives, or linear motors.
Learn more. |
 | Smart fixed flange bearings unlock predictive maintenance
igus has developed intelligent two- and four-hole fixed flange bearings with wireless sensing capabilities for wear detection. Constructed from self-lubricating, high-performance plastic, the bearings feature an integrated abrasion sensor, thin circuit board, and cableless battery supply. Wear interrupts the board's conductor paths, causing the electronics to lose the signal. The sensor then transmits a long-range network signal to an igus i.Cee switch cabinet module for analysis, including the percentage of abrasion.
Learn about igus smart bearing technology. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Good reads: Are EVs a 'fading fad' now?
MarketWatch has published an opinion piece by Todd Buchholz that poses the question, "Are plug-in electric vehicles the bread makers of our day?" Automakers like Ford, who are offering complimentary Fast Charging Adapters for Tesla chargers as incentives, are betting the current slump is just a blip. [Image credit: Ford Motor Co.]
Read the MarketWatch article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Robotic machining just got a whole lot better! All-electric force compensator for robotic sanding, grinding, and deburring
SUHNER's new end-of-arm EFC-02 active compliance system combines over a century of abrasives and material removal expertise with smart automation to deliver precise, constant force for robotic sanding, grinding, and deburring processes. The result is superior, consistent surface quality. EFC-02 is used for material removal or surface finishing -- even in tight or narrow spaces. It features simple robot programming for complex processes, Industry 4.0 functionality, and is fully compatible with angle grinders, orbital sanders, angle polishers, and straight grinders. Optional automatic changers for abrasives or belts are available.
Learn more and see how this SUHNER innovation works. |
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