February 20, 2024 | Volume 20 Issue 07 |
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| Tight Space Giving You Problems? Try Low-Profile Retaining Rings! Smalley's Hoopsters are an innovative solution for retaining components in applications with thin wall cylinders. These retaining rings feature minimal radial projection and a shallow groove depth. The ring ends flex for simplified assembly and removal -- no special tools are needed. Stock parts are available in Carbon and 302 Stainless Steel, ranging from .375" to 3". Smalley also offers customization of our parts to make the perfect fit for your application.
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| Feature articles |
| NASA solar sail tech passes crucial deployment test NASA cleared a key technology milestone in January 2024 with the successful test deployment of one of four identical solar sail quadrants aimed for deep space transportation. The deployment mechanisms for the nearly 100-ft-long composite booms that stretch the giant sail membrane use tape-measure tech developed by the U.S. Air Force.
Read the full article. |
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| How slip clutches can help maximize your designs The way they see it over at Polyclutch, there aren't a whole lot of problems you can't solve with a slip clutch. Way beyond using them for overload protection, there are a surprising number of other applications for these versatile and valuable components. From increasing machine speeds and applying constant tension on wire to indexing a conveyor and automatic screw assembly, slip clutches just may provide the design leverage you've been seeking.
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| FAULHABER IEP3 incremental encoder: Impressive accuracy through latest chip tech With a diameter of just 8 mm, FAULHABER's new IEP3 incremental encoder is lightweight and compact yet still offers a resolution up to 10,000 lines per revolution -- made possible by the latest chip technology with high interpolation. The chip ensures a high positional accuracy of 0.3° m as well as high repeatability thanks to accuracy compensation. Application areas include telescopes, microscopes, lasers, and cameras; semiconductor production; robotics; and prosthetics.
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| Ceramic bearings for extreme applications The XTREME 6000 ZrO2 Series of Full Ceramic Radial Bearings from CeramicSpeed are designed to provide levels of performance in extreme environments beyond the capabilities of steel and even hybrid bearings. The complementing components of these bearings were carefully selected to provide the highest levels of performance in high temperatures and adverse environments such as: submerged in water, high-pressure steam, chemicals, and caustic fluids. Available from LM76.
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| Next-gen motor for pump and fan applications The next evolution of the award-winning Aircore EC motor from Infinitum is a high-efficiency system designed to power commercial and industrial applications such as HVAC fans, pumps, and data centers with less energy consumption, reduced emissions, and reduced waste. It features an integrated variable frequency drive and delivers upward of 93% system efficiency, as well as class-leading power and torque density in a low-footprint package that is 20% lighter than the previous version. Four sizes available.
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| Advanced overtemp detection for EV battery packs Littelfuse has introduced TTape, a groundbreaking overtemperature detection platform designed to transform the management of Li-ion battery systems. TTape helps vehicle systems monitor and manage premature cell aging effectively while reducing the risks associated with thermal runaway incidents. This solution is ideally suited for a wide range of applications, including automotive EV/HEVs, commercial vehicles, and energy storage systems.
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| Graphene Handbook: Learn all about this wonder material Metalgrass LTD has published the 11th edition of its "Graphene Handbook," a comprehensive resource on graphene technology, the industry, and the market for this wonder material made of single layers of atoms of pure carbon. The book includes development history, production methods, current research, an intro to metrology and standardization, and even an investment guide. Under 100 bucks for digital edition. Hard copy available too.
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| Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Will it erode? 3D-printing materials comparison from Xometry
Which 3D-printed plastics are the toughest? In this "Will it ..." video, Greg Paulsen, Xometry's Director of Application Engineering, 3D printed Benchies (3D test models) using different materials (such as polycarbonate, PLA, polypropylene, ULTEM, and Nylon 11 and 12) and processes (such as FDM, SLS, MJF, SLA, LSPc, Polyjet, and DLS) and then ran several abrasion tests on them. Watch to find out which 3D-printed plastic is truly the toughest of them all!
View Part 1.
View Part 2. |
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