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February 25, 2025Volume 21 Issue 08


Image - Need Inserts? We make it E-Z.
Need Inserts? We make it E-Z.
E-Z LOK threaded inserts allow users to repair or reinforce threads without the need for special taps or installation tools. Our line of threaded inserts is used in metal, plastic, wood, composite and additive industries. Extensive inventories of standard products are available throughout the U.S., and we are also able to produce special threaded inserts to print or per application requirements. Our products are available through a variety of different channels depending on the volume needed.
FREE SAMPLES FOR STANDARD PRODUCTS.
Learn more
or contact Kyle Lindsly-Roach at 310.323.5613 x221.

In this issue of Designfax

  • Magnets can reduce flaws in 3D-printed components
  • Navy develops AI to automate laser drone defense
  • Super LiDAR: 3D images of objects 1 km away
  • Most powerful Rolls-Royce ever: Black Badge Spectre
  • Neat! Custom-molded desiccants are structural parts too
  • Engineer's Toolbox: All about lead screws
  • What is a low-waving linear motion guide?
  • How Reell electric wrap spring clutches work
  • What are Crossed Roller Bearings?
  • New high-thrust linear motor stage
  • Now available: Boker's new 2025 Catalog & Calendar
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • Improving high RPM performance: Revolox rings
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • Aluminum turned transparent using tiny droplets
    • Honda thirsty for attention: New EV prototypes
    • Microvanes could save Air Force $14 million+
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre

News

France blows past world record for nuclear fusion plasma duration -- 22 minutes!

New solid-state lubricant exhibits extremely low friction in humid environments

New technology turns waste heat into electricity, defies physical limit

10 elephants! Scientists map the forces acting inside a proton



Image - Over 27,000 Stock Metric Gears
Over 27,000 Stock Metric Gears
KHK USA's latest catalog expands on their offering of the largest selection of stock metric gears in North America -- with over 27,000 configurations. KHK USA offers Metric Spur Gears, Metric Helical Gears, Metric Internal Ring Gears, Metric Gear Racks, Metric Bevel Gears, Metric Worms and Wormwheels from stock! Free 3D CAD models, technical specs and 24/7 price and availability detailed online.
See what KHK USA has in stock for you today!

Feature articles

Image - Magnets shown to reduce flaws in 3D-printed metal components
Magnets shown to reduce flaws in 3D-printed metal components
Safety-critical metal components for aircraft, Formula 1 racing cars, and medical devices could one day be 3D printed via a new technique that substantially reduces imperfections in the manufacturing process.
Read the full article.

Image - Navy develops AI to automate drone defense with high-energy lasers
Navy develops AI to automate drone defense with high-energy lasers
To counter the rapidly mounting threats posed by the proliferation of inexpensive drones, Naval Postgraduate School researchers and collaborators are applying AI to automate critical parts of the tracking system used by laser weapon systems. It's a highly involved process! Learn their step-by-step AI training routine.
Read the full article.

Image - Super single-photon LiDAR delivers detailed 3D images of objects 1 km away
Super single-photon LiDAR delivers detailed 3D images of objects 1 km away
Researchers have designed a single-photon time-of-flight LiDAR system that can acquire a high-resolution 3D image of an object or scene up to 1 km away. The new system provides detailed imaging even in challenging environmental conditions or when objects are obscured by foliage or camouflage netting.
Read the full article.

Image - Most powerful Rolls-Royce ever: Black Badge Spectre
Most powerful Rolls-Royce ever: Black Badge Spectre
If you want to get your hands on the most powerful Rolls-Royce motor car in history, get ready to dig deep into ye olde piggy bank. The 659-hp Black Badge Spectre is a bad-boy dark knight coupe with a stardust interior, but you'll have to accept some tradeoffs from the maker's traditional car build.
Read the full article.

Image - Neat! Custom-molded desiccants are also structural components
Neat! Custom-molded desiccants are also structural components
AGM's injection molded desiccants allow engineers to ensure moisture protection in their designs without worrying about space and shape constraints. These molded desiccants are built to customers' specified sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, and are strong enough to be used as structural components. These desiccants are comprised of 4A molecular sieve in addition to proprietary binders. They deliver high adsorption capacity -- even at low humidity levels. Many applications, including aerospace, med devices, optics, and more.
Learn more. So smart and so useful.
or speak with an AGM engineer at (520) 881-2130.

Image - Engineer's Toolbox: <br>All about lead screws and how to apply them
Engineer's Toolbox:
All about lead screws and how to apply them

Lead screws use the helix angle of the thread to convert rotary motion to linear motion. Learn all about their benefits, performance characteristics, design choices, lifecycles, and more in this in-depth article from Thomson Industries.
Read the full article.

Image - What is a low-waving linear motion guide?
What is a low-waving linear motion guide?
If you are having a problem with your linear guides not always staying perfectly straight during use, it may be due to a phenomenon called waving -- a problem that is particularly critical in high-precision markets such as semiconductor and LCD equipment-related applications or machine tools. Thankfully, THK has an answer.
Read the full article.

Image - How Reell electric wrap spring clutches work
How Reell electric wrap spring clutches work
Electric wrap spring clutches are ideally suited for critical timing applications requiring consistent, repeatable engagement and disengagement performance. Wrap spring technology used in Reell clutches provides the capability to transmit a large amount of torque in a small size -- package sizes smaller than other clutch technologies such as friction disk, tooth, or magnetic particle. Reell's technology has very positive engagement characteristics and also limits the effects of wear.
Read this informative Reell article.

Image - What are Crossed Roller Bearings?
What are Crossed Roller Bearings?
Learn all about HIWIN Crossed Roller Bearings that are three to four times more rigid than standard bearing solutions and are capable of handling loads in the axial, radial, and moment directions. They consist of an outer ring, an inner ring, and a plurality of rollers and spacers. The roller lies between the inner and outer ring with the spacers placed between the rollers to prevent the mutual friction between them, thereby decreasing the torque resistance for rotation. Many options are available depending on the level of rigidity needed.
Learn more.

Image - New high-thrust linear motor stage
New high-thrust linear motor stage
IKO's LT170H2 direct drive linear motor stage delivers 260N of rated force and up to 500N maximum, exceeding the thrust ratings of previous LT stages and expanding the linear stage series' range of suitable applications -- especially those that involve positioning heavy objects in tight spaces. Its redesigned linear motor leverages direct drive technology that is free of mechanical power transmission parts that can otherwise hinder positioning accuracy. It includes C-Lube linear bearings for guidance. Together, they allow the stage to achieve higher thrust forces and high speeds with exceptional precision.
Learn more.

Image - Now available: Boker's new 2025 Catalog & Calendar
Now available: Boker's new 2025 Catalog & Calendar
Boker's, Inc. has two new valuable resources available to help design engineers and procurement managers overcome engineering challenges: the 2025 Stampings & Washers Catalog and the 2025 Scheduling Calendar. The Catalog outlines the company's expansive line of more than 32,000 non-standard washer sizes, spacers, and shims that are available with no tooling charges, and the company's vast stamping capabilities. The Scheduling Calendar offers an at-a-glance, 15-month view of January 2025 through March 2026. Reverse side has a metric conversion chart.
Get your catalog and calendar today.

Most popular last issue

Image - Aluminum turned transparent using tiny droplets
Aluminum turned transparent using tiny droplets
Researchers in the Philippines and Japan have devised an easier way to make very thin sheets of aluminum transparent. The see-through aluminum oxide (TAlOx) is incredibly hard and resistant to scratches, making it a great candidate for protective coatings on electronics, optical sensors, and solar panels.
Read the full article.

Image - Honda thirsty for attention with new EV prototype designs
Honda thirsty for attention with new EV prototype designs
It looks like Honda is trying hard to get noticed with its new all-electric vehicle prototype designs. The 0 Series Saloon and SUV concepts made their debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, along with confirmation that they will launch in the U.S. in 2026.
Read the full article.

Image - Microvanes could save U.S. Air Force $14 million annually -- for starters
Microvanes could save U.S. Air Force $14 million annually -- for starters
The U.S. Air Force says it is entering the final phases of evaluation for adding 3D-printed microvane drag-reduction technology to the C-17 Globemaster III. Cargo aircraft traditionally have airflow issues in the aft region of the airframe. Mitigating this could save fuel that adds up to big bucks.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
Improving high RPM performance with Revolox self-locking rings
Join a Smalley engineer as they explore innovative solutions for high RPM applications. This video delves into the challenges of high rotational speeds and highlights the unique features that make the Revolox® self-locking retaining ring a reliable choice. Smalley's retaining rings are designed to enhance performance and longevity in demanding applications.
View the video.

Video Image

New products

Electrical/Electronics
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Mechanical
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Motion
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