| April 01, 2025 | Volume 21 Issue 13 |
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 | High RPM Solved with Revolox
Smalley's Revolox® Self-Locking Retaining Rings are your solution for high RPM. The self-locking feature utilizes a dome on the inside turn, "locking" into a slot on the outside turn, preventing ring expansion. Revolox rings make it possible to operate at higher speeds, withstand vibration, function under rapid acceleration, and absorb a degree of impact loading. They are also lightweight, sturdy, and ideal for high production volumes.
Learn more. |
| | Feature articles |
 | U.S. Marines look deeper into using all-electric seagliders
The U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Lab has committed $10 million to a second-phase exploratory collaboration with Rhode Island-based REGENT Craft to pursue the development of all-electric seagliders for defense operations. The high-speed, ground-effect craft with retractable hydrofoils can take off and land on water, flying within one wingspan of the surface. It looks so cool and useful, but is it really an aircraft?
Read the full article. |
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 | Audi RS Q8 performance: 631-hp luxury sport SUV
Audi has added a new model to the top of its 2025 Q8 lineup, and it is the most powerful production combustion model in the history of Audi Sport. The new RS Q8 performance SUV with a biturbo V8 combines impressive everyday usability, a super-luxe feel, and outstanding handling and acceleration. Car and Driver called it, "Lamborghini Urus performance at a huge discount."
Read the full article. |
 | Join THK at The Assembly Show South!
Meet up with THK at The Assembly Show South, April 16-17 at Music City Center in Nashville, TN -- Booth 1223. This is a key event for manufacturing professionals seeking innovative solutions that can drive business growth. THK stands for Toughness, High Quality, and Know-how, which are key differentiators for providing motion products you can count on, including Linear Motion Guides and Actuators, Ball Splines and Screws, Cross-Roller Rings, Cam and Roller Followers, and other motion technologies.
Learn more and register. Use code VIP1223 for complimentary expo pass. |
 | 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. 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. |
 | New aero and defense PEKK-based FDM polymers from Stratasys
Stratasys has partnered with top aerospace and defense companies to develop two newly qualified materials for 3D printing. Antero 800NA is a PEKK-based FDM polymer with excellent physical and mechanical properties for demanding applications. Antero 840CN03 is a high-performance PEKK-based FDM polymer with electrostatic dissipative (ESD) properties. These new advanced industrial solution materials were rigorously qualified in collaboration with Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Blue Origin, Raytheon, Naval Air Systems Command, the National Institute for Aviation Research, United States Air Force, BAE, and Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.
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 | Safety Wheel Drive simplifies payload mobility
IDEC has expanded its ez-Wheel product family with the new SWD Safety Wheel Drive for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This system combines wheels, gearboxes, motors, encoders, controllers, and power systems into singular, extremely compact, and maintenance-free solutions, reducing component count up to 50%. Available in light/medium (SWD 125) or heavy-duty (SWD 150) models. When integrated with other safety devices, such as IDEC SE2L laser scanners or bumper/edge switches, the SWD can provide Safe Brake Control, Safely Limited Speed, and Safe Direction with a SIL2/PLd rating. A SIL3/PLe safe motor disconnection is also integrated.
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 | Servo controllers: From basic fans to advanced robots
Implement your most innovative ideas by combining maxon's ESCON2 servo controllers and the user-friendly Motion Studio software. ESCON2 controllers use the latest technology in semiconductor and PCB manufacturing to achieve unprecedented power density and control performance in terms of torque and speed. ESCON2 controllers can be used in a wide variety of applications -- from simple analog/digitally commanded standalone applications such as fans, scanners, and pumps to sophisticated CANopen-based systems in AGVs, hand tools, or logistics and transport applications. Three ESCON2 Modules available.
Learn more. |
 | LEDs: High-precision and focused light source
Würth Elektronik's WL-SMCW SMT Mono-color Chip LED Waterclear now includes a compact model with a footprint of just 1.6 mm x 0.8 mm, in which a dome lens focuses the light with an emission angle of just 30 degrees. With this LED, light can be precisely directed onto a small area while minimizing light scattering and energy loss. This space-saving LED is suitable for consumer electronics, medical devices, handheld products, and symbol or text displays. Available LED colors are blue, green, light green, yellow, amber, and red. A model with diffuse light (WL-SMTD) is also available.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | SwRI investigates crack in U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon fighter jet
The U.S. Air Force called on the Southwest Research Institute to help ensure fleet safety after a large crack was found unexpectedly near the cockpit of a T-38 Talon fighter jet. A new study describes how SwRI's risk and damage tolerance analyses helped determine a more effective inspection schedule, allowing the Air Force to find cracks before they grow to critical size.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | CAD skill check: Learn to make a groovy ball in Onshape
A groovy ball looks like a complicated design, but Onshape makes this sphere with a groove really manageable using four main features. This is an interesting challenge, even if you don't use Onshape. Think about how you would make it with your design software, and then watch this video.
View the video. |
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