| November 26, 2013 | Volume 09 Issue 44 |
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 | Molded Nylon Special Standard Round Spacers
Micro Plastics announces a new product line of Special Standard Round Spacers. The new line of molded nylon round spacers includes over 250 sizes, with diameters of 1/8" through 1 1/2" and lengths from 1/8" to 2 3/4". These tough, resilient spacers can be used in a variety of assemblies. Useful in electronic and electrical applications, they may also be used as bushings, bearings, rollers, gliders, and bumpers. They are resistant to vibration, abrasion, and corrosion; are electrically insulating; and have a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Accidental discovery dramatically improves conductivity
Quite by accident, Washington State University researchers have achieved a 400-fold increase in the electrical conductivity of a crystal simply by exposing it to light. The effect, which lasted for days after the light was turned off, could dramatically improve the performance of devices like computer chips.
Read the full article. |
 | Wheels (and wings):
Using modern mechanical carbon materials for aircraft seal applications
Modern mechanical carbon materials are used in aircraft gear boxes, air turbine motor starters, and main shaft seals for both aircraft turbine engines and aircraft auxiliary power units (APUs). These unique, self-lubricating materials are composed of fine-grained, electrographite substances that are impregnated with proprietary inorganic chemicals to improve their lubricating qualities and their oxidation resistance, and are ideal for use in aircraft applications because of their low coefficient of friction, low wear rate at high sliding speed, high thermal conductivity, and resistance to oxidation in high-temperature air.
Read the full article. |
 | Mike Likes:
Customize direct-drive motors using Applimotion motor kits
Applimotion provides brushless direct-drive motor kits for complex motion assemblies in automation, semiconductor equipment, medical devices, and satellite communication systems. The ULT, UTH, and UTS motor kits can be integrated into a customized assembly with high-resolution encoders and precision bearings. This allows the customer to control the function and operation of the assembly without having to make it in-house. It is routine for Applimotion to either turn-key the design from a specification or to contract manufacture to the customer's documentation. Custom assemblies can range from 8-mm diameter to 600-mm diameter and torque from .1 to 1,000 Nm, with unique through-holes, mechanical features, and custom cabling.
Click here to learn more about Applimotion motors. |
 | Engineer's Toolbox:
6 ways to optimize your pneumatics
Machine builders aiming to improve the energy efficiency of their machines tend to focus on using energy media other than pneumatics (typically electro-mechanical or hydraulic), since pneumatics, as traditionally applied, is viewed as inefficient due to factors like leakage and over-pressurization. But they shouldn't.
Read the full article. |
 | Product Spotlight:
Star heat sinks cool high-power LEDs
Advanced Thermal Solutions (ATS) has added to its series of Star LED heat sinks designed for convection cooling of high-heat-flux LEDs. Each of the 32 heat sinks provides enhanced heat transfer for effective LED cooling without fans or blowers. Cooling performance reaches more than 60 K (ΔThs-ambient) at 50 W of power dissipation, depending on the model. The Star heat sinks are made from lightweight aluminum in a round profile that fits common LED applications. A flat base at one end allows secure, direct mounting of LEDs. Integral threads on the base perimeter allow attachment of brackets and other hardware. An inner thread on most models allows convenient attachment of LED lens mounts.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Product Spotlight:
PUR spindle cable is a space-saving alternative to servo cables in machine tools
Spindle drives are becoming larger and more efficient in machining centers and machine tools. To guide higher streams of energy, larger conductor cross-sections are required. As a result, servo cables are becoming thicker with larger bend radii, and in some cases are going beyond the permissible space of the machine tool. A shielded single-core cable, like the Chainflex CF270-UL-D from igus, is an ideal solution. Designed like a spindle cable, the CF270-UL-D is much thinner and is perfect for supplying maximum power while staying within the confines of the machine tool.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Product Spotlight:
Torque inserts outmaneuver standard hinges
New Reell TI-300 Series torque inserts introduce advanced positioning and pivoting technology solutions engineered to outmaneuver conventional hinges in performance, ease of use, service life, and appearance. Available in three compact package sizes, they enable reliable, precise, and controlled positioning of equipment and components for a wide range of hinging applications in the consumer electronics, automotive, medical and dental, and architectural lighting industries, among many others. Rated for 50,000 cycles, these inserts benefit from patented ReellTorq clip technology, which eliminates any need for adjustment and imparts a premium-quality feel, smooth and precise position control, and consistent torque.
Click here to learn more. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Latest new cars and concepts from LA Auto Show 2013
See the latest that Detroit and carmakers from around the world have to offer. Car expert Doug Brauner highlights new vehicle introductions from the 2013 LA Auto Show, including our favorites the 2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe (shown), 2015 Nissan NISMO GTR, and the BMW X4 concept. If driving a super-luxe stretch SUV is your kind of ride, check out the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover/Autobiography Edition, complete with living-room recliner-style seats.
View the video. |
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Boeing previews its super-efficient, and heavily anticipated, 777X
Last week at the Dubai Airshow, Boeing outlined the performance characteristics and a variety of features that will make the 777X, its newest member of the Boeing twin-aisle family, the largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine commercial jetliner in aviation history. The company says that key innovations will make the aircraft 12 percent more fuel efficient than its competitor: an all-new composite wing based on the wing developed for the super-efficient 787 Dreamliner, aerodynamic advances such as a hybrid laminar flow control vertical tail and natural laminar flow nacelles, and all-new GE9X engines developed by GE Aviation. In addition to unprecedented fuel efficiency, these new technologies aim to help the 777X deliver 10 percent lower operating economics than the competition.
View the video. |
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