| April 01, 2014 | Volume 10 Issue 13 |
|
 | Seal It, Protect It!
A Smalley Laminar Seal is a metallic labyrinth seal consisting of multiple rings in a groove. Sealing an assembly from contamination while withstanding high temperatures and corrosive environments, Laminar rings are produced from metal. The arrangement and orientation of the rings are dictated by the application/severity of the environment.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Motors for model train meet demanding requirements
Building an N-gauge (1:160) model train system involves working with very small units. The 1930s-inspired BR 70 locomotive from Fleischmann is only 2.25 in. long when measured buffer to buffer. As on large locomotives, traction (and on the model, power transmission) between the wheel and the track is a crucial factor. To give the unit appropriately scaled big-train power with low vibration and noise, the folks at Fleischmann turned to customized DC motors from the FAULHABER Group.
Read the full article. |
| | Feature articles | NASA tests robotic refueling
 NASA has successfully concluded a remotely controlled test of new technologies that would empower future space robots to transfer hazardous oxidizer -- a type of propellant -- into the tanks of satellites in space today.
Concurrently on the ground, NASA is incorporating results from this test and the Robotic Refueling Mission on the International Space Station to prepare for an upcoming ground-based test of a full-size robotic servicer system that will perform tasks on a mock satellite client.
Read the full article. |
|
|
|
 | Mike Likes:
World's fastest vacuum ejector
The piCOMPACT manifold-mounted vacuum ejector system from Piab provides three times more vacuum flow than similar products. This reduces energy consumption by 30 to 50 percent compared with traditional ejectors, resulting in substantial sustainability benefits as well as energy and cost savings. The system's COAX ejectors offer an increased vacuum flow to strengthen product grip and increase pick-up speed, minimize product damage, and reduce waste. This technology also allows faster release of products from the suction cups onto the production line for efficiency gains. The intelligent Energy-Saving (ES) function effectively turns off the compressed air usage when set vacuum level is achieved. Products in the piCOMPACT range are ideal for pick-and-place operations where efficient handling of small, heavy parts is crucial: electronics, semiconductor, plastics, metal, small packaging, pick and place, robotic integration, and the wood industry.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Engineer's Toolbox:
5 proven advantages of programmable encoders
Encoders are used in a variety of manufacturing plants, primarily to determine a motion control axis position or to obtain speed feedback. Historically, code discs contained a fixed line count, which increased manufacturing and production constraints if a different or higher resolution was required. A programmable encoder, which can be programmed to any line count in either the field or during production, provides benefits to both the end-user and the manufacturer. Vikram Phadke from SICK USA lays out the advantages.
Read the full article. |
 | Varistor provides 50 percent higher surge energy rating for automotive electronics
The AUMOV Series of low-voltage, high-surge-current, radial-leaded varistors from Littelfuse provides motor or inductive load transient suppression for automotive safety systems, body electronics, powertrain systems, thermal management/HVAC systems, and infotainment systems. They offer 50 percent greater surge withstanding than existing technologies on the market for low-DC- voltage applications. The maximum peak surge current is rated up to 5 KA to protect sensitive automotive systems from transients induced by load dump, jump starts, and other transient events. Its compliance with the AEC-Q200 automotive electronics industry standard makes it ideal for use in both the vehicle's passenger compartment and under-the-hood applications.
Click here to learn more. |
 | High-quality linear guides ship in 24 hr
Rollon Corporation's new FAST Delivery Program now enables engineers and plant managers to configure and order Mono Rail Plus linear guides online, with many standard products available for shipping the very next day. The new website also offers a comparison chart to see which Mono Rail Plus product is the most suitable drop-in replacement to linear guides with long lead times. Rollon's Mono Rail Plus products are profiled rails for high precision under high loads, with four rows of balls running in the self-lubricated slider.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Decentralized, integrated servo drive
Expanding on its popular Sinamics S120 multi-axis drive system, Siemens introduces the new Sinamics S120M, a compact, ready-to-connect motor with integrated drive that offers users the option of moving the motor inverter outside the control cabinet and directly onto the motor, thereby reducing both cabinet space and required cooling. The addition of the Sinamics S120M distributed format into the S120 offering adds a high degree of flexibility for new and existing machines, as well as introducing innovative production line setups that can now be achieved. Typical applications include packaging, printing, glass, textile, and other processes where machinery and production lines require multiple servo axes in a space-restricted environment.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Researchers build nonflammable lithium-ion battery
In studying a material that prevents marine life from sticking to the bottom of ships, researchers led by chemist Joseph DeSimone at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have identified a surprising replacement for the only inherently flammable component of today's lithium-ion batteries: the electrolyte.
Read the full article. |
|
| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Amazing. Universal Robots on the job
Lettuce wrapping, CNC machine tending, palletizing, spray painting, and vision-guided tire inspection. These are just a few of more than 20 innovative, cage-free applications in this fascinating video mosaic, depicting the light-weight, flexible Universal Robots in action. Did we mention how easy they are to program? Use the touch screen tablet or simply grab the robot arm and show it the desired path of movement. ROI: 3-8 months.
View the video. |
 |
The night I invented 3D printing
CNN interviews Chuck Hull, executive vice president and chief technology officer of 3D Systems, who invented stereolithography (3D printing) back in 1983 and patented the technology in 1986. Hull also invented the STL file format.
View the video and story. |
 |
|
|
