| August 19, 2014 | Volume 10 Issue 31 |
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 | Protomold Protogami
Protogami's three-dimensional flexagons create a continual kaleidocycle that exposes a different set of triangular faces with each turn of its living hinges. The design aid lets product designers and engineers see commonly used materials like ABS, PC and acetal, and how they interact with different surface finishes.
Register for a free Protogami today. |
 | IMPORTANT message for gmail users -- both personal and corporate email accounts
If you have logged into your gmail account lately directly through gmail.com, you have probably noticed that gmail is pre-sorting your email into three folders, which they call labels or tabs: Primary, Social, and Promotions. If you use a corporate gmail account with a mail management program, you may not know that your gmail is being pre-sorted -- and you may not be receiving all of your email. We would love for Designfax to always be found in your Primary email and hope that making that designation in your gmail account will make finding our issues easier for you.
Find out how to move Designfax to your Primary email tab. |
| | Feature articles |
 | Microstepping: Myths and realities
The lure of microstepping a two-phase stepper motor is compelling. Visions of microstepping a 1.8-degree hybrid stepper motor with 256 microsteps per full step flash in your mind. The resolution of 51,200 microsteps per revolution entices you. You're glad you don't own stock in high-resolution encoder companies. Where's the catch? The real compromise is that as you increase the number of microsteps per full step the INCREMENTAL torque per microstep drops off drastically.
Read the full article. |
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 | Mike Likes:
Wave Spring 3D Models
CAD models of Smalley Wave Springs are downloadable at application-specific heights. Enter any height between the spring solid and free height in over 60 native and natural CAD formats. Wave springs can reduce spring height by up to 50% with the same force and deflection as coil springs. All Springs Are Not Equal®.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Products:
Airframe cable assemblies
W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) has introduced new GORE-FLIGHT Microwave Assemblies, 6 Series -- lightweight cable solutions that deliver the lowest insertion loss before and after installation, ensuring reliable performance for the life of the system. The robust construction of these assemblies reduces total costs by withstanding the challenges of installation, reducing costly production delays, field service frequency, and the need for purchasing replacement assemblies. These lightweight assemblies improve fuel efficiency and increase payload. The 6 Series has been qualified to the most stringent specifications for airframe assemblies, with proven compliance with MIL-T-81490 requirements. In addition, Gore has designed a Cable Installation Simulator to evaluate the stress of installation on microwave airframe assemblies.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Products:
Spring-loaded plunger assemblies serve as positioning pins for sliding components
PEM Type PTL2 spring-loaded plunger assemblies from PennEngineering ideally serve as reliable positioning pins to quickly move racks, slides, access panels, consoles, and similar equipment to new positions without requiring tools. A unique lockout feature in the standard product line keeps the fastener's spring-loaded plunger fully retracted until the plunger pin drops into final position. A simple quarter-turn of the fastener activates the retracted locking and unlocking functions. Type PTL2 spring-loaded plunger assemblies install permanently in aluminum or steel sheets as thin as .060 in./1.53 mm with hardness of HRB 80 or less. Their engineering allows the reverse side of the sheet to remain flush when the plunger is retracted.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Products:
DC motors with 90%+ efficiency boost battery life
Maximizing battery life can be a decisive factor to many mission-critical systems where longevity of the equipment can affect the outcome. For example, in battery-operated medical devices or remotely piloted military vehicles the ability to last 13 minutes instead of 10 can make a significant difference. To meet this market initiative, BEI Kimco Magnetics has developed new Frameless Brushless DC Motors in multiple designs that provide extremely high operational efficiencies in excess of 90% that enable extended battery life. For battery-dependent applications, motor efficiency is paramount in getting the longest operating time before it needs to be charged. The newly designed High Torque Density Brushless DC Motors are able to achieve this superior efficiency with improved weight and envelope profiles.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Products:
Zinc foam with cost-saving feature
Goodfellow has announced the availability of two variants of zinc foam: 99.99% zinc deposited on a polyurethane foam and ZAMAK 410 Zn /Al4/Cu1/Mg0.04 zinc alloy foam with solid ligaments. Both combine the versatile properties of zinc or its alloy with the functional benefits of a foam. This combination should be of particular interest to design engineers working in the fields of heat exchangers, catalyst substrates, energy absorbers, filters, and mixers. Cost-saving feature: For the variant deposited on a polyurethane structure, it is possible to design the finished component in the base foam before metalizing, avoiding post-machining and thereby reducing costs. Editor's note: Goodfellow copper foam has been a favorite of Designfax readers for years, so check that out too.
Click here to learn more about Goodfellow foams. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Wheels:
Cockpit for 1,000-mph car revealed
The cockpit of BLOODHOUND SSC, the 1,000-mph Land Speed Racing car, was unveiled June 12 in Bristol, UK. The state-of-the-art carbon fiber monocoque has been tailored to the needs of driver Andy Green and will be his supersonic office during record attempts in the South African desert in 2015 and 2016.
Read the full article. |
 | Wings:
Fused Deposition Modeling takes flight with NASA's N+3 concept
An important goal of NASA's N+3 revolutionary aircraft research effort is to define key technologies that will create a 70 percent reduction in fuel consumption relative to today's 737-800 aircraft, offer the ability to operate from 3,000-ft runways, and result in a significant reduction in noise and pollution emissions. Producing model thermoplastic components with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) provides the development team with design flexibility while meeting high aerospace standards and process requirements.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action |
One-wheeled motorcycle-like scooter
See the RYNO in action, a self-balancing, one-wheeled prototype electric scooter that lets you ride "in between the cracks of urban transportation." Chris Hoffman, RYNO's CEO and chief creator, says the scooter is "regulated in the city at 12.5 mph just like any other mobility scooter," but comes preloaded with way more fun. Although it still hasn't rolled into showrooms, the aim of the latest model is to "pack 4 horsepower into the wheel ... with 2,000 Watts of motor power, this thing will climb a wall." Twin removable, rechargeable battery packs provide an estimated range of 25 miles.
View the video. |
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