| October 21, 2014 | Volume 10 Issue 39 |
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 | 2015 COOL PARTS CALENDAR
Designed by designers and engineered for engineers, our annual Cool Parts Calendar features the visions of product developers across the nation and around the world. It features monthly contests, industry tradeshow dates, and (of course) those elusive days of the week.
Request your calendar today. |
| | Feature articles |
 | Researchers developing shrink-wrapping spacesuits
Instead of climbing into a bulky, gas-pressurized suit, a future astronaut may don a lightweight, stretchy garment lined with tiny, muscle-like coils that, with power from a power pack, would contract and shrink-wrap the garment around the body. That, at least, is the vision of some MIT researchers.
Read the full article. |
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 | Basics of motion control:
How feedback encoder devices operate
Feedback is used in closed-loop systems in applications all over the world to control speed and/or position, and it has an important role in keeping equipment operating smoothly and accurately. Feedback is available in a variety of devices as well as models. There are a variety of devices available in the marketplaces that are employed to derive information about the application's speed and/or position, thus controlling and guaranteeing that the process occurs correctly. These include: tachometer, Hall sensors, encoder, and resolver.
Read the full article. |
 | Mike Likes:
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. |
 | Motion control components: Flexible bellows couplings
Precision motion control applications require mechanically tight systems, especially between motors, driven loads, and feedback devices, to ensure accurate positioning. FC Series bellows couplings are the standard bellows coupling configuration offered by Servometer with 16 standard sizes ranging in diameter from 0.250 to 1.00 in. FC couplings employ Servometer's patented electrodeposited bellows to offer maximum flexibility, side thrust capability, and angular misalignment, and are an ideal fit for most motion control instruments including encoders, potentiometers, servomotors, and more. Samples are available.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Products: Next-gen display mounting
Southco has expanded its AV Display Mount line with three new models that provide enhanced functionality and design flexibility for a variety of applications. New extensions include: a Tilt and Swivel Mount (K Series); a Tilt, Swivel, and Single Swing Arm (A Series); and a Tilt, Swivel, and Dual Swing Arm (A Series). These arms are ideal for a variety of applications including medical instruments and dispensing, trucks, off-highway equipment, marine vessels, and self-service kiosks.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Products: High-performance 16-mm ECH brushless slotless motor
Portescap's newest addition to its Ultra EC mini motor platform is the 16 ECH brushless motor, designed to provide an economic motor solution for high-performance applications. The 16ECH has been specifically optimized for high continuous torque at low to medium speeds, maximizing power between 40 K and 55 K rpm, and rated speed at approximately 60 K rpm. The 16ECH is available in 36- and 52-mm length versions, with Hall sensors and three different coils to match your speed and voltage requirements.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Products: Softer TPEs come in handy
Elastocon TPE Technologies, a leading compounder and supplier of numerous lines of soft thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), has expanded its clear (CLR Series) to include several new, softer grades (Shore 15 - 40 A). These new grades have been formulated for consumer goods and applications requiring clarity, a soft touch, and UV stability. This plasticizer-free TPE series has non-blooming, high-strength properties and a tactile surface finish. It is an excellent alternative to silicone and PVC. Applications include countertop electronics, appliances, protective covers for consumer electronic products, and more.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Wheels:
Volvo unveils triple-boosted 450-hp 4-cylinder engine
They are keeping a lot the details still under wraps, but Volvo unveiled a triple-boost 2-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with no less than 450 hp on October 9. The new engine is the next-gen version of Volvo's 320-hp Drive-E Powertrain range that debuted in 2013 -- an engine that solidified the carmaker's commitment to developing powerful and fuel-efficient 4-cylinders for its passenger-car and SUV lines.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | |
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