| May 26, 2015 | Volume 11 Issue 20 |
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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.
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 | NASA tests materials on Air Force space plane
NASA is expanding its materials science research by flying an experiment on the U.S. Air Force X-37B space plane. The Air Force operates the unpiloted, robotically controlled, and reusable X-37B space plane to test technology during long-duration missions. By flying the Materials Exposure and Technology Innovation in Space (METIS) investigation on the X-37B, materials scientists have the opportunity to expose almost 100 different materials samples to the space environment for more than 200 days.
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 | Engineer's Toolbox:
Why DMLS is a reliable additive alternative for complex metal parts
When the first direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) machines hit the production floor, some in the manufacturing community assumed the end of traditional machining was near. As it turns out, the reality of DMLS is slightly different than those early assumptions. DMLS produces fully dense metal parts directly from CAD models, often with an accuracy and surface finish that allows a part to go directly into service. Most importantly, says Proto Labs Engineering Manager Gus Breiland, if you have a highly complex part that is impossible to machine, DMLS may be the answer.
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 | Valves: High-flow three-way electronic valves
The DV Series was designed as the next generation of Clippard's original EV line of popular "Mouse" valves. The DV-3 line of Minimatic electronic valves consists of precision-built three-way control valves that utilize a unique, patented valving principle. With a solid and sleek design, high flow rates to 70 l/min., and a cycle life over a billion, these valves are ideal for many applications across numerous diverse industries. This series is also highly modifiable with many flow, mounting, pressure, voltage, material, and other options.
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 | Switches: Special and custom switch solutions
Integra Electronics, a specialty electronics distributor, has launched a Special Manufacturing Program (SMP) that delivers tailored switches, switch assemblies, and sub-assemblies that meet customer design requirements. Serving a wide range of applications including mil/aero, industrial, appliance, and commercial, Integra Electronics partners with CW Industries to offer an efficient switch solution for OEMs with small-to-medium volume custom switch requirements. Solutions range from rocker, toggle, slide, and pushbutton actuators to sealed and high-temperature switch bodies.
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 | Materials: Two new TPE grades from Elastocon
Two new grades in the 8000 Series of general-purpose thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) -- 8088N (colorable) and 8088BL (black lubricated) -- have passed FMVSS302 specifications for flammability, making them suited for automotive interior applications. Both are supplied as ready-to-use pellets in 1,000-lb quantities and capable of being overmolded onto polypropylene (PP). Elastocon 8088N is a Shore A 88, colorable TPE for applications that call for rubber-like properties and a good surface finish ideally suited for consumer goods and industrial applications requiring U.V. stability. Elastocon 8088BL is a Shore A 90 black, lubricated TPE for applications that call for high impact resistance and a reduced COF (coefficient of friction).
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 | Motors: Internal rotor drives with incredible power
For applications demanding very high torque, drive specialist maxon motor has created its EC-i 40 DC brushless motor in three high-torque versions. The iron-core internal rotor drive is available with a diameter of 40 mm and is ideally suited for applications in robotics, prosthetics, and industrial automation. The strongest motor in this series offers a maximum nominal torque of 234 mNm and is 56 mm in length. It exceeds the performance of its precursor model by up to 70 percent.
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| | Most popular last issue |
 | Wheels:
Vastly improved high-volume joining process expands use of aluminum in autos
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) researchers have demonstrated a new process for the expanded use of lightweight aluminum in cars and trucks at the speed, scale, quality, and consistency required by the auto industry. The process reduces production time and costs while yielding strong and lightweight parts, for example delivering a car door that is 62 percent lighter and 25 percent cheaper than that produced with today's manufacturing methods.
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 | Twice as fast as a jet: U.S. Air Force confirms feasibility of Mach 5 SABRE engine concept
U.K.-based Reaction Engines Ltd. recently announced that analysis undertaken by the United States' Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has confirmed the feasibility of the Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE) engine cycle concept. SABRE is an innovative class of aerospace propulsion that has the potential to provide efficient air-breathing thrust from standstill on the runway to speeds above Mach 5 (4,500 mph) in the atmosphere -- twice as fast as jet engines.
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Hacker's motorized gadget cracks combo locks
C-C-C-Combo Breaker is a motorized, battery-powered, 3D-printed, Arduino-based device that can crack any Master combination lock in less than 30 seconds. According to an NBC News report, the device was created by Samy Kamkar, a hacker and engineer "who in April revealed a method of cracking Master locks by feeling carefully for hitches in the dial's spin, which hint at the actual combination and limit it to eight options. ... One part grips the dial and spins to the numbers as it goes through the process of checking for the resistance that indicates the combo. Meanwhile, a little lever tugs on the shackle at the right moments -- and to see if the lock opens after each attempt."
View the video. |
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World's smallest computer rife with possibilities
University of Michigan engineers have taken the lead in constructing millimeter-size fully autonomous computing systems that can perform on many alternating platforms. Dennis Sylvester and David Blaauw, professors of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, have developed the Michigan Micro Mote (M3) units capable of harvesting solar power to utilize wireless communication, pressure, and temperature sensors -- and even still-image and video processing. You can fit 150 of these computers inside a thimble.
View the video. |
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