| June 09, 2015 | Volume 11 Issue 22 |
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 | Completely Updated New Full Line Catalog:
Full of New Fasteners
Micro Plastics introduces its new 300-page catalog #40 containing thousands of fastening solutions for engineers and product designers. Find hundreds of new problem-solving products, including Spacers, Washers, Clips, Clamps, Ties, Bushings, Screws, Nuts, Rivets, and Plugs. Micro Plastics specializes in Nylon threaded fasteners, but the company also offers extensive product lines for wire management and circuit board hardware. FREE samples are available upon request.
Click here for more information. |
| | Feature articles |
 | Delivering power where wires can't go
Wouldn't it be cool if you could recharge a device "on the fly" by shooting a laser from a drone? A multi-divisional team of engineers at Southwest Research Institute is working on it. The project aims to develop an alternative charging method for on-demand power transfer to inaccessible electronic devices, such as sensors along a gas pipeline.
Read the full article. |
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 | How defects can 'Hulk-up' materials
In the story of the Marvel Universe superhero known as the Hulk, exposure to gamma radiation transforms scientist Bruce Banner into a far more powerful version of himself. In a study at Berkeley Lab, exposure to alpha-particle radiation has been shown to transform certain thermoelectric materials into far more powerful versions of themselves.
Read the full article. |
 | Electronics: In-vehicle computer in protected box
The rugged BC50R from MEN Micro is an IP65-rated, maintenance-free aluminum box computer ideal for data acquisition in extreme environments. All external interfaces, including USB, digital I/O, Gigabit Ethernet, CAN bus and legacy serial I/O, are implemented on rugged M12 connectors for reliable data transmission. The BC50R starts with a powerful, energy-efficient T48N AMD Embedded G-Series APU running at 1.4 GHz. Various CPU/GPU options combine with a wide selection of external interfaces, connected via separate graphics and I/O interface boards, to provide an extremely flexible system quickly tailored to in-vehicle applications for trains, commercial vehicles, mobile machines, and ships.
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 | Mechanical: Component mounting collars
A full line of mounting shaft collars that feature a perfectly square integral mounting clamp and will not mar or damage expensive shafts is available from Stafford Manufacturing. These Component Mounting Collars provide a flat mounting surface with multiple attachment options and are available with or without a flange. These mounts can be easily repositioned and are suitable for use with a wide range of components, including gears, lever arms, pulleys, and sprockets. Offered in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The Accu-Mount style has a centering hub and comes in one- and two-piece designs.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Encoders: No-strings-attached beta test
Dynapar is offering a no-cost 30-day beta test trial to all interested and qualified parties for its key product families of incremental and absolute encoders, with thousands of configurations available. Dynapar encoders provide motion feedback control for general factory automation, pulp and paper, primary metals, oil and gas, packaging, beverage, food, pharmaceutical, medical equipment, materials handling, lift and crane, construction operations, off-highway and others, as well as OEM motors.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Motors: All-in-one brushless torque motor
The Megaflux MFH170i from Allied Motion is designed as a rotary actuator ready for use in semiconductor equipment, automated test equipment, scanners, gimbal systems, and similar applications where a complete, precision rotary actuator with a large hollow shaft is needed. The unit is comprised of a high-performance 170 series brushless torque motor, a digital servo drive, and a programmable high-resolution optical encoder -- each integrated into a rugged machined aluminum housing with robust duplex bearings. The MFH0170i series features a 63.5-mm (2.5-in.) large-bore through shaft and is characterized by a very high torque-to-inertia ratio. There are three stack lengths in the series, with peak torque ranging from 8.5 up to 16.9 Nm (75 up to 150 lb-in.) and rated speed up to 1,000 RPM. The standard winding voltage is 48 V.
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| | Most popular last issue |
 | Simulation solves mystery behind elevator accident
In 2007, an elevator began moving upward while passengers were exiting, trapping and injuring an occupant. A drum brake intended to hold the elevator stationary failed, resulting in the unexpected movement. But how did it fail and at what rate -- slowly (preventable) or quickly (probably not preventable)? Veryst Engineering used COMSOL multiphysics simulation to investigate and determine the answer.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | igus quality assurance - view from inside the box!
Take a ride down the quality testing line with one of igus' DryLin linear systems as it prepares to ship out of the factory! All igus products are extensively tested in the world's largest laboratory for self-lubricating plain and linear bearings. Take a peek inside the box as our DryLin linear systems pass through igus Quality Assurance.
View the video. |
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Micro robot pulls 2,000 times its weight on glass
A 12-gram "micro tug" robot created by Stanford researchers moves objects 2,000 times its size on glass (steel objects without wheels or lubrication) enabled by gecko-inspired adhesives. This capability is comparable to a human dragging a blue whale. Even if the human were strong enough, his shoes would slip -- making this feat impossible without something like the micro robot's special sticky footwear.
View the video. |
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