| November 10, 2015 | Volume 11 Issue 42 |
|
 | 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. |
 | Board-level EMI shielding: DIY in minutes
ProtoShield sheets from Tech-Etch are depth-etched with a checkerboard pattern for folding, so they can be easily formed into many diverse configurations. In the product-development stage, fully functional shields can be created in minutes with just a pair of scissors and a straight edge for folding. Offered in two sizes: standard (.25-in. squares) and metric (5-mm squares). Both versions are solderable and corrosion resistant due to nickel silver material. Shield prototypes can be directly soldered to the board, or shield clips can be used for easy mounting. Samples available.
Click here to learn more. |
 | New technique can weld 'unweldable' metals
Engineers at Ohio State University have developed a new welding technique that consumes 80 percent less energy than a common welding technique, yet creates bonds that are 50 percent stronger. The new process could have a huge impact on the auto industry, which is poised to offer new cars that combine traditional heavy steel parts with lighter, alternative metals to reduce vehicle weight.
Read the full article. |
 | Mike Likes: Voice coil actuator developer's kit
BEI Kimco has packed new functionality into its popular VCA Developer's Kit. Enhancements include an upgraded controller with I/O board and straightforward connections that eliminate soldering -- both changes make it easier and faster than ever for customers to start building voice coil actuator (VCA) prototypes. This kit is a simple "solution in a box" for people who want to use a VCA but are reluctant to tackle figuring out which controller and software to specify to put together a working system.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Motion: Mini rotary actuator has highest torque and power output
New Scale Technologies makes a miniature rotary actuator module (M3-R) with torque of 0.17 Nm and speeds of more than 400 degrees per second in a compact, 60-mm-diameter by 8-mm-thick design. Resulting from the successful completion of a Phase 1 SBIR project for the U.S. Navy, the non-inductive rotary actuator module delivers higher power output in a smaller footprint than electromagnetic pancake motors or other piezoelectric actuators. Applications include guided munitions and missile systems, MRI-compatible medical devices, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) controls, gimbal systems, and computer equipment.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Manufacturing: First industrial integrated motor-powered caster
The Drive Caster from Caster Concepts integrates an electric motor with an industrial caster to create a single unit that can be easily added to carts, racks, or just about anything that rolls on casters. With a mere flip of a switch, operators can effortlessly move heavy loads without fear of injury. This is a game changer because it is the first all-in-one, motorized industrial caster. Offered with a 1/4- or 1/2-hp motor to move loads up to 6,000 lb at up to 5 mph.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Motors: Slotless BLDC motors for high-speed applications
The slotless BLDC motor DS16 from Nanotec is a highly efficient solution for high-speed applications such as drills, grinders, or tattooing instruments. The stator consists of ring-shaped plates with a flat winding on the inside. Since the windings don't have an iron core, the motor's inductance is very low and the current rises rapidly. In addition, the amount of iron lost is greatly reduced, and the motor has a high efficiency rating. During slow operation, the lack of torque ripple has a positive effect. Unlike standard BLDC motors, the magnetic field isn't reinforced at the pole shoes and there is no cogging torque. DS16 is available in size S with a power output of 3.7 W at max. 27,000 rpm, in size M with a power output of 10 W at max. 30,000 rpm, and in size L with a power output of 25 W at max. 29,000 rpm.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Materials: Carbon fiber-based tape and panels for aerospace
Victrex has launched new composites for the aerospace industry in the form of unidirectional (UD) tape and laminate panels. Introduced under the brand VICTREX AE250 composites, the new product group enables the production of continuously reinforced components that can perform under load, such as brackets, clips, clamps, and housings that are used throughout the aircraft in primary and secondary structures. Advantages of implementing PAEK-based composite solutions are faster manufacturing as a result of smarter designs, cost savings, and improved installation times. VICTREX AE250 composites have also shown a weight savings of up to 60 percent under certain circumstances when compared to metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Super-slick material makes steel better, stronger, cleaner
Researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have demonstrated a way to make steel stronger, safer, and more durable. Their new surface coating, made from rough nanoporous tungsten oxide, is the most durable anti-fouling and anti-corrosive material to date, capable of repelling any kind of liquid even after sustaining intense structural abuse.
Read the full article. |
 | Chrome-y luster and durability added to today's howitzers
Decreases in Army spending and the shrinking of an active military force over the past several years have had significant impacts on weapons and equipment modernization. But engineers at Watervliet Arsenal in New York are finding new ways to create incremental upgrades to current systems with a super-tight budget in mind.
Read the full article. |
|
| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Precision electroforms for aerospace and defense applications
Electroforms manufactured by Servometer are ideal for aerospace applications that rely on lightweight components that can withstand extremely cold temperatures and have tight tolerances. They also support medical applications, defense, semiconductor, energy, and the oil and gas industries. Just about any industry that requires custom sizes, unique materials, and specialty finishes will find Servometer electroforms the ideal solution. Learn more about Servometer custom electroforms for aerospace and medical applications.
View the video. |
 |
What is a multi-start flexure?
A single-start spring is a continuous-coil element that starts at one end and terminates at the other. This configuration is common to most springs. A double-start spring has two intertwined continuous-coil elements phased 180 degrees apart. In effect, this puts two independent helixes in the same cylindrical plane. Multi-start flexures, such as triple-start, are similar extensions of the concept. Helical Products spells out why you should consider single-, double-, or triple-start flexures when designing or choosing your next coupling or spring.
View the video. |
 |
|
|
