| December 01, 2015 | Volume 11 Issue 45 |
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 | Unit Conversion Tool
Convert popular spring units such as force or retaining ring thrust capacities into metric units with Smalley's engineering tools. Convert units such as mass and weight, angular measurements, velocities, temperatures, pressures and densities, and more.
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 | Most powerful DC motor in its class
MICROMO is pleased to announce the latest addition to the FAULHABER DC motor series: the 3890 CR. Its graphite commutation, powerful neodymium magnet and high copper content in the FAULHABER rotor winding provide the compact 3890 CR with an enormous amount of power. The coreless rotor ensures cogging-free, precise synchronization with very low energy consumption, making it ideal for high performance applications requiring a compact, high torque motor.
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| | Feature articles | Army researchers add power, range to artillery
Picatinny Arsenal engineers in New Jersey are improving artillery by extending its range, power, and versatility by using an electrically responsive method to control energetic materials such as propellants. The Army uses artillery rounds that have two different types of motors for their extended-range propellants.
Read the full article. |
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 | New hydrogel superglue is 90% water
Engineers at MIT have developed a method to make synthetic, sticky hydrogel that is more than 90% water. The hydrogel, which is a transparent, rubber-like material, can adhere to surfaces such as glass, silicon, ceramics, aluminum, and titanium with a toughness comparable to the bond between tendon and cartilage on bone.
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 | Mike Likes: Switches go wireless without batteries
Cherry has introduced a new line of switches that don't need wired connections -- or batteries to operate. Their power source is the physical actuation of the switch. In a very nice implementation of energy harvesting, that little bit of motion to throw the switch translates into power through an innovative penny-size micro-dynamo within the body of the device. One benefit to designers is a much simplified ability to implement remote switches without the need to run connecting wires, which can simplify both product design and certifications. The RF transmission distance is rated up to 300 m in open space, and up to 30 m indoors with any type of obstruction.
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 | Engineer's Toolbox:
Identify the right surface finish for injection-molded parts
Molded parts are everywhere -- from highly cosmetic housings hiding in plain sight to internal components where a fine polish is unnecessary. Most people pay no attention to the surface finish on those parts, but for product designers and engineers, it's an important design consideration. Proto Labs' Gus Breiland, Customer Service Engineering Manager, runs through the various design options for plastic, liquid silicone rubber, and metal parts.
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 | Joining: Noise- and vibration-resistant rotary latch
Southco has further expanded its successful line of rotary latching solutions with the launch of the stainless steel R4-10 Rotary Latch with integrated bumper. Southco's newest rotary latch is available in single- and two-stage options and features an integrated rubber bumper that eliminates noise and vibration caused by normal operation. The high-strength, compact design of the stainless steel version offers corrosion resistance for consistent performance in harsh environments. The R4-10 Rotary Latch is designed for off-highway equipment and industrial machinery where operation of larger, more powerful equipment has the potential to create unwanted noise or vibration.
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 | Controls: Configurable joystick series
The customizable Series 09 joysticks from EAO Corp. are specifically designed for heavy-duty and special vehicles. These joysticks offer intuitive end-user operation, robust construction, and reliability. Typical applications include construction and agricultural machinery, fire engines, and municipal cleaning vehicles. Series 09 joysticks are designed to accurately control vehicle functions such as hydraulic lifting equipment, powered safety equipment, and other auxiliary functions.
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 | Motion: New precision linear stepper stage
Precision positioning systems solution specialist PI (Physik Instrumente) has introduced the L-511 linear stage series featuring minimum incremental motion as small as 0.02µm. With travel ranges to 155 mm (6 in.), this two-phase micro stepper motor platform is ideal for precision positioning demanded by science and industry, especially with high-duty application cycles. Vacuum-compatible versions are available.
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 | Fasteners: Metal fasteners for extreme conditions
Sometimes a standard fastener just won't do the job. Goodfellow offers a range of refractory metal fasteners (nuts, bolts, and washers) ranging in size from M3 to M6 for situations that involve high temperature, high voltage, magnetism, and/or harsh corrosive environments. Tungsten, tantalum, niobium, and molybdenum fasteners are chemically inert and have a melting point above 2,400 deg C, high hardness at room temperature, relatively high density, and stability against creep deformation at very high temps. Great for airframes, rockets, industrial motors, shielding, jet engines, gas turbines, chemical processing, and more.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Wings:
GE advanced turboprop engine reaches new heights
Textron Aviation, the world's largest maker of business propeller planes like Beechcraft Bonanza, Baron, and King Air, said Nov. 16 it would use a brand new advanced turboprop engine developed by GE to power its latest single-engine turboprop plane. The engine burns 20 percent less fuel and produces 10 percent more power, compared to engines in its class.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Broadband: Is Li-Fi the new Wi-Fi?
As connected devices become more popular, Wi-Fi networks may not be able to keep up with demand. Enter Li-Fi, which uses ordinary LED room lights to transmit data around a space at speeds that could reach 50 MB/sec or more. Wired UK talks to Prof. Harald Haas, professor of engineering at Edinburgh University and the original inventor of Li-Fi technology, to find out how his invention will help enable the Internet of Things.
View the video. |
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Honda shows off motorcycle/car prototype
Combining the open and engaging feel of a motorcycle with the dynamic handling of an automobile, the Honda Project 2&4 made its North American debut Nov. 17 at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. The design is the winner of the company's in-house 2015 Honda Global Design Project. The Honda Project 2&4 is powered by the RC213V competition motorcycle engine, a 999 cc V-4 unit, originally developed for the world-class MotoGP motorcycle racing series and specially tuned for use on public roads. With a 14,000-rpm red line, the powerplant is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and delivers peak power of 212 hp at 13,000 rpm, and peak torque of 87 lb-ft. at 10,500 rpm. The body design and engine position were inspired by the legendary Honda RA272 Formula One racecar of 1965.
View the video. |
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