| December 08, 2015 | Volume 11 Issue 46 |
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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 |
 | Serviceable spacecraft make a comeback
Ever wonder about the future of space science? Hop inside a time machine that transports you back 40 years and you may get a good idea about where things are headed. History, it would seem, has a funny way of repeating itself. Serviceable spacecraft are once again de rigueur.
Read the full article. |
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 | Mike Likes:
Push switch with sharper ‘snap' feeling
SMK Corp. has expanded its existing product lineup of push switches with the HCF (High Click Feeling) Series featuring an improved click ratio of minimum 35 percent. This switch was developed to operate automotive equipment requiring a high force typically required in keyless entry systems and car audio devices. Also works well in TVs, DVD players, industrial equipment, home appliances, and healthcare products. The small switch has a crisper "snap" feel while retaining the high operating force of 4.8N in line with the current switches in the SMK lineup. It has the same external dimensions as the current products in this line. Great for applications where board space is limited and a high force is required.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Switches: Replace mechanical buttons with capacitive touch
mTouch controllers from Microchip Technology offer a turnkey solution for developing touch applications in low-cost embedded applications like light switches, home automation, office equipment, toys, white goods, and appliances without sacrificing performance. With no software to write and a very simple interface, developers can improve their products by quickly updating mechanical keypads to capacitive touch. These 2-, 5-, and 8-channel MTCH102-5-8 controllers replace mechanical buttons with a simple digital output, making it easy to add proximity and touch detection to any application that is constrained by size, power, or cost.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Fasteners: Quick mating with plastic fasteners
New PEM self-clinching flush-head studs integrating unique X-Press threads enable quick mating with push-on plastic nuts, wire tie products, or other plastic fasteners in thin metal assemblies. Their coarse thread design -- larger threads relative to the stud's diameter -- reduces assembly time by allowing for easy mating of plastic parts and promotes especially high retention force of the stud upon installation. The thread design additionally accommodates paints and coatings without compromising fastener performance in service. These PEM X-Press studs (Type FHX) install permanently in metal sheets as thin as 1 mm.
Click here to learn more. |
 | 3D metal printing: Parts that are way tougher than stainless steel
3DX Industries has expanded its additive manufacturing capabilities by introducing new NanoSteel metal powders for printing complex, wear-resistant parts. Using Binder Jet additive manufacturing for prototypes and production runs, 3DX can print your parts in a variety of sizes and complexities at significantly reduced lead times -- and often more cost effectively than other additive manufacturing processes. 3DX now offers parts made with NanoSteel BLDRmetal J-10 and J-11 metal powders, which are designed for components that operate in abrasive environments and have 3X (J-10) and 10X (J-11) the wear resistance and impact toughness of an equivalent 420 stainless steel in lower-impact applications.
Click here to learn more about this new 3DX capability.
Watch the NanoSteel BLDRmetal powders in action. |
 | Motors: Next-gen steppers with more options
The PMX series from Kollmorgen adds smaller 08, 11, and 14 frame sizes to the company's traditional 17, 23, and 34 frame size offering. Thanks to a wider range of sizes and options, OEMs now have added flexibility to meet multiple performance and application needs from a single motion source. Each frame size is built with high-quality construction, which translates to reliability in the field and long service life. These stepper motors offer increased design flexibility, high torque/dollar, minimal drive adjustments, flexible manufacturing, and localized technical support.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | 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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| | 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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