| May 17, 2016 | Volume 12 Issue 19 |
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 | 3D Printing Material Selector!
Proto Labs' free Material Selector is a quick reference guide to help you identify the right thermoplastic-like and metal materials for your next 3D printing project. It lists specific measurements like resolution, tensile strength and hardness to ensure you have the most suitable material and additive manufacturing process for your part's application.
Get a free Material Selector today. |
| | Feature articles |
 | Army experiments with providing 'unlimited magazine' to 2025 Soldiers
A swarm of experts from across the nation assembled for a two-week experiment recently at Fort Sill in Oklahoma trying out systems with the potential to provide service members with unlimited weapons capabilities. The event, called Maneuver Fires Integrated Experiment, demonstrated two types of weaponry: one using lasers and the other using electricity-propelled projectiles to acquire and destroy targets.
Read the full article. |
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 | ESCATEC designs an innovative motor control for surgical drill
Switzerland-based ESCATEC, one of Europe's top providers of contract design and manufacturing services, has designed a novel motor control for a surgical drill for one of its customers. The challenge was to create a controller that was very precise, because it involved medical procedures. The precision motor control was achieved by applying a specially written, speed-dependent, rotor-position detection algorithm.
Read the full article. |
 | Engineers achieve Wi-Fi at 10,000 times lower power
A team of University of Washington computer scientists and electrical engineers has demonstrated that it's possible to generate Wi-Fi transmissions using 10,000 times less power than conventional methods. The new Passive Wi-Fi system also consumes 1,000 times less power than existing energy-efficient wireless communication platforms, such as Bluetooth Low Energy and Zigbee.
Read the full article. |
 | Chairless exoskeleton solves long-standing problem
The Chairless Chair is a new solution for relieving strain and fatigue from excessive standing during long work shifts. The entire construct is lightweight, easy to put on, and hardly noticeable when walking. By operating a switch on the strap, the flexible construct turns into a stable seat. Two small DC motors activate a stop valve in the hydraulic elements of the shock absorbers, locking the support into the seated position.
Read the full article. |
 | Mike Likes:
Why it Pays to Switch to Spirolox eBook
At Smalley, we design our products with your bottom line in mind. Superior performance is just one aspect we focus on; practical application and financial considerations are also important. The Why it Pays to Switch to Spirolox eBook will discuss the Spirolox Retaining Ring Series at length from a performance, financial, and practical point of view.
Get this great resource. |
 | Pneumatics: Turn ordinary pipe into a conveyor
EXAIR's new aluminum 3/8 NPT and 1/2 NPT Threaded Line Vac Air Operated Conveyors convert ordinary pipe into a powerful compressed-air conveying system for parts, scrap, trim, and other bulk materials. Their small size makes them perfect for fitting in the cramped spaces and tight confines of many production lines. The Threaded Line Vac is designed to attach to plumbing pipe couplers, making it easy to build a complete system using ordinary pipe and fittings. Regulating the compressed air pressure provides infinite control of the conveying rate.
Click here to learn more. |
 | HVAC/Refrig: Heavy-duty pressure sensor
The new PX3 Series transducers from Honeywell enable industrial HVAC and refrigeration equipment manufacturers to better monitor system pressure and performance, which can potentially help to reduce energy costs associated with these systems. With an external freeze/thaw resistance from -30 C to 50 C (-22 F to 122 F), the PX3 Series transducers provide rugged environmental specs. The sensors perform reliably in the presence of electromagnetic fields such as near wireless signals, radio frequency (RF) communication, and electrical devices.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Fasteners: Reusable metal threads for plastics
Type MSIB microPEM brass inserts from PennEngineering provide reusable metal threads to attach plastics securely in compact electronic assemblies. Their unique symmetrical shape accommodates either straight or tapered holes and eliminates any need for orientation of the inserts during installation. With threads as small as M1, the inserts install permanently into ABS, polycarbonate, and other plastic substrates by pressing them into the host material using ultrasonic equipment or thermal press.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Motion: Slotless zero-cogging motor kits
Applimotion's UTS Series Slotless Direct Drive Frameless Motors are permanent-magnet 3-phase ring-type, low-profile, direct-drive motors with a large through hole available in 29-mm to 240-mm diameters. For the ultimate in smooth operation when scanning or positioning, motors offer zero cogging and sinusoidal torque angle curves. Features include: medium motor constant and optional windings, back iron rings, and hall device feedback.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | 'Superman memory crystal' holds tons of data for eons
Scientists at the University of Southampton in England have made a major step forward in the development of digital data storage that is capable of surviving for billions of years. Made of nanostructured glass, the five-dimensional (5D) digital data technology provides 360-TB/disc data capacity, thermal stability up to 1,000 C, and a virtually unlimited lifetime.
Read the full article. |
 | Toolbox: Million-pound weight stack restored
It's official. NIST's 4.45-million-newton (equivalent to 1 million lbf) deadweight machine -- the largest in the world -- is back in one piece after a colossal 16-month effort to overhaul the 50-year-old system. Force metrology customers who rely on this unique device include U.S. aerospace manufacturers, U.S. military laboratories, and several top-end commercial force calibration labs.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Yamaha shows motorcycle-riding humanoid robot
Japan's Yamaha Motor Co. showcases a motorcycle-riding humanoid robot, with developers saying the technology could one day present an alternative to driverless cars by being a personal driver for all your vehicles. But does it enjoy a Sunday drive and feeling the wind in its hair? Matthew Stock from Reuters reports.
View the video. |
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