| December 20, 2016 | Volume 12 Issue 47 |
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 | Design Essentials for CNC Machining
Although CNC machining isn't necessarily a new technology, it is important to stay current with its latest capabilities as they continue to evolve. To help you optimize your parts for modern CNC machining, we compiled these informative design tips.
Get your CNC parts tips. |
 | OEMs: How to protect home devices and appliances from cyber attack
In July 2014, HP Labs did a study of 10 popular IoT (Internet of Things) devices and found security was shockingly bad. The researchers studied the devices, looking at end-to-end security capabilities including privacy protection, authorization, encryption, user interface protection, and code security. They found 70 percent of the devices had at least one major vulnerability. David West, Engineering Director at Icon Labs, runs through a checklist for OEMs to shore up IoT device security for their customers.
Read the full article. |
 | Researchers demonstrate how to make better aluminum casts -- inside and out
Industrial aluminum slabs are typically produced by blending small amounts of copper or manganese in a reservoir of molten aluminum that is rapidly cooled, a process known as direct-chill casting. Variations in the way these elements solidify can yield uneven results that weaken the final product, with castings sometimes ending on the scrap heap. Controlling the distribution of strengthening elements to aluminum throughout a casting is thus key to reducing waste and improving product reliability.
Read the full article. |
 | Mike Likes: New innovative way to take up tolerances!
Smalley Linear Springs are a continuous wave-formed (marcelled) wire length produced from spring-tempered materials. They act as a load-bearing device, having approximately the same load/deflection characteristics as a wave spring. Linear Springs are now available as a standard part in carbon and stainless steel, with over 200 sizes.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Engineer's Toolbox:
World's smallest production V8 optimized with precision honing
Gary Conley's 30-year quest to manufacture a true production V8 engine in quarter-scale almost went up in smoke twice: once in 2001 when a foundry fire claimed all his critical molds, and later when oil smoke proved a stubborn problem during run-offs of the engine. Conley overcame the first setback with years of sheer determination. The second issue required a Sunnen MB 1660 honing machine, abrasives, and some Sunnen know-how.
Read the full article. |
 | Chairless exoskeleton solves long-standing problem
The Chairless Chair is a new innovation 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. |
 | Cool Tools: Pro gaming mouse gets your design work done too
It's not too late to pick yourself up a little something for the holidays. After all, you deserve it. The Logitech G900 Chaos Spectrum is a professional-grade wireless gaming mouse that features industry-leading wireless technology, an advanced optical gaming sensor, a flexible ambidextrous design, customizable lighting, mechanical pivot button design, and lightweight construction for maximum performance and comfort over long sessions. It delivers a lag-free wireless performance and long battery life that's trusted by professional eSports gamers, and it boasts the best gaming mouse sensor on the market. Using the 11 programmable buttons, you can easily configure it for left- or right-hand use.
Click here to learn more. |
 | LEDs: Filament-style bulbs mix vintage and efficiency
The new line of UL-listed filament-style LED bulbs from LEDtronics recreates the attractive filament look while providing energy-saving, clean lighting for various applications. The FIL series is a higher-efficacy, lower-power lighting option for creating a vintage lighting experience. Bulbs are available in a wide variety of types (chandelier, standard A19, globe, decor, and tube bulbs) and are ideal for omni-directional lighting projects, being both decorative pieces and functional tools. Get up to 90% in energy savings.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Adhesives: Thermally conductive high-temp-resistant epoxy
Master Bond EP46HT-2AO Black is a thermally conductive and electrically insulative adhesive, sealant, and potting compound that meets NASA low outgassing requirements. This high-strength, two-component epoxy withstands temperatures up to +500 F. It is well suited for the aerospace, electronic, and opto-electronic industries and can be used in vacuum environments.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Fun: World's largest Rube Goldberg machine lights up Christmas tree
To make the act of switching on the town's Christmas tree lights even more exciting, Latvian e-commerce company Scandiweb constructed the world's Largest Rube Goldberg contraption for the people of Riga. Recognized by Guinness World Records, the feat is also, arguably, the most elaborate way anyone has invented to turn on some festive lights. The chain reaction consisted of 412 individual mechanical steps. It took two months to construct.
See it in action. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Webinar on Demand!
Plastic bearings outperform metal
Plastic bearings can outperform metal in countless applications. However, some engineers still believe that metal is the better bearing option. In this brief webinar:
- Discover the differences between advanced plastic materials and their metal counterparts.
- Uncover a range of specialized materials for even the harshest environments.
- Learn how to select the best bearing for your application.
Watch the video now or bookmark it for later. |
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Gear maker with No. 1 market share in Japan
Choose from 15,200 ready-made stock gears from KHK Stock Gears -- that means zero manufacturing lead time for most orders. With no order minimum and custom modifications possible, this manufacturer can handle your specific application needs quickly and accurately.
View the video. |
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