| April 23, 2019 | Volume 15 Issue 16 |
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 | Piezo motion devices good enough for NASA
Piezo mechanisms solve critical motion and positioning problems in industrial, life science, and space applications -- they provide force, speed, and precision in a small package. A special manufacturing process yields significantly better performance & reliability than conventional piezo actuators -- 100 billion cycles with no failures as tested by JPL/NASA.
Learn more> |
 | High Thermal Conductivity Ceramic
Insaco machines CVD Silicon Carbide, a super-hard ceramic that features very high thermal conductivity. Specified by customers for semiconductor, aerospace and medical applications. Since 1947, Insaco has been custom fabricating precision parts from all technical ceramics including sapphire and quartz. Engineers are available to discuss material features / limitations and feasibility of design concepts.
Learn more at www.insaco.com. |
 | Better drone-arm design inspired by insects
Most drones are not able to withstand wind because of their fixed-arm design. It's been a long-standing challenge. But a Purdue University researcher has come up with a patented design for unmanned aerial vehicles that works in windy conditions, is more energy efficient, and can handle a larger payload.
Read the full article. |
 | Engineering Ceramics Ideal for High-Temperature, High-Wear Applications
Engineering ceramics are ideal for high-temperature, high-wear conditions typically found in automotive, aerospace, military, electronic and industrial fields. More durable than metals, they are highly resistant to aggressive and corrosive environments. Materials include but are not limited to alumina, boron nitride and zirconia, available in a wide range of forms (rod, sheet, foam, powder, etc.) or as finished components precision-machined to customer drawings.
For specifications and prices, visit the Goodfellow online catalog
or email
info@goodfellowusa.com. |
 | Wheels:
Electric vehicle motors closer to becoming mostly plastic
Lightweighting parts and systems is a trend that's here to stay, and motors for electric vehicles are no exception. It's all the better when dropping weight adds to function and performance. Take, for example, new motor tech being developed by researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, who are using polymers as motor housing materials and in an open stator that features a built-in coolant circuit. Their design increases power density and efficiency, too.
Read the full article. |
 | Bellows flexible shaft couplings for precise movement
Servometer® electrodeposited bellows couplings offer the best combination of flexibility and strength among coupling technologies. They feature highest strength, zero backlash, seamless construction with maximum flexibility, and handle angular misalignment up to 31° and parallel
misalignments up to .076". Choose between testing, development or standard parts for replacement, or contact us for a custom design.
Shop Online! |
 | Composites Innovation: All-thermoplastic drive-shaft system for aerospace
A German company called herone GmbH was recently declared a top winner in the prestigious 2019 JEC Innovation Awards. The award was given in the aerospace application category for an all-thermoplastic drive-shaft system overmolded with an integral gear -- a process that holds enormous potential to enable components to be manufactured faster, in higher part counts, and with cost savings. The materials used are based on high-performing VICTREX PAEK polymer solutions. "Flying taxis" could be a beneficiary.
Read the full article. |
 | Magnetic quick-release pins in stainless steel
The GN 124.1 Quick Release Pins from JW Winco are used for quickly connecting various parts and workpieces that are made of materials like iron and steel. A neodymium magnet is recessed into the underside of the bolt and axially retains the bolt in its inserted position. High-quality surfaces with perpendicular locating holes promote magnetic flux to produce excellent axial retention. Instead of a tactile latching action, the magnetic pin orientates its correct position as soon as the magnet contacts the hole edge.
Learn more. |
 | Absolute angle sensor tracks even when power removed!
The new WAL 340 hollow shaft angle sensor from Novotechnik provides absolute rotary position: It continues to track angle even if power is removed, reporting the correct position when power is restored. Sensor dimensions are 32 x 39 mm, and measurement range is 0 to 290 degrees. Mechanical range is a continuous 360 degrees with no stop. It accepts an 8-mm D-Shaped shaft. A unique notch is built into the housing to aid alignment.
Learn more. |
 | Fun! Most expensive Porsche models of all time
We run a lot of features on fancy cars and even one-off super-expensive designs, but what is truly rare in the collector car world? Ted Gushue, an expert on exclusive cars, counts down the five most expensive collector Porsche cars of all time. The setting is so apropos: the Castle Solitude in Stuttgart, Germany. The rococo palace has a rich history as a site for auto, motorcycle, and even Formula One races. As for the Porsches, well, they are just as well appointed and steeped in history.
View the video. |
 | How to design silicone rubber parts
Silicone rubber is strong, flexible, and brings superior thermal, chemical, and electrical resistance to parts. And because of its ability to withstand sterilization and its biocompatibility, industries like medical and healthcare can take advantage. But there are some specific guidelines to keep in mind when designing silicone rubber parts. This design tips article covers: dimensional considerations, wall and rib thickness, shrink and flash, parting lines, undercuts, insert molding, overmolding, and part ejection.
Read the Protolabs design tips. |
 | IKO expands line of CFKR cam followers
IKO International has expanded its line of CFKR series Double Hex Hole Cam Followers. The outside diameter of the outer ring is now available in 22 and 26 mm, with current models as high as 90 mm. These bearings are designed for outer ring rotation and have superior rotational performance with a small coefficient of friction and high load capacity. Consider the CFKR 90 model, which features a dynamic load rating in excess of 45,000 N, compared to 40,500 N for similar cam followers on the market. Applications include transfer systems on machine equipment and production lines.
Learn more. |
 | New flex coupling with vibration damping
The new Antivibration Flexible Coupling from Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instrument (SDP/SI) features a unique construction of vibration-reducing rubber (FKM) molded with aluminum hubs. The resulting rubber-lined finger-like structure allows for optimal torsional rigidity and damping when used with high-gain servomotors. This design is particularly good at addressing "hunting" -- vibration in the system introduced after a change in direction -- that reduces transit time, making equipment less efficient. Three types are available in bore sizes 3 mm to 16 mm: compact (S50GS2MA...), high-torque (S50GT2MA...), and long (S50GL2MA...). Sixty-one Antivibration Flexible Couplings are available as standard.
Learn more. |
 | Epson launches innovative parts-feeding solution
Powered by Epson Robots' IntelliFlex Software and Vision Guide, the IntelliFlex Feeding System delivers a simplistic and affordable singulation solution to accommodate a wide variety of parts for applications in medical, consumer, automotive, electronics, and more. This advanced system eliminates costly, time-consuming retooling and allows manufacturers to work with a wide variety of parts without purchasing new equipment. Smart auto-tuning automatically adjusts the IntelliFlex Feeding System for new parts. A point-and-click interface helps reduce development time.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | World's largest airplane (and space launcher) completes first flight
It's wider than a football field is long, and it really flies! Stratolaunch Systems, the space company started by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, reached a major milestone on Saturday, April 13, when its dual-fuselage main carrier vehicle, called Stratolaunch, flew for 2.5 hours over the Mojave Desert on its maiden flight. The giant plane will one day launch rocket-propelled space payloads from its center span while in the air.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Edge-welded metal bellows product video
BellowsTech, an industry leader in the development and manufacture of metal bellows using edge-welded metal bellows technology, proudly serves the aerospace, semiconductor, UHV, Cryogenic, Oil and Gas, and various other high-technology markets. Learn how edge-welded bellows can work in your application. Our product video focuses on the unique characteristics and parameters of edge-welded metal bellows.
View video ... |
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Create and print your own PCB!
Levon Habosian, senior applications engineer ECAD Products, introduces two solutions offered by his company TriMech that allow you to create a printed circuit board (PCB) using SOLIDWORKS PCB. Once you've finalized your design, you export the Gerber files to the Nano Dimension electronic 3D Printer. TriMech says it's a game-changer. What do you think?
View the video. |
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