December 06, 2011 | Volume 07 Issue 45 |
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| Stainless Steel Retaining Rings From Stock Smalley has over 6,000 Spirolox® Retaining Rings in 302 and 316 stainless steel from stock in 1/4" to 16" diameters. Specials can be manufactured from .200" to 90". Smalley's manufacturing process allows for the economical production of stainless steel retaining rings. Spiral-type retaining rings are interchangeable with stamped ring grooves and have No Ears To Interfere™ with the assembly. Free samples are available of stock parts to test in your application.
Click here for more info. |
| NASA motion control: Stepper motors crucial to magnetosphere mission NASA is rocketing four measurement probes into space in August 2014 to research the influence of the Earth's magnetosphere on our modern world. Each of the satellites contains four stepper-motor gear units provided by MICROMO, U.S.A. The motors are tasked with winding and unwinding 60-m-long measurement cables. These compact, easy-to-control, and lightweight microdrives must tolerate short-term overloads, be resistant to extreme cold and heat, and always be ready for action.
Read all about this exciting space application |
| Feature articles | EMC: Achieving full compliance on the first try Numerous obstacles can prevent a company from meeting the market window for a new product. For those that create electrical and electronic products, one of the major obstacles can be electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). EMC compliance is closely regulated in most countries, and all products must achieve full compliance for every country in which they will be sold. Agilent's Dennis Handlon walks you through the process. |
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John Deere wins 2011 Swedish Steel Prize Deere & Company (John Deere, U.S.A.) was named the winner of the 2011 Swedish Steel Prize on November 17 for its redesigned harvester header. By using high-strength steels, the company has developed combines that harvest crops more efficiently while meeting stringent engine emissions requirements. |
Paper-based wireless sensor could help detect explosive devices Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a prototype wireless sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of a key ingredient found in many explosives. The device is printed on paper or paper-like material using standard inkjet technology. |
| Mike Likes: SpaceMouse Pro Revolutionize the way you interact with digital 3D content SpaceMouse Pro is the newest 3D mouse for professional 3D software users. This unit combines 3Dconnexion's patented six-degrees-of-freedom sensor for intuitive and precise 3D navigation with an advanced ergonomic design and innovative on-screen display. Five QuickView keys offer one-touch access to 12 view combinations. Four large, fully customizable Intelligent Function Keys provide fingertip access to frequently used application commands. And that's just for starters. It's not too late to ask Santa for one of these. PC only.
Learn more about SpaceMouse Pro from 3Dconnexion |
| Most popular last issue | LEDs empower next-gen, lightning-fast computing A team at Stanford's School of Engineering has demonstrated an ultra-fast nanoscale light-emitting diode (LED) that is able to transmit data at 10 billion bits per second – 10 times the speed of any current computer. The nanophotonics device is a major step forward for on-chip data transmission. Read the full article |
Engineer's Toolbox: Humvee burns 70% less fuel The Fuel Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator, dubbed "FED Alpha," has a solar panel on its rear hatch that can recharge its electrical system. It also has a custom engine, transmission, and a score of other features that dramatically increase its mileage per gallon compared to other Humvees.
Read the full article |
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| Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | NEW! 'Cinder blocks' made from recycled paper boast advantages It looks similar to an ordinary cinder block, but it is only a third of the weight and just as strong. Plus, it does not crack like concrete or splinter like wood, because it is made from recycled newspapers, phone books, and lottery tickets. Zach Rabon, a 1999 graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in ecology and conservation of natural resources, is president and founder of MasonGreenstar, an alternative building company that produces a patented product called Greenstar Blox. Blox are jagged and porous, but when stacked and adhered with mortar, the walls act as insulation that is energy efficient, fire resistant, and remarkably strong. See the Lubbock construction site and learn more about the testing process.
View the video |
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Incredible multi-material 3D printing system The office-friendly Objet260 Connex 3D printer comes with a choice of over 60 different build materials. From these it can simultaneously build 14 different materials into a single model part, providing a highly accurate idea of how even complex or assembled end products will look and perform. Simulate anything from rubber to transparency to rigid ABS-grade engineering plastics – even mixing and matching materials to create totally new properties!
View the video |
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