| February 11, 2020 | Volume 16 Issue 06 |
 | Beats like the real thing: Hybrid bionic heart
Engineers at MIT and their partners have developed a bionic heart that offers a more realistic model for testing artificial valves and other cardiac devices. The device is a real biological heart that has had its tough muscle tissue replaced with a soft robotic matrix of artificial heart muscles that resemble bubble wrap.
Read the full article. |
 | Great Resources: ABCs of gears and more
KHK USA takes you on a journey through the history and applications of gears in two information-packed, no-cost volumes called "The ABCs of Gears." Part A is aimed at beginners, while part B moves on to intermediate fare, such as types of gears and tooth forms, heat treatment, surface treatment, production methods, etc. Another mid-level text called "Introduction to Gears" and an in-depth "Gear Technical Reference" are also available, chock full of materials information and calculation examples and tables. Best of all, there is no registration for any of these valuable PDF resources. Thanks, KHK USA!
Click here to learn more. |
 | Tiny Osram LED enables ultra-slim headlight designs
Smaller and brighter light sources are leading to more compact and versatile headlamps, and headlight designs can often be key product differentiators these days -- particularly in the premium segment. The powerful Osram Oslon Boost HM LED enables ultra-slim designs full of possibilities in next-gen vehicles.
Read the full article. |
 | Signal-operated air pressure relay
ControlAir has just introduced the Type 7150 Precision Air Relay, a high-precision, multi-stage pressure relay offering fine adjustment and maximum stability under variable operating conditions. High-resolution output control combined with very high relief capacity makes the Type 7150 the choice for pneumatic counter balance applications such as articulating arms and balancers. Other applications include volume boosting, roll loading, tension control, cylinder control, and industrial clutch and brake control.
Learn more. |
 | Thermoelectric coolers for smart DLP headlights
Digital light processing (DLP) technology is now used in many smart automotive headlight systems to cast sharper and brighter light in front of a vehicle. These automotive headlight systems operate in temperature environments that can reach 110 C. However, the maximum operating temperature of a DLP is only 70 C. The HiTemp ET Series of thermoelectric coolers from Laird can lower the control temperature by as much as 40 C below ambient, protecting sensitive DLP electronics and ensuring optimum performance. The HiTemp ET can also protect components in optical transceiver, LIDAR, and CMOS applications.
Learn more. |
 | Fully redundant mobile angle sensors
The just-released compact RSA3200 Series of Hall effect angle sensors from Novotechnik features auto-diagnostics, fully redundant versions, and ultra-EMC tolerance for use in harsh environments and high-reliability applications. The measurement angle is factory programmable for range maximum between 60 to 360 deg. An optional linkage lever that attaches to a shaft provides additional mounting options. Applications include: boom angle measurement, swash plate angle on hydraulic pumps for off-highway vehicles, rotational position of a valve, and trim senders for marine outboard powertrains.
Learn more about angle sensors from Novotechnik. |
 | Build your own mini synchronous drive systems
With the Miniature Synchronous Drive System from Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instrument (SDP/SI), you can put your own 1-, 2-, or 3-mm design together in a snap. The tiny timing belts and pulleys are engineered and manufactured to give high accuracy and smooth, dependable operation in 3D printers, moving security cameras, med devices, robotic surgical equipment, self-service machines, and more. Advantages include no-slip synchronization, accurate positioning, high torque transmission with low backlash, quiet operation, and long belt life.
Learn more. |
 | DENSO launches next-gen MovinCool spot coolers
Reconfigured from the ground up, the sleek Climate Pro spot air conditioning units offer upgraded design features including a streamlined control panel, a black matte finish, reinforced bumpers, built-in power cord holder, heavy-duty casters, and state-of-the-art connectivity. The new series features 11 models: six models for office use, three models for industrial applications, and two that offer both heating and cooling. All units are covered by MovinCool's industry-leading three-year warranty.
Learn more. |
 | Cool Tools: Digital high-res PCB microscope
The Saelig SAE106S Digital Microscope is a versatile tool designed specifically for PCB inspection, but it is also useful in many other fields such as mechanical part examination. This unit can be used as a standalone inspection device for circuit board examination using its built-in 4.3-in. LCD screen, or it can be connected to a PC. Illumination is enhanced by an eight-LED adjustable ring light and two repositionable, dimmable side lights. This microscope offers 10X to 220X magnification for discovering the smallest blemish or trace problem. Resultant images and videos can be stored on an SD card or transferred to a Windows PC. Under 200 bucks. Wish I had this as a kid.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | The battle of stainless: 303 vs. 304 vs. 316
Choosing the correct stainless steel material is critical to any application -- especially those designed for wash-down, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, or strength. There are a variety of materials to choose from, with many different specifications tied to them. But do you know the differences between the most widely used grades? Carlicia Layosa from MISUMI gives the rundown.
Read this informative MISUMI blog. |
 | See paper 'explode' in 144-ton hydraulic press
Annihilated any good books lately? The affable experimenters over at the Hydraulic Press Channel are at it again, this time using their hydraulic press to crush a stack of printer paper, paperback books, pure paper pulp, playing cards, and more. The results are surprisingly energetic, and the big-bang payoff is greater than many other things they've crushed in a while.
View the video. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action |
Day in the life of a NASA test pilot
Got a couple minutes to think about a dream job? David Nils Larson, the chief test pilot at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, talks about his job and some of the influences that guided his career. He also talks about his office, where Neil Armstrong and some other famous NASA names used to sit behind a desk to work sometimes.
View the video. |
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