| April 10, 2012 | Volume 08 Issue 14 |
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 | New Full Line Catalog -- Full of New Fasteners
Micro Plastics introduces its new catalog #39. With 290 pages of nylon fastener items, 12 new product lines, and over 500 new items added. Contents include: standard and metric machine screws, cap screws, nuts, washers, spacers, insulators, grommets, bushings, rivets, hole plugs, clamps, printed circuit board accessories, suspended ceiling hooks, and wire routing kits. FREE samples are available upon request.
Click here for more information. |
 | 4 Reasons To Replace PTFE-lined Bushings
High-performance plastic bushings are often confused with PTFE-lined, metal-backed bushings, which are an older technology. During the last two decades there has been a revolution in the advancement and use of highly engineered plastics in bushing applications. Plastic bushings are now designed to handle high speeds, loads, temperatures, caustic chemicals and a wide array of other application factors.
Click here to read the technical article from igus® that provides the top four reasons for replacing PTFE-lined bushings with plastic bushings. |
| | Feature articles | Printed electronics technology:
Operational and ready for prime time
While printed electronics technology has been in the development and testing stages for several years, it has finally reached the point of operational readiness. The process can incorporate one or more thin-profile electronic elements, such as programmable chips (ICs), sensors, antennas, RFID tags, LEDs, electro-conductive and color-changing electro-chromic inks, powered and activated by thin, flexible, eco-friendly carbon-zinc batteries, which are also printable in mass quantities in a roll-to-roll process.
Read the full article. |
|
Wheels:
Kenworth beefs up simultaneous design and manufacturing
When engineers at big-truck maker Kenworth were first tinkering with the idea of how to produce their latest and greatest Class 8 truck, they started with a list – a wish list, that is – and a determination to break down the wall between design and manufacturing. The subsequent development of the Kenworth T680 represents a leap forward in building world-class, quality trucks.
Read the full article. |
 | Mike Likes:
Replace mechanical fasteners with adhesives
3M has a new solution for large-structure bonding: 3M Scotch-Weld LSB Structural Adhesives. These high-performing adhesives are available as toughened or flexible two-part epoxy formulas that allow manufacturers to replace mechanical fasteners such as welds, rivets, and screws. With a hold that resists vibration and impact, manufacturers can use thinner panels with no holes to drill. Three formulas available.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Quick Look:
High-speed casters for industrial applications
The 55 & 57 Series of kingpin-less casters from Caster Concepts can handle loads up to 1,200 lb by distributing downward pressure over a larger area. The swivel bearing holds the yoke and the plate together without chatter at all speeds using 25% less force. These maintenance-free casters feature sealed bearings with hardened raceways and neoprene seals. Available in 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-in. diameters.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Quick Look:
Multi-axes Cartesian robotic automation platform
IntelLiDrives' Cartesian Multi-Axes Robotic Automation Platforms are built with BSMA Series motorized ball screw linear actuators and are ideal for many automation applications, including pick and place, assembly, test and inspection, and dispensing stations. Standard configurations include left- or right-handed XY, XYZ, and XZ systems. Stages can be side or base mounted with elevation raisers and base platform. Working XY area is 400 x 400 mm. Z-axis stroke is 100 mm.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Quick Look:
MotorSolve v3.0 with Thermal Analysis Module
The MotorSolve Thermal module is included with Infolytica's MotorSolve v3, giving motor designers a complete software tool to thoroughly evaluate the impact of temperature and different cooling methods on the performance of brushless, PMAC, and induction machines. MotorSolve Thermal is a 3D, automated-FEA analysis module that enhances the accuracy of MotorSolve's existing electromagnetic result computations by accounting for heating and cooling on performance as well as offering new temperature-related outputs.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Impressive: Sand Flea robot jumps 30 ft up
The Sand Flea is an unassuming, 11-lb rolling-platform robot with one exceptionally useful trick: Normally it drives like an RC car, but when it needs to it can jump 30 ft into the air. This creation from Big Dog robot maker Boston Dynamics features an onboard stabilization system that keeps it oriented during flight to improve the view from the video uplink and to control landings. Development of Sand Flea is funded by the US Army's Rapid Equipping Force. Gotta love the super-tough-plastic construction. It gets a workout.
View the video. |
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How James Cameron's Deepsea Challenger submarine works
Now that the Titanic and Avatar director has made his 7-mile-deep dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean, you may be wondering how the one-man submarine he captained works. Well the BBC's Rebecca Morelle and Simon Hancock interviewed project manager David Wotherspoon to find out.
View the video. |
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