| February 11, 2014 | Volume 10 Issue 06 |
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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. |
 | Wheels:
Integrated vehicle simulation
More than at any time in automotive history, performance factors are based on interdependencies that ripple throughout the vehicle, particularly for hybrids that combine combustion engines with electric propulsion systems. Modelon, a worldwide supplier of products and services for system design and optimization, recently used a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approach to evaluate and balance multiple performance attributes for an e4WD hybrid car. MBSE-based technologies are used by major automotive manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Daimler, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, and others.
Read the full article. |
 | Mike Likes:
Online magnet training module
Standex-Meder Electronics has put together a great, no-cost, basics-to-advanced training module on magnets and magnetism. "Magnet Technology and Their Uses" is ideal for helping design engineers explore what magnets are, what they do, and how they are used in electronics design. Magnet usage is increasing in electronic applications because magnets can be used to switch reed sensors using no power, a significant asset in today's energy-constrained world. The magnet training module is supplied as part of Digi-Key's PTM Online ... On Demand product training modules. If you don't want to sit through the whole thing today, you can always come back later.
Check out the training module. |
 | An alternative to screws in compact electronics
New microPEM TackSert pins provide reliable fastener solutions to attach top panels securely to a base panel or chassis in compact electronic assemblies. These pins provide practical alternatives to micro screws by eliminating the typically costly issues associated with threaded hardware (including inserts, tapping, cross-threading, torque control, and vibration back out). They will attach top panels (of any material as thin as 0.2mm/.008 in.) to base panels or chassis manufactured from common magnesium die-cast materials (such as AZ91D) or plastics (such as ABS). Their unique diagonal knurl effectively holds the top panel to a base panel or chassis by broaching into the base panel/chassis using a simple press-in action without heat or ultrasonics.
Click here to learn more. |
 | 12-48 VDC 400-W integrated servo motor
Designed for battery-powered and low-voltage applications, the MAC402 is now available from Danish company JVL, a leader in the field of integrated servo and stepper motors. The MAC402 is the VDC version of the popular MAC400 400-W integrated servo motor. The supply range for the MAC402 is from 12 VDC up to 48 VDC, and full power of 400 W (RMS) up to 1200 W (peak) can be reached with 24 VDC to 48 VDC. This powerful, compact motor measures just 191 mm (7.52 in.) x 60 mm (2.36 in) x 114 mm (4.49 in.) Applications include but are not limited to: remotely operated robots, robotic vehicles, portable equipment, tracking devices, antenna mounts, and positioning devices. A big advantage of using an integrated MAC motor is that there is no need for a separate servo driver/controller.
Click here to learn more. |
 | FAULHABER 17/1 Series planetary gearhead
Thanks to the sturdy construction, the FAULHABER metal Planetary Gearheads are ideal for applications that demand the highest torque. The new 17/1 gearhead is the latest addition to the FAULHABER gearhead product line in the 16-mm to 20-mm diameter range. The 17/1 gearhead is available with up to five gear speeds, with standard reductions of 3.33:1 to 1,367:1. The 17/1 series, with a diameter of 17 mm and stainless steel housing as well as steel and hard metal Planetary Gearheads and pins, is designed for continuous torque of 550 mNm and short-term loads to 800 mNm. Sintered bearings ensure axial shaft clearances under 0.1 mm.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Composite laying simulation is now a reality
The result of several years' collaboration with major aerospace customers, NCSIMUL Machine 9.1 makes it possible to replicate material laying processes executed by Numerical Control machines. Just as it does in conventional machining, NCSIMUL Machine 9.1 decodes all types of NC programs, representing the complete machine environment in 3D to identify and analyze programming errors and collisions. The "Composite" option of this version also enables a dynamic representation of fiber ribbon laying, taking into consideration the 3D form of the carbon fiber. The positioning of each fiber in the ribbon is managed independently.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Mike Likes:
Taking paper airplanes to a whole new level -- Boeing 777
What can you do with an X-ACTO knife, some tweezers, and some glue? Luca Iaconi-Stewart is a 22-year-old self-described "crazy guy who loves aviation." He loves it so much that he spent the last five years building a table-size replica of a Boeing 777 airplane made entirely of paper file folders. Read about Iaconi-Stewart's incredibly dedicated (and detailed) endeavor in this fascinating CNET story. [Image: ©Luca Iaconi-Stewart]
Read the full article. |
 | That's possible?! What you didn't know about silicone adhesives
Versatile and reliable, silicone adhesives are prime for use in the engineering of appliances, electronics, outdoor power equipment, aerospace components, and myriad other products. Shirley Monte of FLEXcon lays out some reasons that silicone adhesives are considered a better alternative to traditional joining methods, including screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, welds, and other mechanical fasteners.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | COMSOL Multiphysics version 4.4. is here!
The most powerful multiphysics software just got more powerful. COMSOL Multiphysics version 4.4 brings an advanced yet intuitive new COMSOL Desktop interface, a completely new tool for setting up multiphysics models, more powerful solvers, text-based search for variables, important fixes, and enhancements in user experience.
View the video. |
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Learn how engineers at Cleveland Golf, the international manufacturer of wedges, woods, drivers, and other golf equipment, uses 3D printing to verify designs and cut costs. The company was the first to market wedges with multiple bounce options on the sole and individually mill grooves into wedge faces.
