| December 24, 2013 | Volume 09 Issue 48 |
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 | Molded Nylon Special Standard Round Spacers
Micro Plastics announces a new product line of Special Standard Round Spacers. The new line of molded nylon round spacers includes over 250 sizes, with diameters of 1/8" through 1 1/2" and lengths from 1/8" to 2 3/4". These tough, resilient spacers can be used in a variety of assemblies. Useful in electronic and electrical applications, they may also be used as bushings, bearings, rollers, gliders, and bumpers. They are resistant to vibration, abrasion, and corrosion; are electrically insulating; and have a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Feature articles |
 | Wheels:
World's smallest production V8 optimized with precision honing
Gary Conley's 30-year quest to manufacture a true production V8 engine in quarter-scale almost went up in smoke twice: once in 2001 when a foundry fire claimed all his critical molds, and later when oil smoke proved a stubborn problem during run-offs of the engine. Conley overcame the first setback with years of sheer determination. The second issue required a Sunnen MB 1660 honing machine, abrasives, and some Sunnen know-how.
Read the full article. |
|
 | Picking the pattern for a stealth antenna
A frequency selective surface that acts as an RF filter and helps reduce the radar cross-section of antennas consists of a pattern of geometrical objects. There are literally thousands of possibilities, and testing each one physically would take enormous amounts of time. With simulation, though, we can find promising candidates in just minutes.
Read the full article. |
 | Top Mike Likes:
World's first wireless 3D mouse
The new 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Wireless provides precise 3D navigation in a sleek, wireless design. This new tool combines 3Dconnexion's 6-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) sensor with 2.4-GHz wireless technology to deliver the reliability of a wired device without the clutter of cords. Gently manipulate the SpaceMouse Wireless' controller cap to simultaneously pan, zoom, and rotate digital models or viewports. You should get about a month's use out of the unit's lithium-ion battery before recharging.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Top Mike Likes:
Parallel mount kit from GAM Gear
Connecting to linear actuators just got even easier using the PMK (Parallel Mount Kit) from GAM Gear, which enables virtually any motor to be connected in parallel to any linear ball screw actuator, regardless of manufacturer. When there are space constraints on a machine design, the PMK can help save space compared to a typical inline motor mount configuration because the motor is to the side of the actuator. Available in four standard frame sizes from 3 in. to 6 in. (based on effective height), the PMK has maximum output torques from 2.4 Nm to 46 Nm in a 1:1 pulley transmission ratio. All PMKs are designed for universal mounting, which means they can be installed either horizontally or vertically without further specification.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Top Mike Likes:
Clever enclosure provides a stow-away workspace for multiple development boards
Bud Industries has come up with a really smart solution to the problem of organizing multiple development boards and a maze of wiring. Using a "flat or folded" approach, the patent-pending Board-ganizer enclosure provides a tidy work platform, keeps components of a design project in one place, and makes breadboarded designs easy to store and transport. Popular PC development boards such as the Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Freescale Freedom, etc. easily attach to the Board-ganizer using adhesive rubber feet. Up to three development boards and a breadboard may be installed on a single enclosure. The enclosure's hinged design makes it easy to work on a project with the boards located side by side. Fold the project into a compact 5 in. x 5 in. x 3 in. enclosure for storage or transport -- no need to disconnect any wires.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Top Cool Tools:
USB microscope/magnifier boasts 200x power
If you need easy super-magnification at your desktop (and who doesn't?), Saelig's MV200UM is a 2-megapixel USB digital microscope for capturing high-quality magnified images and video for display on a PC using a simple USB 2.0 PC connection. The handy unit can take snapshots and time-lapse sequences. It contains a built-in white LED illumination ring for viewing tiny components and markings, examining traces and solder joints on printed circuit boards, or for detailed product examination and record-taking, inspection, and quality-control purposes. For 60 bucks, a real cool tool or a great thing to pick up for your kid's impending science project.
Learn more about this product.
View a very thorough video review of this product. |
 | Top Product:
LED for automotive headlights provides higher performance and SMT capability
Osram Opto Semiconductors has introduced a new two-chip version of the Oslon Black Flat LED. As with other LEDs from the Oslon Black Flat family, the new version (KW H2L531) features a high level of brightness and is suitable for all headlight functions. The major advantage of the new LED is that, as a surface-mount component, it can be attached directly to the PCB and then processed with other components as part of a standard soldering process. The simplicity of this implementation translates into significant cost and time savings during further processing.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | One-wheeled motorcycle-like scooter
See the RYNO in action, a self-balancing, one-wheeled prototype electric scooter that lets you ride "in between the cracks of urban transportation." Chris Hoffman, RYNO's CEO and chief creator, says the scooter is "regulated in the city at 12.5 mph just like any other mobility scooter," but comes preloaded with way more fun. Although it still hasn't rolled into showrooms, the aim of the latest model is to "pack 4 horsepower into the wheel ... with 2,000 Watts of motor power, this thing will climb a wall." Twin removable, rechargeable battery packs provide an estimated range of 25 miles.
View the video. |
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Five favorite no-cost engineering tools
Jeremy Regnerus, product marketing specialist for SolidWorks, takes a look at his five favorite free tools (not all SolidWorks!) for engineers. Each tool provides valuable time-saving capabilities. Watch and learn how each tool works and where to find it.
View the video. |
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