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April 11, 2017Volume 13 Issue 14


Image - OEM Fluid Control Solutions
OEM Fluid Control Solutions
  • Fluid Metering, Inc. meets the demanding needs of the OEM Medical, Analytical, Process and Industrial markets for Ultra-Precise Fluid Control from Microliters to Liters.
  • Fluid Metering has proven performance with over 55 Years of experience and more than 1,000,000 OEM pumps in service.
  • Fluid Metering is certified as compliant with ISO 9001 quality standards. The FMI Engineering Team works with the customer to provide a Dispenser or Pump to meet the specific application requirements.
  • Find out more. Fluid Metering has a lot to offer.

In this issue of Designfax

  • GE laser pioneer headed for Inventors Hall of Fame
  • Army developing laser-guided precision mortar
  • Amazing self-healing, water-repellent coating created
  • Wings: Ceramic matrix composites take flight
  • Cool Concepts: Single-stage rocket in the works
  • Design Tips: Fasteners for printed circuit boards
  • LED indicators for harsh environs
  • Superior rotary motion system
  • Portable force-sensor calibration kit
  • Single-cylinder engines for combustion research
  • One-way torque molded nylon position hinge
  • Optimize motor performance and prototyping
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • How does a piezo ratchet mini actuator work?
    • What is friction stir welding?
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • Curiosity rover treads show open breaks and tears
    • Boeing's 777 automated factory of the future
    • Sonic Boom Display
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: Ceramic matrix composites take flight in LEAP jet engine

News

What's next for internet privacy? Founder of World Wide Web calls new U.S. ISP rules 'disgusting'

Green laser light that probes metals for hidden damage is in the works

Stanford researchers debunk popular flight models by flying birds through lasers

Last preps begin for planetary plunge: NASA's Cassini Mission readies for 'grand finale' Saturn dives



Image - Titanium Springs Ensure Safety in Ram Air Turbine Systems
Titanium Springs Ensure Safety in Ram Air Turbine Systems
Lightweight, compact and resilient compression springs are required in the production of ram air turbine systems (RATs). The spring must remain loaded for its life cycle, while retaining the spring rate and deflection, for if and when the RAT may be deployed. Customized titanium springs from Atlantic Spring - MW Industries are the solution!
Learn more >>

Feature articles
GE laser pioneer to be inducted into National Inventors Hall of Fame

Marshall Jones knows a thing or two about beating the odds, but it's not just because of his knack for mathematics. A model of perseverance, the laser pioneer was raised by his extended family on a duck farm but ended up laying the foundation for the new field of additive manufacturing, which includes 3D printing. By Todd Alhart, GE Reports.
Read the full article.
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24% more torque per watt than competitive motors!


Image - Army developing new laser-guided precision mortar
Army developing new laser-guided precision mortar
The U.S. Army has closed its initial solicitation phase for designs to create a next-generation "smart" precision mortar that will allow Soldiers to put their rounds on target with extreme accuracy. Because a laser guides the round to the physical target instead of a GPS location, the 120-mm High Explosive Guided Mortar, or HEGM, will have the potential to correct course in flight to hit a target that has moved.
Read the full article.

Image - Amazing self-healing, water-repellent, durable coating created
Amazing self-healing, water-repellent, durable coating created
A self-healing, water-repellent, spray-on coating developed at the University of Michigan is hundreds of times more durable than its counterparts. It could enable waterproofing of vehicles, clothing, rooftops, and countless other surfaces for which current waterproofing treatments are too fragile.
Read the full article.

Image - 15,000 Stock Metric Gears
15,000 Stock Metric Gears
KHK USA Inc offers the largest selection of stock metric gears in North America. With over 175 types, in more than 15,000 configurations, KHK USA offers the broadest selection of spur gears, helical gears, internal ring gears, gear racks, bevel gears, worms and wormwheels, and other gear types.

Click here to learn more.

Image - Wings: <br>Ceramic matrix composites take flight in LEAP jet engine
Wings:
Ceramic matrix composites take flight in LEAP jet engine

Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials are made of coated ceramic fibers surrounded by a ceramic matrix. They are tough, lightweight, and capable of withstanding temperatures 300 to 400 degrees F hotter than metal alloys can endure. If certain components were made with CMCs instead of metal alloys, the turbine engines of aircraft and power plants could operate more efficiently at higher temperatures, combusting fuel more completely and emitting fewer pollutants. Learn about the history of CMC development and where this super-cool technology is going next.
Read the full article.

Image - Cool Concepts: Single-stage rocket in the works
Cool Concepts: Single-stage rocket in the works
Aerospace innovator ARCA's latest concept, the Haas 2CA, is a 'Single Stage to Orbit' (SSTO) composite rocket that can launch 220 lb (100 kg) of payload to low-earth orbit in less than 5 minutes. The rocket is fueled by hydrogen peroxide and kerosene. When the Haas 2CA rocket launches, it will be the first rocket in history to place itself entirely into orbit. The design opens new frontiers for exploration of the solar system, because the rocket can be refueled in-orbit and re-use its 16-chamber aerospike engine.
Learn more about this exciting project.

Image - Cost-efficient sealed sleeve fans
Cost-efficient sealed sleeve fans
Orion Fans' sealed sleeve fans perform like a ball-bearing fan, but at half the cost. With a longer life expectancy than sleeve bearing fans (up to 50,000 hours), sealed sleeve fans are designed for volume requirements in high performance applications. These DC fans are available in 40mm to 120mm sizes, and deliver airflows up to 105 CFM.
Sealed Sleeve Fans Product Presentation.
Product Info.
In Stock at Mouser Electronics.

Image - Design Tips: Fasteners for printed circuit boards
Design Tips: Fasteners for printed circuit boards
When specifying hardware for printed circuit board applications, many designers may still turn either to loose fasteners or broaching fasteners. While both provide the necessary functionality, each carries potential risks that may impact the production process, the integrity of boards, and even disassembly if required. Leon M. Attarian of PennEngineering runs through profiles of the latest surface-mount fastener families.
Read the full article.

Image - LED indicators for harsh environs
LED indicators for harsh environs
VCC's PML50 Series with FlexVolt technology features a built-in ultra-bright LED that provides uniform illumination even in daylight. This panel-mount indicator can be used with voltages ranging from 5V to 28V DC, offers a 100K-hr operating life, and is designed for equipment often exposed to harsh environments including in automation/control, gaming/vending, industrial, maritime, oil/gas, safety/emergency, transport, and more. Available in five single colors (red, green, white, blue, and yellow) and in bi-color versions.
Click here to learn more.

Image - Superior rotary motion system: High precision. High speed. High torque.
Superior rotary motion system: High precision. High speed. High torque.
Nexen's Compact Ring Drive (CRD) System offers a better alternative to cam driven systems -- it can start/stop in any incremental position, and allows maximum acceleration/deceleration at any point with no risk of damage. Change the motion profile any time by simply loading a new servo drive program. Large open center allows users to optimize performance in a small space. Nexen Group is a leading manufacturer of precision motion control components, power transmission, and web tension control products.
Learn more about CRD.

Image - Portable force-sensor calibration kit
Portable force-sensor calibration kit
The FUTEK Portable Calibration Kit is a three-channel monolithic force-sensor calibration tool used to audit testing probes for touchscreen devices. When paired with FUTEK instrumentation, this tool offers high precision and high repeatability. The kit features a low 7-mm profile to mimic the height of the latest consumer touch-screen devices, 2-kHz natural frequency for fast dynamic response, and three individual channels that can be triangulated to determine location, load distribution, and total force across the entire active surface.
Watch video.
View the product specs page.

Image - Single-cylinder engines for combustion research
Single-cylinder engines for combustion research
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has designed and manufactured two advanced single-cylinder engines for combustion research and friction analysis, as well as alternative fuel, wear, optical, crank offset, and bore-to-stroke relationship studies. The engines, one for light- and medium-duty applications and one for heavy-duty applications, can accommodate either multi-cylinder or single-cylinder heads through a custom cylinder barrel and head support shelf. They include several unique patent-pending innovations, including mechanisms that adjust compression ratios and crankshaft offsets without the need for disassembling the engine. Optical access, dynamic cam phasing, secondary balancers, and floating liner devices can be added to the standard configurations. Specs available in online "Single-Cylinder Research Engine" flyer.
Click here to learn more.

Image - One-way torque molded nylon position hinge
One-way torque molded nylon position hinge
The new MH-18 molded nylon position hinge from Reell Precision Manufacturing integrates exclusive "One-Way" torque technology for reliable holding force in one direction while enabling easy adjustment in the other. This lightweight but strong hinge will especially suit vertical adjustment applications where components must be positioned and held against gravity and then repositioned upwardly as needed. It can be supplied with 4 Nm (35.4 lb-in.), 6 Nm (53.1 lb-in.), or 8 Nm (70.8 lb-in.) of constant holding torque with minimal freeplay throughout a full 270° range of motion.
Click here to learn more.

Image - Optimize motor performance and prototyping
Optimize motor performance and prototyping
Crouzet North America has just introduced the BDE PRO, a high-performance external motor drive specifically designed to optimize operation of five of Crouzet's ultra-quiet DCmind brushed motors ranging in size from 42-mm to 62-mm diameter and in power from 15W to 100W. This new analog controller is suitable for use in a variety of markets including medical, access control, and commercial and industrial applications, and is ideal for rapid prototyping for new product development. It controls motor speed and torque with extreme precision in a compact panel-mount package that measures just 5.1 in. x 3 in. x 1 in. Performance characteristics include a power range of 25A peak current and 15A continuous current while supporting both Hall-effect sensor and incremental encoder-type feedback.
Click here to learn more.

Most popular last issue

Image - Wheels: Aluminum treads on Mars Curiosity rover show open breaks and tears
Wheels: Aluminum treads on Mars Curiosity rover show open breaks and tears
A routine check of the aluminum wheels on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has found two small breaks on the rover's left middle wheel -- the latest sign of wear and tear as the rover continues its journey, now approaching the 10-mile mark. NASA lays out the problem, and Designfax delves a little deeper into the cause.
Read the full article.

Image - Wings: Boeing's factory of the future: 777 automated assembly
Wings: Boeing's factory of the future: 777 automated assembly
Take a peek behind the scenes of Boeing's factory of the future. Fuselage Automated Upright Build (FAUB) is a partnership of automation and manual work to assemble the forward and aft sections of the 777 fuselage. Teams load and set the panels, then the robots are moved in to help install thousands of fasteners to connect the sections. Mechanics are able to move the robots and massive parts around on automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
View the video.

Image - Rockwell Collins and NASA demonstrate Sonic Boom Display
Rockwell Collins and NASA demonstrate Sonic Boom Display
Rockwell Collins recently teamed with NASA to demonstrate its Sonic Boom Display at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, marking a major milestone in the two-year endeavor. The sonic boom impact visualization will help pilots modify flight plans to reduce sonic boom impacts or mitigate the booms all together.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
How does a piezo ratchet mini actuator work?
Piezo ratchet drives are a special form of inertia motors based on the stick-slip effect. A small piezo ceramic actuator embedded in a precision mechanism drives a high resolution screw. The drive principle relies on a quasi-saw tooth signal with a slow expansion phase and a fast contraction phase. This expansion leads to a small rotation of a high resolution lead screw. Learn how this technology can be used in your application.
WATCH video | LEARN more

Video Image
What is friction stir welding?
In partnership with General Motors, Alcoa, and TWB Company LLC, researchers from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have transformed a joining technique called friction stir welding, or FSW. The technique now can be used to join aluminum sheets of varying thicknesses, which is key to producing auto parts that are light yet retain strength where it's most needed. The PNNL-developed process also is 10 times faster than current FSW techniques, representing production speeds that, for the first time, meet high-volume assembly requirements. PNNL calls their technology the friction stir scribe process, and it can also be used to join dissimilar materials with different melting points, like steel and aluminum, or steel and polymers. The resulting parts can be used to make vehicles more lightweight and fuel efficient, while still meeting safety and durability requirements.
View the video.

Video Image

New products

Electrical/Electronics
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