Technology for OEM Design Engineers January 23, 2007 — Volume 3, Issue 3
FAST Injection Molded Plastic Prototypes Protomold® can turn your 3D CAD model into real plastic parts in as little as three days! Visit Protomoldonline for more information and a free automated ProtoQuote®. Protomold. Nobody's Faster in the Short Run!
Come see us at the show!!! Solidworks World 2007 - February 4–7, 2007 - Booth #401 Pacific Design and Manufacturing Show - February 13–15, 2007 - Booth #3716
New research could lead to "invisible" electronics
Imagine a car windshield that displays a map to your destination, military goggles with targets and instructions displayed right before a soldier's eyes, or a billboard that doubles as a window. Only in science fiction you say? Northwestern University researchers report that by combining organic and inorganic materials they have produced transparent, high-performance transistors that can be assembled inexpensively on both glass and plastics. Read the full article
Need control knobs? In addition to their enormous inventory of instrument, military knobs, and clamp & ball knobs, EHC has the widest variety of any knob manufacturer. Stock items ship within 24 hours. Need specialized knobs? Custom design your knobs for less than you imagined. Order quality knobs at a great price by visiting Electronic Hardware Corporation.
How global designers handle getting "doored" and other vehicle safety challenges
Ever been "doored"? Even know what it is? You do if you're a bicycle, motorcycle, or even a skateboard rider who has been passing a parked car, truck, or SUV at the precise moment one of the vehicle's doors is being opened directly in your path. In the third of our series of "Sharing the Road" articles from the Michelin Challenge Design competition, members of this year's eight-member jury address being "doored." Read the full article
"Personal CNC" ushers in prototyping's alternative new machine age
San Diego-based KFx Medical has a new idea for one of the most common procedures in the field of orthopedic surgery, the repair of rotator cuffs. To fast forward ideas for the fixtures and the application instruments from the virtual realm of CAD to real testable prototypes, the KFx development team did the precision cutting themselves using the Tormach PCNC 1100, a new kind of lightweight mill that is designed to maximize power and capability for short runs and is simple enough for the non-machinist to operate. Read the full article
New 3M plastics performance additives break 30,000 psi "glass ceiling"
3M has introduced what it is calling the world's first hollow glass microsphere capable of withstanding injection molding and extrusion pressures of 30,000 psi. 3M Performance Additives iM30K are being offered as an alternative to conventional additives/fillers such as glass fiber, calcium carbonate, and talc. A tier-one supplier reports significant weight and cost reductions through use of the new technology. Read the full article
Diesel parts manufacturers in high gear to meet new regulations
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Temperature Materials Laboratory are helping diesel engine and parts manufacturers develop technologies to meet tough new emissions regulations that go into effect in 2007. The requirements will result in a 90% reduction in nitrogen oxide and particulate matter released by diesel vehicles. Interestingly, diesel-powered vehicles deliver more real-world miles per gallon than the numbers on new-car window stickers currently indicate, according to the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "YourMPG" database figures. Read the full article
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