Technology for OEM Design Engineers March 13, 2007 — Volume 3, Issue 10
Largest manufacturer of Threaded Nylon Fasteners in the world Micro Plastics, Inc. offers over 20,000 items and stocks an inventory of 250 million parts. Machine Screws, Nuts, Washers, Spacers, Panel Fasteners, Hole Plugs, P.C.B. Hardware, Wire Handling Hardware and more. For more information, visit Micro Plastics online.
Outsourced rapid prototyping gets framed, vehicle-style
3-Dimensional Services and its affiliate, Urgent Design & Manufacturing, both specialists in rapid prototyping, have launched a major program to help automakers and their Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers achieve faster product development times for full-frame prototypes, typically those used in the production of full-size pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs. The move into the full-frame build capabilities is the culmination of nearly eight years of the companies' work in developing engine and rear cradle units for independent-suspension vehicles, plus the fabrication of many frame components, modules, and frame sub-assemblies. Read the full article
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World's first commercial quantum computer demonstrated
The world's first commercially viable quantum computer was unveiled and demonstrated February 13 in Silicon Valley by D-Wave Systems, a privately held Canadian firm headquartered near Vancouver. Quantum computing offers the potential to create value in areas where problems or requirements exceed the capability of digital computing, the company says. But D-Wave explains that its new device is intended as a complement to conventional computers, to augment existing machines and their market, not as a replacement for them. Read the full article
Complex ceramic parts challenge metal and plastic
Recent advances in ceramic injection molding (CIM) make it technically feasible and economical to produce medium-to-large volumes of complex, ultra-high-precision ceramic components. Engineers can now combine the intricate geometry, which has long been the domain of plastic and metal parts, with the superior performance characteristics of ceramics. Benefits of ceramic material include: high hardness and mechanical strength, wear and corrosion resistance, dimensional stability over a wide range of temperatures, ability to withstand high working temperatures, good electrical insulation, and excellent dielectric properties. Read the full article
Compac Series Actuators Need a heavy-duty actuator to help with construction equipment, off-road and agricultural products, seat mechanisms, or air-flow control equipment? Burr Engineering's Compac Series of actuators can handle loads up to 1,000 pounds. Proven reliability comes with three gear ratios to provide a wide range of speeds and capacities. Additional features can be viewed at Burr Engineering.
New analog circuits could impact consumer electronics
Advances in digital electronic circuits have prompted the boost in functions and ever-smaller sizes of such popular consumer goods as digital cameras, MP3 players, and digital televisions. But the same cannot be said of the older analog circuits in the same devices, which process natural sights and sounds in the real world. Because analog circuits haven't enjoyed a similar rate of progress, they are draining power and causing other bottlenecks in improved consumer electronic devices. Now MIT engineers have devised new analog circuits they hope will change that. Read the full article
EMC simulation reduces cockpit instrument testing costs
THALES Technical Unit Control and Display Systems (CDS) uses electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) simulation to reduce testing costs on each new cockpit instrument. EMC is a major design challenge in cockpit instruments because they have a clear face that makes them difficult to shield. FLO/EMC electromagnetic simulation software from Flomerics enables THALES engineers to evaluate its products' radiated emissions and susceptibility during the early design stages. Read the full article
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