Technology for OEM Design Engineers April 10, 2007 — Volume 3, Issue 14
TURN UP YOUR SHUTTER Micro Plastics introduces the
"SHUTTER PIN" with a split head, allowing for greater rotation. Parts are molded in translucent nylon 6/6 material, allowing for excellent wear, low coefficient of friction, and good chemical resistance. Six additional styles are available for the assembly of shutters. See the complete line of nylon fasteners in Catalog #37, or contact us for FREE samples by visiting Micro Plastics.
Ethernet control heralds radical machine simplification for OEMS
"The technical benefits of a high-speed machine network have been well publicized, but it's the simple factors of product availability and system cost savings that are being overlooked," says David Greensmith of Baldor Electric Company. From its first 18 months' experience with Ethernet motion, Baldor has proved the technology to be very attractive in the small-to-medium multi-axis systems arena. The introduction of three-phase AC drives means that users can build all-Ethernet systems with the optimum choice of motor technology for each axis, from small to large loads. Read the full article
Injection Molded Plastic Prototypes FAST! Protomold can turn your 3D CAD model into real plastic parts as soon as the next business day. These plastic parts are ideal for functional testing, bridge tooling, or even short-run production. Visit Protomoldonline for more information and a free automated ProtoQuote®.
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Simulation helps produce life-saving cooling technology
Surgeons performing laparoscopic kidney operations face strict time limitations. Engineers at the Argonne National Laboratory, in partnership with the University of Chicago Medical School, have developed a series of micro-particulate ice slurry coolants to reliably cool the kidney, slow tissue deterioration from lack of oxygen, and extend surgery times. An important engineering task in developing and validating the efficacy of slurry cooling was simulating the cooling of a kidney using ABAQUS finite-element analysis software. Read the full article
Lift-axle control module offers flexibility, durability for construction operators
For years truck manufacturers, lift-axle builders, and installers have been searching for a fast, reliable, less complicated, and affordable way to control the up-and-down movement of lift axles. Norgren Global Vehicle Technologies has developed a chassis-mounted Lift-Axle Control Module (LACM) that can be configured to specific system requirements and is durable enough to withstand harsh working conditions off-road. And by using brake-style relay valve technology that maximizes airflow, the LACM can reduce lift-axle deployment times. Read the full article
MIT reveals the tangle under turbulence
Turbulence is important in virtually all phenomena involving fluid flow, such as air and gas mixing in an engine, ocean waves breaking on a cliff, and air whipping across the surface of a vehicle. However, a comprehensive description of turbulent fluid motion remains one of physics' major unsolved problems. Now, in a paper to be published in an upcoming issue of Physical Review Letters, MIT researchers report that they have visualized for the first time a convoluted tangle underlying turbulence. This work may ultimately help engineers design better planes, cars, submarines, and engines. Read the full article
Wheels: Carbon dioxide sensor saves fuel
Bosch's new Climate Control Sensor, or CCS, measures the level of CO2 in the passenger compartment. The result is an enhanced electronic control of the air-conditioning system and a corresponding reduction in energy demand. While the air in the passenger compartment remains "fresh," the system consumes far less fuel. On the basis of a series of trials under southern European summer conditions, engineers calculate that fuel economy savings can be as high as 20%. Read the full article
New Products
The Countdown Continues. Throughout the month of April we count down the Most Requested and most popular new products. Be sure to check in every week.
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