News

Water cools IBM's latest supercomputer

Being a Boeing supplier just got easier

GE producing mega-hybrid machine fleets of tugs, locomotives, and buses

World's smallest linear motor stage is mini marvel

3D metal parts can now be injection molded
In a move that promises to capture the attention of OEMs in both the plastics and metals industries, a fast-growing, innovative materials developer can now injection-mold metal parts on standard injection-molding machinery, and in tools designed for plastic. This breakthrough comes about as a result of a new metal alloy developed by Cool Polymers, Inc. The company says that Xyloy is stronger than die cast metal parts and can be molded in 3D net-shape parts in high volumes.
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MicroMo Redefines Miniature Magnetic Encoders Pushing the limits of magnetic encoder technology, the HEM3-256 offers new possibilities for applications requiring miniature motors with encoders. Of the four options, the maximum resolution of 256 lines per revolution before quadrature offers smoother control and better positional accuracy. Two voltage options allow the encoder to work with a 3V or 5V power source allowing use in low-voltage battery applications. For more information visit Micro Mo online.

Challenges many in building brains for robotic cars
Jonathan Sprinkle wants to build robotic vehicles that pass the Turing Test. The test, proposed by Alan Turing in a 1950 paper, "Computing Machinery and Intelligence," requires a robot's behavior to be so lifelike that an observer can't tell if he's dealing with a robot or a person. Sprinkle, an assistant professor at The University of Arizona, and professor J. Mikael Eklund, of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, have already passed the Turing Test with a control system they designed for a T-33 jet trainer.
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Wheels: Caterpillar pushes electric drive
Designers at Caterpillar are aiming to move more than dirt these days. They're pushing electric drive, and it's a powerful thing. The company's D7E is the first electric drive track-type tractor using modern technology. The revolutionary electric drive system developed for track-type tractors gives the D7E an optimum balance of power, efficiency, control, and maneuverability.
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Electric Replacement for Hydraulics! Exlar's electric linear actuators deliver the force of hydraulics and the speed of pneumatics. The patented roller screw technology offers peak forces in excess of 40,000 lbf., speeds to 60 in/sec, and stroke lengths to 96 inches, all with the ease and reliability of servo control. Visit Exlar online for more information.

5-Star Product: Analog pre-driver for automotive motor control apps
Freescale Semiconductor has introduced a versatile field effect transistor (FET) pre-driver designed for three-phase motor control in a wide range of automotive and industrial control applications. The MC33927 pre-driver provides a cost-effective, comprehensive solution for cooling fans, water pumps, fuel pumps, and electro-hydraulic and electric power steering used in automobiles, electric scooters, and electric-assist bicycles.
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