Technology for OEM Design Engineers June 12, 2007 — Volume 3, Issue 22
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.
Metal plating stereolithography parts: Applying the M&Ms principle
History has shown that combining two good materials in the right order to form a more functional composite structure can be nothing short of revolutionary. Remember how M&Ms Chocolate Candies were created? A pioneering stereolithography process uses accurate, high-temperature resins and encases them with a metal cladding to produce metal-like parts that are extremely strong and durable — at a cost that can be three to four times less than that of machined or die cast parts. The additional benefits for the design process are many, including specifying thinner wall construction, increased customization, and improved testing of physical properties. Read the full article
Maximizing thermal control selection
The importance of thermal control, regardless of the type of control used, is probably best realized when there is a failure. When it's a bitterly cold 30° outside and the heating unit fails, that is when we really feel it. When designing products with thermal control, OEMs are faced with multiple challenges, including manufacturing economics, space constraints, EMI, ROHS, costs, regulatory issues, and (in some cases) ergonomics. A series of basic considerations, once defined, can quickly narrow down the type of thermal control required and whether or not a standard product will fill the bill. Read the full article
Polyester film adds good looks, durability to wide range of design apps
In recent years MacDermid Autotype has brought screen printing to new levels of control and repeatability, reinforcing benefits for novel applications such as flexible circuit printing, DVD, and industrial glass printing. Most recently, it launched Autotex hard-coated films with antimicrobial protection for cleaner critical surface applications, and diffuser and anti-reflection films for use in flat-panel displays. Read the full article
Plastic with changeable conductivity developed
Dr. Yueh-Lin (Lynn) Loo at The University of Texas at Austin has modified a plastic so its ability to carry an electrical current can be altered during manufacturing to meet the needs of future electronic devices. Loo, an assistant professor of chemical engineering, studies the plastic called polyaniline because it could serve as flexible, inexpensive wiring in future products such as military camouflage that changes colors, foldable electronic displays, and medical sensors. Read the full article
Wheels: Mountain bike suspension bucks downhill trend
After many years of riding mountain bikes through the rough New Zealand terrain around the Bay of Plenty, Roland Alonzo had an idea that seemed to resolve a design conundrum that bike makers from around the world have tried to solve,
"How do you best balance responsive suspension with pedaling efficiency?" From learning 3D modeling to podium finishes in less than a year, Alonzo's inspiration is now all about action, and his 2Stage bikes with rear air suspension have quickly transformed into a full-blown manufacturing enterprise. Read the full article
To forward the Designfax Online magazine to a friend, follow this link. You have asked to receive this magazine from Designfax Online. If you choose not to receive anymore issues please follow this link.