News

Nanostructured thin film harvests and converts waste heat into electricity

Get a grip on assembly with new telescoping torque arms

Optimize your linear system solution in five simple steps

Got plans for that big end-of-year bonus? How about one-tenth of a Bentley?

The magic of corporate strength from within
Companies garner their strengths from a variety of sources. Some get their power from the market position of their products. Others enjoy the strength that comes from being a large, well-funded organization. Intangibles like innovation, creativity, and customer service can be the driving force behind success. However, Rick Carmichael, vice president of corporate marketing, Nextest Systems, believes there is another source of power that can be at the core of a great company's success. It's called energy and drive.
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Making a living shooting onesies and twosies
In the dialect of the manufacturing belt along Lake Michigan, "shooting a onesie" is machinist slang for a single fabrication of a part from specs. Traditionally, manufacturers, designers, and inventors had to wait in line at their local machine shop for these small custom orders. Now, with the advent of home CNC machining and request-for-bid websites, prototype work is going to machinists working for themselves.
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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.

Inexpensive adaptive optics achieved by Sandia's optical clamp Sometimes a poor man's tool is all it takes. Adaptive optics, known for its computer control of subdivided, individually angled mirrors, is an efficient but expensive way to correct distortions in laser beams. The mirrors automatically adjust until an undistorted beam is obtained in a way formerly thought unachievable by a single large mirror. Now researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a device (resembling an inexpensive vise similar to those bolted to many home workshop benches) that corrects optical distortions simply through pressure changes to a single reflecting surface. Read the full article Wheels: Computers expose the physics of NASCAR It's an odd combination of Navier-Stokes equations and NASCAR driving. Computer scientists at the University of Washington have developed software that is incorporated in new technology that allows ESPN audiences to instantaneously see how air flows around speeding cars. Read the full article CNC MACHINED PLASTIC PARTS — FAST First Cut Prototype CNC machines low volumes of parts from solid blocks of real plastic in 1-3 business days. We are an alternative to additive rapid prototyping technologies when you need better material properties, improved surface finishes, and better dimensional properties. Upload your 3D CAD model and receive an On-line quote at First Cut. GearedUp Share your opinions and ideas on designs and pressing industry topics This week: Tinkering with products Last week, teenager George Hotz announced to the world that he'd unlocked the infamous iPhone from AT&T's exclusive contract with Apple. The move frees iPhone users to use SIM cards from other networks. Hotz and his collaborative team of international hackers took over 500 hours and a mountain of Red Bull to complete the step-by-step process instructions over the course of the last two months. Since engineers are constantly tinkering with their own stuff, what kind of other modifications have you made to some of your favorite after-market products? Read the full article

New Products Electrical/Electronic View products … Mechanical View products … Motion Control View products … Special:  Engineer's Toolbox View products …

Guides Literature, guides, catalogs, and other great free stuff: Always more than 50 new resources Adhesive technologies to meet every market —  National Starch Bearing Handbook shows proper maintenance techniques— Applied Industrial Technologies Automation in medical manufacturing — Bosch Rexroth View guides …

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