Advanced motion control enables “no fret” guitar making
A custom woodworking machine built using Ethernet-compatible motion control components from Baldor Electric has automated the precision finishing of fret boards for the renowned acoustic guitar manufacturer Martin Guitar (CF Martin & Co). By using dual sanding belts and a swinging work holder controlled by a combination of linear and rotary servo motor axes, this machine now replaces a previous manually actuated sanding process.
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Realistic simulation makes a real impact on train design
Swiss-based Stadler Rail Group produces about 700 light and commuter rail vehicles per year. With a recent order from the Netherlands for 43 of the latest generation of Stadler’s GTW articulated rail cars, the company faced a new challenge: the train units had to meet as-yet unreleased crashworthiness standards in advance of their approval by the European reviewing committee.
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Metal nanoparticle networks named culprits in alloy corrosion
Oxide scales are supposed to protect alloys from extensive corrosion, but scientists at U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have discovered metal nanoparticle chinks in this armor. In their latest efforts, the researchers have developed laboratory-size batches of materials that exhibit as much as 10 times longer life than some commercial alloys.
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Wheels: Jeep Liberty door module seals the deal on multiple savings
Two of the biggest challenges facing automotive OEMS and Tier 1 suppliers are vehicle weight reduction (to conserve fuel and reduce emissions) and lower costs. With every element of the vehicle being considered, efforts to meet these challenges are driving heavy investment in application development, lightweight materials, and new assembly procedures. One area of focus for reducing weight and cost has been the vehicle door core module and its critical seals.
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5-Star Product: Linear guides harness the power of V
Have you been looking for a line of cost-effective, easy-to-specify linear guide systems? Look no further. The power of V has arrived. Pacific Bearing’s Integral V Technology (IV-T) features hardened steel raceways that allow for a high load capacity and rigidity. A primary benefit of the technology is that it allows for tighter tolerances without additional cost.
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Engineer’s Toolbox: Steal some good vibes with Joule-Thief energy-harvesting kit
AdaptivEnergy has developed a demonstration kit using its Joule-Thief technology to harvest energy and power Texas Instrument's ultra-low-power MSP430 microcontroller (MCU) and radio frequency (RF) technology. Users can collect data, control the operation of a system, or send sensed data to central collection sites, all without using batteries.
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