Technology for OEM Design Engineers November 6, 2007 — Volume 3, Issue 41
Stainless Steel Retaining Rings From Stock Smalley has over 5,000 spiral retaining rings in 302 and 316 stainless steel from stock in 1/4" to 16" diameters. Specials can be manufactured from .200" to 90" with No-Tooling-Charges™. Smalley's manufacturing process allows for the economical production of stainless steel retaining rings. Spiral Retaining Rings are interchangeable with standard snap ring grooves and have No Ears To Interfere® with the assembly. Free samples are available of stock parts to test in your application. Visit Smalley online.
Designing Hot Wheels from a sleepy hollow
"The toy industry is a brutal proving ground for a designer," says Kyle Houchens, who founded a design firm in smalltown Jericho, VT, aptly called The Outside. "Toys have to look and feel just right." The Outside builds its product models on the next version of Rhinoceros, which features a universal deformation capability that allows the designer to make dimensional changes to an entire model. "The Rhino 4 release contains some new tools that are absolutely revolutionary," says Houchens, "especially the universal deformation tools. Universal deformation is unbelievable." Read the full article
170 Watts of Power in a Small Package Micro-Drives announces the expansion of its DC Micromotor product line with the addition of its Series M4870U. The DC micromotor has an external motor-diameter of 48 mm and a length of 70 mm. The DC micromotor can achieve a stall torque of 42.7 mNm and speeds of up to 11,000 rpm. Visit MicroMo online.
Replicating physical part geometry
Complementing a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) with a laser scanner fills in data with greater detail. A retrofitter can then improve quality and performance of land-based turbines by understanding them as well as the original equipment manufacturer. Power Systems Manufacturing (PSM) provides retrofit kits that not only renew turbines but also reduce emissions to the lowest possible levels. The company's use of an NVision laser scanner captures tens of millions of points per hour, making it possible to characterize the complete surface to 0.005 in. or less. Read the full article
Get in touch: Mechanical buttons and switches are out
The PSoC CapSense solution from Cypress Semiconductor enables the touch-sensing interface inside multiple models of Haier washing machines and water heaters, providing a sleek interface that is attractive to consumers while eliminating the deterioration experienced with mechanical buttons and switches. Capacitive sensing is fast becoming the solution of choice for front-panel display and media control applications due to increased durability, decreased bill of materials, and a clean, minimalist appearance. Read the full article
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.
Alternative jet fuels pose lofty goal
Princeton Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Fred Dryer has a lofty goal: end the nation's reliance on oil for jet travel. With potentially major benefits for energy security and the environment riding upon his success, Dryer is advancing the fundamental knowledge of jet fuels while developing practical, innovative energy sources. It is quite an endeavor, given that depending on the source and processing method, jet fuel typically consists of hundreds to thousands of molecular structures that behave in a variety of ways. Read the full article
Wheels: Shelby SuperCar is new world's fastest production vehicle
What can $579,000 get you these days? A six-pack of Porsche 911 Targas or one BiG Gulp of an Ultimate Aero. Guinness World Records verified On Oct. 9 that Shelby SuperCars' (SSC) Ultimate Aero is officially the "Fastest Production Car" in the world. This is the first time the production speed record title has been held by a United States auto manufacturer since the Ford GT40 claimed the record in 1967. 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.
5-Star Product: VectorJet laser marking for Acetals
A new patent-pending laser marking technology from Sabreen Group achieves unprecedented "dark-on-light" contrast, line edge detail, and marking speed on Acetals and many more plastics that have traditionally been difficult, if not impossible, to laser mark. VectorJet Laser Marking assures consistent and permanent markings on products that require exacting identification and traceability in demanding markets such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical, and industrial applications. Read the full article
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