Designfax – Technology for OEM Design Engineers was launched as an exclusive eMagazine in October 2005 following 25 successful years in print. Subscribers to the weekly publication (48 issues a year) are high-level OEM product design engineers and engineering managers who operate in a broad range of manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, appliances, medical equipment, transportation, computer process controls, industrial equipment, and more. Primary content focuses on the latest exciting applications and products for Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, Motion Control, Fluid Power, and Materials engineering, including articles on powerful software programs that serve as a primary engineering tool. Take a look at what Designfax offers and then subscribe.
| May 26, 2020 | Volume 16 Issue 20 |
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 | 20,000 Stock Metric Gears
KHK USA Inc offers the largest selection of stock metric gears in North America. With over 200 types, in more than 20,000 configurations, KHK USA offers the broadest selection of metric spur gears, helical gears, internal ring gears, gear racks, bevel gears, worms and wormwheels, and other gear types.
See what KHK USA has in stock for you today. |
 | Replace metals with hard materials
The use of sapphire, ceramics, and other hard materials has significant advantages over metal, depending on the application. The materials machined at Insaco are harder and stronger in compression than most metals. They can be electrically or thermally insulating or conducting, and in the case of sapphire, can be polished optically clear to a surface finish less than 1 micro inch. This allows for selecting a material based on the most important material property required. When a low-cost part must be frequently replaced because of a harsh environment, looking to hard materials may be the key to lowering overall cost.
Learn more in this informative Insaco article. |
| | Feature articles |
 | Better and faster meshes: Automating complex 3D modeling
A team of researchers led by Sandia National Laboratories has invented a first-of-its-kind software to create accurate (and automatic) digital representations of complex objects. VoroCrust is the first software to generate Voronoi-cell meshes that conform to complex models without needing to be fixed manually in post-processing. The software can reduce countless hours of manual labor that engineers and scientists spend on 3D modeling.
Read the full article. |
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 | NASA support helps spur nanotechnology that repairs engine damage in cars
Lubricants that reduce friction can only delay and minimize inevitable damage. The idea of reversing that wear by fixing a worn part was the dream of Washington State University PhD candidate Pavlo "Pasha" Rudenko, who decided to research using smart nanoparticles to work with lubricants to replace eroded material back in 2009. Today, more than 30,000 cars and trucks use Rudenko's TriboTEX nano-flakes additive product that forms a new, diamond-like surface on worn engine parts like rings and bearings.
Read the full article. |
 | Shooting for 300+ mph: SSC North America Tuatara
SSC North America, the only supercar manufacturer in the United States, is aiming to capture the world speed record for a production car with its new 1,350-hp (1,750-hp using E85) Tuatara model, which combines high-end engine tech with funky aerodynamics to rocket the driver forward. It sports multiple fins and quirky design features, just like its namesake "living fossil" New Zealand lizard, but that's what makes it intriguing.
Read the full article. |
 | Cool Tools: Measure up to 99 dimensions in seconds
The IM-7500 Image Dimension Measurement System is Keyence's latest addition to its Instant Measurement System series. This next-gen optical comparator includes an automatic measurement function that enables all settings to be completed with one click, the ability to record all measurement results and create reports automatically, and an intuitive interface that involves simply placing the part on the measurement stage and pressing the "Measure" button. Significantly, no measurement expertise is needed to operate the IM-7500.
Learn more. |
 | ServoClass Couplings have the advantage
Demanding applications require a coupling that holds up to shock loads caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration, start/stop conditions, and torque reversals in servo-driven systems. The ServoClass Coupling from Zero-Max has a longer-lifetime advantage because it is not as radially stiff as a bellows coupling, which reduces the reaction loads on the connected components and stresses within the coupling itself. Jaw/spider couplings do not perform as well as ServoClass Couplings either. The reason is that a coupling's spider element can deteriorate over time from heat and fatigue, shortening its lifetime. Also, jaw/spider couplings experience torsional windup in higher torque applications and have longer settling times when stopping higher inertial loads.
Learn more about Zero-Max ServoClass Couplings. |
 | Great Resources: Design guidelines for selecting/using stainless steels
This extensive guide from the Nickel Institute helps designers better understand the large family of corrosion-resistant stainless steels. It describes typical corrosion modes and how to select materials to minimize or prevent corrosion. Forty-seven figures help illustrate important characteristics of, and end-use applications for, 57 different stainless steel types, including chemical compositions, physical and mechanical properties, properties at elevated temperatures, and heat-transfer characteristics.
Get your guide (no registration required). |
 | Design Tip: Uniform wall thickness for injection molding
Ever notice how wall features on products like a molded toothbrush holder or a plastic gas can are all relatively uniform? That's because consistent wall thickness helps prevent sink, warp, and inaccurate or non-functional parts. This design tip from Protolabs offers several ways to avoid those problems. They even included a helpful chart that shows recommended wall thickness for common injection molding materials.
Read the full article. |
 | Robotic strain wave gearboxes
GAM has just announced the release of its new GSL series of strain wave gearboxes. The new gearboxes provide zero backlash and high torque in a small gearbox for robotic and motion control applications. This gearbox uses harmonic gearing for a very compact design that easily integrates into applications requiring high ratios and high precision in a small form factor. The GSL series is available in frame sizes 14 to 40 and reduction ratios 50:1 to 160:1.
Learn more. |
 | Test your knowledge of the periodic table
Ideal for those extra days you have at home, Goodfellow has launched the latest version of Mr. Material™, their free educational app that enables participants to test their knowledge of the periodic table. Featuring more than 200 questions spread over multiple levels of difficulty, the app provides an entertaining way to learn or review facts about the 118 chemical elements. Ideal for students, teachers, researchers, or anyone who has a general interest in science, it's available free at both the App Store and Google Play. The aim of the game is to answer questions as quickly as possible and rank on the leaderboard.
Check it out at the App Store.
Check it out at Google Play. |
 | Direct drive linear motor with integrated encoder and temperature sensor
The new, patented SDLM-019-070-01-01 direct drive linear motor with integrated position and temperature sensors is the latest addition to the series of zero-backlash, zero-cogging, high-acceleration, high-speed, high-resolution, long-life motors from Moticont. Also known as an electric cylinder, this compact direct drive linear motor is just 0.75 in. (19.1 mm) in diameter and 2.75 in. (69.9 mm) long. Protected inside the motor housing, the linear optical quadrature encoder is directly connected to the shaft for the greatest possible accuracy. Highest throughputs are achieved by this motor when operating at peak efficiency, monitoring the data from the internal temperature sensor.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | World Car of the Year: Kia Telluride
It's Kia's largest SUV ever, but the Telluride isn't big enough to fit all the automotive awards it's collected since hitting the scene with the 2020 model. World car of the Year, North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, MotorTrend SUV of the Year, and Edmunds' Top Rated SUV are just some of the accolades for this 291-hp, 3.8-liter V6 that's all about rugged luxury at an affordable price point.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Optimize mechanical misalignments, get hidden benefits
C-Flex Couplings combine the best qualities of disc, beam, and bellows couplings in a unique and economical new design. Made to couple two rotating shafts together, these couplings can accommodate large misalignments while transmitting high torque loads with zero backlash. Benefits include lower energy usage and less-frequent bearing failure, since less stress is placed upon bearings. Constructed using high-strength hardened stainless steel or glass impregnated polyamide flexures, these couplings require no maintenance and provide years of trouble-free life, even in contaminated environments. Flexible Pivot Bearings and Super Plastic Torsional Damping Couplings also available.
See C-Flex Couplings handle misalignments.
Click here to learn more. |
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What spring rate do I need for my car?
Bill Foley from QA1 Precision Products answers a question he says he gets a lot: "How do I determine the spring rate for my car?" In this clip, he explains how to determine the ideal range and also reviews spring sizes and compression targets. Basic info but quite helpful.
View the video. |
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