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.
| February 24, 2015 | Volume 11 Issue 08 |
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 | Molded Nylon Special Standard Round Spacers
Micro Plastics announces a new product line of Special Standard Round Spacers. The new line of molded nylon round spacers includes over 250 sizes, with diameters of 1/8" through 1 1/2" and lengths from 1/8" to 2 3/4". These tough, resilient spacers can be used in a variety of assemblies. Useful in electronic and electrical applications, they may also be used as bushings, bearings, rollers, gliders, and bumpers. They are resistant to vibration, abrasion, and corrosion; are electrically insulating; and have a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Proto Labs Processes Poster
From early prototyping to low-volume production, there are a number of quick-turn manufacturing options available at Proto Labs. Our reference poster covers Proto Labs' suite of seven additive, machining and molding services with brief descriptions about each process paired with an intuitive infographic of available materials and capabilities.
Get a free Proto Labs Processes Poster. |
 | Cutting-edge machining: Shooting laser beams inside a water jet
Lasers do a good job of making precise, tiny holes in things like airplane turbine blades, but the metal can sputter and form molten microscopic gobbets that can spread through the air and stick to the finely machined metal surface. The Laser MicroJet, a new tool invented by engineers at GE Power & Water and Synova, a Swiss provider of innovative laser-cutting systems, is making big strides at bettering the process.
Read the full article. |
 | Cool Tools:
Mahr Federal introduces Pocket Surf IV finish gage
Mahr Federal has introduced an updated version of its highly popular Pocket Surf portable surface finish gage. Pocket Surf surface roughness gages have enjoyed wide popularity for more than 30 years and across many precision applications because of their exceptional utility and simple one-button operation. The new Pocket Surf IV builds on that reputation with updated electronics and additional features to keep the product current for years to come.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Engineer's Toolbox:
Self-clinching fasteners by design
Dozens of types and thousands of variations of self-clinching fasteners (steel, stainless steel, or aluminum) have been engineered over the years. Leon M. Attarian of PennEngineering provides three mini case studies where manufacturers benefited greatly by switching to self-clinching fasteners in their assemblies. This article is filled with insightful tips and suggestions.
Read the full article. |
 | Product: Time-lag fuse with enhanced overcurrent protection
Littelfuse has introduced the 835 Series Fuse, a time-lag, ceramic-body AC fuse that includes overcurrent protection for LED/LCD TVs, digital display systems, digital signage, and more. This fuse, packaged in both cartridge and leaded versions, is designed to withstand frequent power surges and protect electronic devices installed in surge-prone environments.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Product: Position hinge with one-way motion
The new PHT Position Hinge from Reell Precision Manufacturing introduces an ideal solution for high-performance position-control applications by providing reliable holding force in one direction while enabling easy adjustment with virtually no resistance in the other. This unique hinge especially suits vertical-adjustment applications by holding solidly against gravity in the downward direction and adjusting effortlessly in the upward direction. Typical applications include enclosures, lids, and covers; access panels; flat-panel monitors; laptop computers; and many others in the industrial, medical, office, and electronics equipment marketplace. Way better than a prop rod.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Product: High-speed motors for medical and dental hand pieces
The new FAULHABER 2057...BHS Brushless DC Servo Motors are designed to address the specific requirements of the medical and dental hand-piece markets. While remaining cool to the touch, the high-efficiency, slotless design features smooth speed control with a wide, continuous duty speed range up to 40,000 rpm. The motors are capable of handling intermittent overload conditions to address highly dynamic motion over shorter cycle times. Low vibration, which reduces user fatigue, and low audible noise are ideal for long periods of use in sensitive medical and dental patient environments. The new motors come standard with digital hall sensors, and analog hall sensor feedback is available on request.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Guides: EMI/RFI shielding product guide
The EMI/RFI Shielding Product Guide from Tech-Etch describes and pictures shielding products in a useful side-by-side comparison format. The eight-page brochure compares mounting, composition, size range, effective compression range, type of seal, contact interface, and performance data for all standard EMI shielding products, including low-profile gaskets, twisted contacts, panel and strip gaskets, track-mounted shielding, and connector gaskets. In addition, wire mesh with and without elastomer core, Silvershield, metalized fabric over foam, various conductive elastomers, fan vents, filters, and honeycomb vents are described.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | DARPA program developing satellite launchers for jet fighters
Launches of satellites for the Department of Defense (DoD) or other government agencies require scheduling years in advance for the few available slots at the nation's limited number of launch locations. DARPA has been developing new concepts and architectures to get small, 100-lb satellites into orbit more economically on short notice.
Read the full article. |
 | Wheels:
Drawing the line on forklift tire life
At first glance, the Pit Stop Line from Trelleborg Wheel Systems is just a thin orange band hiding inside a solid rubber tire. But for the forklift industry, the Pit Stop Line represents a new era in tire management -- maximizing tire life, raising productivity, improving safety, and reducing environmental impact.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | What is a multi-start flexure?
A single-start spring is a single continuous-coil element that starts at one end and terminates at the other. This configuration is common to most springs. A "double start" spring has two intertwined continuous-coil elements phased 180 degrees apart. In effect, this puts two independent helixes in the same cylindrical plane. Multiple-start flexures, such as triple-start, are similar extensions of the concept. Helical Products spells out why you should consider single-, double- or triple-start flexures when designing or choosing your next coupling or spring.
View the video |
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Famous Boston Dynamics BigDog robot gets nimble lil buddy Spot
Boston Dynamics gave the world a sneak peek at its latest four-legged robotic creation last week. Spot is a 160-lb electrically powered and hydraulically actuated robot designed for indoor and outdoor operation. It uses a LIDAR sensor to help it navigate and negotiate rough terrain, and it can even follow you home. The creators are mum on any further details, but this scaled-down version of the famous BigDog pack-mule robot seems to address some of the excessive noise and nimbleness issues of its predecessor.
View the video. |
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