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.
| August 12, 2025 | Volume 21 Issue 30 |
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 | Cross roller ring can swing the loads
Because it has orthogonally arranged cylindrical rollers, the cross roller ring from THK is a roller bearing with high rotation accuracy capable of bearing loads in every direction. Cylindrical rollers are arranged with each roller perpendicular to the adjacent roller, in a 90-deg V groove, separated from each other by a spacer retainer. This design allows just one bearing to receive loads in all directions. Applications include industrial robot joints and swivel units, machining centers, precision rotary tables, and medical equipment. Rotation configurations include inner/outer ring, inner ring only, and outer ring only.
Learn more about THK cross roller rings.
Learn about the new Micro Cross Roller Ring RAU. |
 | Engineer's Toolbox: What they didn't teach you about fittings in engineering school
Do you know why an old standard "Christmas-tree" barbed fitting may not be your best choice for your miniature fluid power application? Experts at Beswick Engineering run through the common types of fittings used in these smaller pneumatic applications, along with thread sizes and seals to help you make the correct choice. They also touch on pressure and temp ranges, chemical compatibility issues, rigid and flexible lines, and the ease of assembly and maintenance.
Read the full article. |
 | High-efficiency joint for mobile robotics
The HEJ 70 48 50 actuator from maxon combines a torque-dense motor, planetary gearbox, 14-bit absolute encoder, and EtherCAT control electronics into a sealed, IP67-rated package. It delivers a peak torque of +/-50 Nm and a maximum joint speed of 28 rad/s, with efficiencies up to 74% at 12 Nm and 26 rad/s. The actuator's compact design (1.05 kg) and high performance make it suitable for lightweight robotic applications including: autonomous mobile manipulators and cobots, lightweight robotic arms and grippers, and end-effector and SCARA joints. Available from Electromate.
Learn more. |
 | All-in-one motion control card for high-precision servo applications
Cardinal Kinetic's InoDrive is a networked, integrated motion control card that delivers highly reliable, accurate, and precise control of brushless DC servo motors in a wide range of industrial environments. It combines the full capabilities of a servo amplifier, motion controller, and logic engine into a single compact unit and simplifies servo system design while offering robust performance, flexibility, and ease of deployment. Ideal for automation, robotics, packaging, mobile equipment, and R&D environments.
Learn more. |
 | Mastercam 2026 is here!
Mastercam 2026, the powerhouse for precision machining, is packed with exciting new features designed to boost productivity and streamline workflows. Highlights include: enhanced solid hole functionality, classic mill toolpath support in Mill-Turn, new levels and planes managers, PrimeTurning enhancements, the all-new AI-powered Mastercam Copilot programming assistant, and a whole lot more.
Learn about all the new features. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | 66 years ago: First flight of X-15 hypersonic rocket plane
A joint project among NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Navy, the X-15 hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft greatly expanded our knowledge of flight at speeds exceeding Mach 6 and altitudes above 250,000 feet. Between 1959 and 1968, 12 pilots completed 199 missions. The results influenced the development of future programs such as the space shuttle. By John Uri, NASA Johnson Space Center
Read the full article. |
 | Wow. Chip production costs slashed by 99%
A Northeastern University professor has patented a new process and printer that can manufacture advanced electronics and chips more efficiently and much more inexpensively, even at the nanoscale. The technology could "democratize" microelectronics manufacturing.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | |
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