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.
| June 03, 2025 | Volume 21 Issue 21 |
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 | Shallow Groove Depth? Smalley Has the Answer
Maximize space without compromising retention. Smalley's Hoopster® Retaining Rings are designed for applications with thin-walled cylinders, featuring a low-profile design that minimizes radial projection and groove depth. Unlike stamped rings, Hoopsters are precision-coiled for superior performance. Their flexible ends allow for easy installation and removal -- no custom tools are required. Available in sizes from .375" to 3" (10 mm to 76 mm) in carbon and 302 stainless steel.
Discover a better way to retain components. |
 | Liquid Atomizing Spray Nozzles
EXAIR's OmniStream Liquid Atomizing Nozzles have a full cone spray pattern for cooling, cleaning, washing and more. The right-angle design is compact, operates at up to 250 PSI liquid pressure. 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 NPT. HollowStream Liquid Atomizing Nozzles are also available.
Learn more. |
 | The U.S. has a new most powerful laser
The ZEUS laser facility at the University of Michigan has roughly doubled the peak power of any other laser in the United States with its first official experiment at 2 petawatts (2 quadrillion watts) -- with higher power to come. The user facility will provide new opportunities for American innovation and economic growth.
Read the full article. |
 | Nano thermoelectrics enable compressor-free cooling
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and refrigeration engineers from Samsung have developed a new, easily manufacturable solid-state thermoelectric refrigeration tech with nano-engineered materials that is twice as efficient as devices made with commercially available, bulk thermoelectric materials. This technology could translate into practical, large-scale, energy-efficient refrigeration applications -- solid-state systems that use no chemical refrigerants.
Read the full article. |
 | What's new in Creo Parametric 11.0?
Creo Parametric 11.0 is packed with productivity-enhancing updates, and sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest impact in your daily workflows. Mark Potrzebowski, Technical Training Engineer, Rand 3D, runs through the newest functionality -- from improved surface modeling tools to smarter file management and model tree navigation. Videos provide extra instruction.
Read the full article. |
 | Engineer's Toolbox: How to pin a shaft and hub assembly properly
One of the primary benefits of using a coiled spring pin to affix a hub or gear to a shaft is the coiled pin's ability to prevent hole damage. Another is the coiled pin absorbs wider hole tolerances than any other press-fit pin. This translates to lower total manufacturing costs of the assembly. However, there are a few design guidelines that must be adhered to in order to achieve the maximum strength of the pinned system and prevent damage to the assembly.
Read this very informative SPIROL article. |
 | Tech Tip: Belt, screw, or chain-driven actuator?
Bishop-Wisecarver provides a quick, very useful guide to help you evaluate the right drive strategy for your system: belt, screw, or chain-driven actuator. Each drive type has unique advantages and limitations, so evaluating all your options will help you find the most suitable actuator setup for your specific application needs.
Read the Bishop-Wisecarver blog. |
 | Laumas load cells and electronics from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added Laumas precision-engineered load cells, transmitters, and accessories that deliver reliable performance in industrial weighing and force measurement applications. The FCAL series high-precision bending beam load cells are ideal for low- to mid-capacity systems. CTL series load cells are designed for both tension and compression, with excellent linearity. The CBL series low-profile compression load cells are perfect for space-limited applications. Laumas load cell transmitters are available too for precise monitoring and control. Very good pricing.
Learn more. |
 | Powerful, pull-type clapper solenoids handle myriad jobs
New powerful, low-profile, pull-type clapper solenoids are available from Magnetic Sensor Systems (MSS). Applications include valve control, locks, starters, ventilators, clamping, sorting, appliances, tools, HVAC, brakes, clutches, switches, mixing, fire suppression systems, door controls, detent latches, and more. The S-16-264 Series of 17 Pull-Type Clapper Solenoids have ampere turns (windings) adjusted to meet the specific force and duty cycle requirements of your application. They provide up to 130 lb (578 N) of force.
Get all the specs for these solenoids and other options. |
 | Test your knowledge: High-temp adhesives
Put your knowledge to the test by trying to answer these key questions on how to choose the right high-temperature-resistant adhesive. The technical experts from Master Bond cover critical information necessary for the selection process, including questions on glass transition temperature and service temperature range. Some of the answers may surprise even the savviest of engineers.
Take the quiz. |
 | Mini ESD preset torque screwdriver
Need precision fastening with ESD protection at the smallest torque levels? Mountz has you covered. The new FG Mini ESD Preset Torque Screwdriver is built for low-torque, high-precision tasks. Its compact design makes it ideal for tight spaces and small fasteners, while delivering the same reliable control and ESD protection users have come to expect from Mountz. Two models available: FG25z (3 to 25 ozf.in, 2 to 17.7 cN-m) and FG50z (20 to 50 ozf.in, 14.1 to 35.3 cN-m).
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | AirCar set for real-world sales takeoff in 2026
Are we ready for real flying cars? Not electric mini helicopters or enlarged drones with ducted fans, but drive-on-the-highway cars that also take off from an airport runway? Well Slovakia-based Klein Vision is, and its two-minute transformable AirCar -- which already holds a Certificate of Airworthiness in Europe and has successfully completed over 170 flight hours and more than 500 takeoffs and landings -- will officially go on sale next year.
Read the full article. |
 | OLED breakthrough: Each pixel a sound source
As beautiful as many OLED large-screen TVs are today, they often lack great sound quality without a sound bar. The speakers have been thinned and diminished, and they often point backward or down inside the back of the unit. But what if every OLED pixel was a mini speaker itself?
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Summer fun tech: Hydroflyer Sport Board with handlebars
What's the latest in high-end summertime fun on the water? It's the Hydroflyer Sport, a 5-ft 5-in. hydrofoil surfboard with handlebars that can propel riders almost 29 mph above the waves. WIRED called it "the Mountain Bike of the Sea." With a full carbon fiber frame and overbuilt upper mast and handlebars, this $16K board is nimble, powerful, and a blast, with up to 3 hours of battery-pack runtime. Jet skis are so 1990s. [Image credit: Screenshot courtesy of Hydroflyer]
View the video. |
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