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.

September 01, 2026Volume 22 Issue 33


Image - Shallow groove depth? Smalley has the answer
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.

In this issue of Designfax

  • New record: Largest ring crane in the world
  • NASA's new space telescope blows away Hubble abilities
  • Smartphone-based technology detects hidden cameras
  • Gordon Murray S1 supercar: Grand tourer, racing DNA
  • Top Product: 3M Friction Shims -- over 300 million sold
  • The hidden hardware helping AI's heat problem
  • Custom stators, rotors, and motor assemblies
  • Test your knowledge: High-temp adhesives
  • New Air Holster Safety Air Gun Mount
  • Rotate robot arms more than 600 degrees
  • Nearly 1,000 parts: Industrial enclosure range expanded
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • Why is 1,000 hp faster than 3,000 hp?
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • Military: Chain gun + steerable projectiles
    • Excavator controls get significant redesign
    • Acura's funky new design direction: NEXERA Vision
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: Gordon Murray S1 supercar

News

Researchers overcome open-air atmospheric distortions when sending laser data

New turbulence detection tool aims to make commercial flight smoother

New system will test magnet-powered brakes for high-speed spacecraft reentry

Update the textbooks: New research revises theory of how crystals form in everything from ice to metals



Feature articles

Image - New record: Largest ring crane in the world
New record: Largest ring crane in the world
A Chinese company is building a giant crane with world-record lifting capabilities. XCMG recently announced the first main unit of its mega ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking an historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy-lifting technology.
Read the full article.

Image - Why NASA's new space telescope will blow away Hubble's capabilities
Why NASA's new space telescope will blow away Hubble's capabilities
Now on a three-month, million-mile journey to its final orbit, NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will soon reveal some of the universe's darkest secrets. Roman was designed to survey the universe a thousand times faster than NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
Read the full article.

Image - Smartphone-based technology detects hidden cameras
Smartphone-based technology detects hidden cameras
Scientists at The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed an AI technology that can detect hidden cameras using only a smartphone and a low-cost LED device.
Read the full article.

Image - Gordon Murray S1 supercar: Luxe grand tourer with racing DNA
Gordon Murray S1 supercar: Luxe grand tourer with racing DNA
Legendary automotive and Formula One car designer Gordon Murray is making his own limited-edition supercars now, and his third offering is a doozy. The road-legal, 680-hp S1 with a V12 is a grand touring version of the racing-inspired S1 LM, mixing max driving performance with enhanced refinement and an exquisitely crafted cabin.
Read the full article.

Image - Top Product: 3M Friction Shims -- Why have more than 300 million been sold?
Top Product: 3M Friction Shims -- Why have more than 300 million been sold?
3M Friction Shims are small, thin steel shims with a big impact: They make stronger and more stable bolted connections. They can increase maximum load and peak torque in bolted connections without additional fasteners or redesigns. What else makes them so popular -- and so useful?
Learn more from 3M.

Image - The hidden hardware helping AI's heat problem: PCHEs
The hidden hardware helping AI's heat problem: PCHEs
Across AI infrastructure, thermal constraints now connect semiconductor design with power and cooling systems. More compact, lighter, and efficient than conventional shell-and-tube models, printed circuit heat exchangers save floor space, reduce energy costs, and improve overall efficiency in dense, hyperscale environments.
Read the full article.

Image - Custom stators, rotors, and motor assemblies for low- to mid-volume applications
Custom stators, rotors, and motor assemblies for low- to mid-volume applications
Arnold's Ramco Electric Motors is your single partner for custom motor components and complete assemblies. Ramco builds solutions for AC induction, switched reluctance, and brushless DC designs up to 200+ HP. Capabilities include custom stators, rotor-shaft assemblies, aluminum and copper casting, induction brazing, permanent magnet assembly, and precision rotor balancing.
Learn more.

Image - Test your knowledge: High-temp adhesives
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.

Image - New Air Holster Safety Air Gun Mount
New Air Holster Safety Air Gun Mount
EXAIR's new Model 5930 Air Holster provides a simple and convenient way to keep Safety Air Guns secure and within easy reach at workstations throughout a facility. Designed to give operators a designated location for their air gun when not in use, the Air Holster helps prevent misplaced tools while keeping work areas organized and efficient. Its practical design makes it an ideal addition to manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and other industrial workstations where Safety Air Guns are frequently used.
Learn more.

Image - Rotate robot arms more than 600 degrees
Rotate robot arms more than 600 degrees
The unsupported twisterchain® from igus eliminates the need for additional trough systems or guide plates in robotic applications, especially in palletizing. This results in a clean, efficient, and space-saving system architecture that delivers both technical and economic advantages. Thanks to its specialized design, it supports rotations of over 600 degrees.
Learn more.

Image - Nearly 1,000 parts: Industrial enclosure range expanded
Nearly 1,000 parts: Industrial enclosure range expanded
Altech Corp. has expanded its industrial enclosure lineup to 10 unique series with nearly 1,000 parts! Designed for control, junction, and terminal applications, these plastic and aluminum housings offer up to IP69 protection. They mount directly to walls or panels, resisting chemicals, corrosion, flames, impacts, and severe outdoor conditions without sacrificing aesthetics.
Find your perfect enclosure today.

Most popular last issue

Image - Military: Chain gun + steerable projectiles = Raid Hunter defense system
Military: Chain gun + steerable projectiles = Raid Hunter defense system
Northrop Grumman's next-gen air defense system is aimed at strengthening layered protection against cruise missiles, drone swarms, and evolving aerial threats. Raid Hunter combines advanced battle management, proven Chain Gun technology, and precision-guided 50-mm ammunition to help defend military bases, airfields, and critical infrastructure.
Read the full article.

Image - No more joysticks: Excavator controls get significant redesign
No more joysticks: Excavator controls get significant redesign
MIT engineers are looking to shorten the learning curve for excavator operators with a new training interface that resembles a miniature excavator's arm and bucket. The controls could be used inside a machine on-site too.
Read the full article.

Image - Acura's funky new design direction: NEXERA Vision includes shine-through body panels
Acura's funky new design direction: NEXERA Vision includes shine-through body panels
When Acura killed its plans for the all-electric RSX SUV, its first in-house-engineered EV, a lot of the vehicle-maker's future design direction went up in smoke. Some clarity has been restored, though, with the recent introduction of the Acura NEXERA Vision concept, a supercar-ish coupe that demonstrates new exterior and interior design language for the brand -- and not just for EVs.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
Gas beats electric! Why is 1,000 hp faster than 3,000 hp?
With nearly 3,000 hp, the most powerful production car ever, the all-electric Yangwang U9 Xtreme, was slower around the Nürburgring than the 1,000+ horsepower twin-turbo V8 Corvette ZR1. Why? Engineering Explained's Jason Fenske is all over it, doing a deep dive into vehicle full power usage, power limitations, and a whole lot more. You always learn something from a Fenske video. [Credit: Image courtesy of Engineering Explained]
View the Engineering Explained video.

Video Image

New products

Electrical/Electronics
View Products…
Mechanical
View Products…
Motion
View Products…


For advertising opportunities contact:

John Holmes
jholmes@nelsonpub.com

 

Dan Beck
danbeck58@gmail.com
(518) 852-9624

Questions or comments about the eMagazine or articles? Contact us at: Designfax

www.designfax.net

webteam@designfax.net
Privacy Statement

If you choose not to receive any more issues of Designfax, please follow this link


Subscribe to DesignFax

Nelson Publishing, LLC | www.designfax.net
PO Box 424, Alto, MI 49302
webmaster@designfax.net

Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!
image of Designfax newsletter

A Few of
Our Valued
Partners

Micro Plastics
Ask an expert about Smalley wave springs
MICROMO
ProtoLabs
Servometer
BellowsTech
igus
Nord-Lock
Beswick Engineering
Stratasys
Dassault Systemes
Rogan Corp.
C-Flex Bearing Co.
PI (Physik Instrumente)
FUTEK
Universal Robots
3D Systems
KHK USA - Gears
Orion Fans
Intech Power-Core
THK
MW Industries
Xcentric Mold & Engineering
Tech-Etch
EXAIR
Novotechnik
Goodfellow
JW Winco
Helical Products Co
Insaco
Suhner
AutomationDirect
Xometry
Universal Robots
OnRobot
Nexen
Kollmorgen
Allied Motion
Spirol
Tolomatic
E-Z Lok
AGM

Archives

View Archives

Our Other
Publications

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants