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.
| October 06, 2026 | Volume 22 Issue 37 |
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 | Extend the life of your bearings with this spring
Single-Turn Wave Springs are ideal for preloading bearings, effectively eliminating play and minimizing noise. By applying constant light-to-medium pressure, they remove any play between the ball bearings and the inner and outer races. This preloading feature significantly reduces the risk of bearing damage due to vibratory loading and minimizes wear from repetitive and non-repetitive runout. Additionally, these springs are designed with gap or overlap geometry to prevent binding in tight radial spaces.
Learn more. |
 | NASA pushes new wing design to its limits
In a major milestone for efficient flight, NASA researchers have stress-tested a novel truss-braced wing to its structural limits. Combining five advanced composite manufacturing technologies, this lightweight design is the first of its kind to undergo full structural evaluation -- paving the way for next-gen commercial airliners to slash fuel consumption.
Read the full article. |
 | Extra-sticky adhesives degrade on command
One team of Virginia Tech chemists developed a fully recyclable tape. Another team designed an adhesive stronger than duct tape that degrades on command. Working together, they are setting a new standard for sustainable, usable, and even reusable adhesives.
Read the full article. |
 | What is a magnet valve?
AGM's Ultra-High-Flow Relief Valves are magnetically actuated to provide flow rates specifically capable of venting a container to relieve catastrophic pressure buildup during decompression events. Unlike conventional spring-actuated valves, AGM magnet valves fully open once the desired pressure threshold is reached to achieve full air-flow almost instantly. This stops excessive differentials from damaging containers, housing, or enclosures.
Learn about magnet valves. See them in action. Great video included. |
 | Top Tech Tip: All about slip rings: How they work and their uses
Rotary Systems has put together a really nice basic primer on slip rings -- electrical swivels that carry a current from a stationary wire into a rotating device. Common uses are for power, proximity switches, strain gauges, video, and Ethernet signal transmission. This intro also covers how to specify, assembly types, and interface requirements. Rotary Systems manufactures rotary unions for fluid applications too.
Read the Rotary Systems article. |
 | High-performance flexible magnetic solutions
Turn printing, joining, and assembly challenges into flexible solutions with Arnold Magnetic Technologies' Flexmag portfolio. From magnetic sheets, strips, tape, extrusions, and printable media to receptive sheeting and custom conversions, Flexmag delivers versatility. UltraMag® products provide dependable magnetic performance, while Ferrosheet™ enables changeable signs, banners, and promotional displays with ease for modern marketing applications. flexMAX™ FM-60 is a high-energy extruded flexible magnet designed for applications that require strength, stability, and precise control.
Learn more. |
 | Hollow shaft motor with fire pump solutions
When lives and infrastructure are on the line, water flow must not fail. ABB's new UL-listed vertical hollow shaft fire pump motors -- available in Weather Protected Type 1 and Totally Encased Fan-Cooled designs -- deliver uncompromised mission-critical reliability. Engineered on ABB's proven VHS platform, they supply the ultimate high-thrust performance and dependability when every second counts.
Learn more. |
 | Miniature vacuum-compatible linear servo motor
Moticont has released the LVCM-013-013-02MVAC miniature vacuum-compatible linear voice coil motor, engineered for fast, high-precision, short-stroke motion in low-pressure environments. Measuring just 12.7 mm in diameter, this gearless direct-drive motor delivers a 6.4-mm stroke and 2.73-N peak force. It is ideally suited for semiconductor processing, aerospace testing, and lab automation applications.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Cool! Solar tower simulates spacecraft's fiery Titan entry
When NASA sends Dragonfly to explore Saturn's moon Titan, the rotorcraft must survive a two-hour plunge through Titan's dense atmosphere. At the National Solar Thermal Test Facility, Sandia engineers tested Dragonfly's heat shield protection system with controlled solar-generated heat pulses exceeding 4,500 F on large test articles.
Read the full article. |
 | Car generates more energy than it consumes
Clemson University unveiled Deep Orange 17 late this summer, a solar-integrated, energy-positive electric vehicle prototype designed to generate more energy than it consumes during a typical day of urban commuting. Developed in collaboration with BMW's research and development team, the prototype integrates solar technology, lightweight engineering, and intelligent vehicle controls.
Read the full article. |
 | Retro Willys vibes: Jeep Wrangler JL-2A
More than 80 years after the Willys CJ-2A brought Jeep capability to civilian life for the first time, the Jeep brand is going back to where it all began with the debut of the 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A, the 11th drop in the yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series. This Jeep reaches back to 1945 for inspiration, reimagining the original's bold colors and iconic design cues with a modern Wrangler attitude.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Retaining rings and wave springs in aerospace applications
Rotor Clip retaining rings, spiral rings, and wave springs may be small, often hidden deep inside an aircraft, but they play a critical role in helping to keep you flying. These AS9100-Certified parts are engineered to endure extreme temps, vibration, and high-speed rotation, performing exactly as designed, flight after flight. From engines to control surfaces and fuel systems, these parts deliver reliable performance where it matters most. Lots of interesting applications here.
View the video and see these rings and springs in action. |
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