Designfax | Tech for OEM Design Engineers

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 11, 2024

Volume 20 Issue 22

Image - THK Micro Cross-Roller Ring Series RAU

THK Micro Cross-Roller Ring Series RAU
The micro-size Cross-Roller Ring RAU features a 10mm inner diameter and a 21mm outer diameter. It is more compact, lightweight, and rigid than a double row angular contact ball bearing type. RAU rollers travel on V-shaped raceways ground into the inner and outer rings. Alternating rollers are arrayed orthogonally so that one bearing can support loads and moments in any direction. Spacer retainers enable smooth movement and high rotation accuracy.
Learn More.

In this issue of Designfax

World record: Largest polymer 3D printer
Bonding dissimilar surfaces: Why PSA tapes are better
Air Force modifies heavy lift airbags to aid rescuers
Jeep Wagoneer S: Brand's first all-electric SUV
New! Tapered Section Retaining Rings (circlips)
Super cool: Lab fridge faster cooling uses less energy
Ultrasonic inserts and heat staking kits for thermoplastics
Servo drive or motion controller? What's the difference?
What is 3D-MID? Molded parts with integrated electronics
Robot with longer reach handles heavier payloads
Linear servo press solutions from Tolomatic
Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action

Flex Locators for quick fixture changeover

Most Popular Last Issue

Sikorsky 'rotor blown wing' tail-sitter drone
All-new GMC Acadia: Bigger, bolder, more luxe
Computers submerged in fluid: New cooling design

New Products

Electrical, Mechanical, Motion

Cover Image: All-electric 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S

News

Researchers create sensor strings that can vibrate forever ... kind of

World's strongest iron-based superconducting magnet created using AI

Dumb drones become smart with world-first navigation tech

Gyros get tired too: NASA to change how it points Hubble Space Telescope

Feature articles

World record: Largest polymer 3D printer makes parts almost 100 ft long

The University of Maine recently unveiled a giant polymer 3D printer designed to print objects as large as 96 ft long. It has subtractive manufacturing, continuous tape layup, and robotic arm functionalities too.
Read the full article.

When metals can't survive, use an alternative.
INSACO: The top choice for high-precision machining of hard materials to very precise tolerances.

Image - Bonding dissimilar surfaces: Why PSA tapes are better than metal fasteners

Bonding dissimilar surfaces: Why PSA tapes are better than metal fasteners
Bonding dissimilar surfaces can be challenging for many reasons, including thermal expansion differences, galvanic corrosion, or the roughness and porosity of the surfaces. According to Engineered Materials, there are many reasons why pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes perform better than other joining methods such as liquid adhesives and metal fasteners.
Read the full article.

Image - Air Force modifies heavy lift airbags to aid rescuers

Air Force modifies heavy lift airbags to aid rescuers
An Air Force Research Lab concept to help military first responders lift heavy objects and quickly exit contested environments went from idea to field testing in about four months. Two air-filled bags used by rescue workers to lift up to 45,000 lb were taking more than 10 minutes to deflate, exposing personnel to other risks in dynamic environments.
Read the full article.

Jeep Wagoneer S: Brand's first all-electric SUV
Jeep's first fully electric SUV, the Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition, boasts a range of more than 300 miles on a single charge, 600 hp, lightning-quick acceleration, a sleek aerodynamic design, and state-of-the-art technology. It's downright cool too.
Read the full article.

Image - New! Tapered Section Retaining Rings (circlips): Designed for high-thrust loads and heavy-duty applications

New! Tapered Section Retaining Rings (circlips): Designed for high-thrust loads and heavy-duty applications
When you need a quick and economical heavy-duty ring, Smalley's newest standard series of Tapered Section Retaining Rings (circlips) is here to secure your assembly. Smalley has partnered with Beneri, the leading Italian circlip manufacturer since 1958, to bring you even more retaining ring solutions at the same quality you trust.
Read the full article.

Image - Super cool tech: NIST scientists modify common lab fridge to cool faster with less energy

Super cool tech: NIST scientists modify common lab fridge to cool faster with less energy
By modifying a refrigerator commonly used in both research and industry, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have drastically reduced the time and energy required to cool materials to within a few degrees above absolute zero. The scientists say their prototype device could annually save an estimated $30 million in global electricity consumption.
Read the full article.

Image - Ultrasonic inserts and heat staking kits for thermoplastics

Ultrasonic inserts and heat staking kits for thermoplastics
E-Z Sonic™ inserts from E-Z LOK are designed for post-molding installation in thermoplastic materials such as acrylic, polypropylene, and PVC. Machined out of high-quality brass and available with both inch and metric threads, these inserts are durable and versatile. Designs include tapered and straight that can be installed with an ultrasonic horn or a heat driver.
Learn more
or contact Kyle Lindsly-Roach for free samples at 310.323.5613 x221.

Image - Servo drive or motion controller? What's the difference?

Servo drive or motion controller? What's the difference?
In the world of automation, there can be a fine line between what is considered a motion controller and a basic servo drive. According to motion experts at Kollmorgen, it's critical to understand the functionality and intelligence of each device since, in many applications, both a motion controller and a servo drive are required to complete the system.
Read this informative Kollmorgen blog.

Image - What is 3D-MID? Molded parts with integrated electronics from HARTING

What is 3D-MID? Molded parts with integrated electronics from HARTING
3D-MID (three-dimensional mechatronic integrated devices) technology combines electronic and mechanical functionalities into a single, 3D component. It replaces the traditional printed circuit board and opens up many new opportunities. It takes injection-molded parts and uses laser-direct structuring to etch areas of conductor structures, which are filled with a copper plating process to create very precise electronic circuits. HARTING, the technology's developer, says it's "Like a PCB, but 3D." Tons of possibilities.
Learn more (video included on page).

Image - Robot with longer reach handles heavier payloads

Robot with longer reach handles heavier payloads
The new RV-35/50/80FR robot series from Mitsubishi Electric Automation is ideal for handling large workpieces and heavy objects. This series has a max reach of almost 83 in. (2,100 mm) and a max payload over 175 lb (80 kg), so it's a great solution for palletizing and machine tending. These robots have a wide range of safety functions, including position and speed monitoring, and simplified installation and programming when paired with Mitsubishi Electric's MELFA Smart Plus card.
Learn more.

Image - Linear servo press solutions from Tolomatic

Linear servo press solutions from Tolomatic
Improve your pressing systems with electric linear actuators from Tolomatic. While hydraulic presses are a traditional choice in many manufacturing applications, a new generation of high-force Linear Servo Press technologies is now replacing high-maintenance hydraulics. They offer significant advantages in precision, programmability, energy efficiency, reliability, and flexibility.
Learn more.

Most popular last issue

Image - Sikorsky testing 'rotor blown wing' tail-sitter unmanned aircraft concept

Sikorsky testing 'rotor blown wing' tail-sitter unmanned aircraft concept
Sikorsky Aircraft is conducting flight tests to mature the control laws and aerodynamics of a novel 'rotor blown wing' uncrewed aerial system that sits on its tail to take off and land like a helicopter and transitions easily to horizontal forward flight for long-endurance missions like a plane.
Read the full article.

Image - All-new GMC Acadia: Bigger, bolder, more luxe

All-new GMC Acadia: Bigger, bolder, more luxe
The 2024 Acadia is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, with an all-new, premium-appointed interior, elevated exterior design language, an enhanced suite of technology, and an extensive list of standard safety features. Feeling particularly top of the line? Choose the Denali trim. Looking to be really active? Choose the AT4 trim with lifted ride height, Active Torque Control AWD, and off-road suspension.
Read the full article.

Image - Computers submerged in fluid may reshape data-center cooling design

Computers submerged in fluid may reshape data-center cooling design
Keeping electrical circuits dry is generally considered a vital safety measure, but at Sandia's High Performance Computing center technicians place whole computers -- their power cables, everything -- in a liquefied solution in a bid to reshape the future designs of data-center cooling.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action

Flex Locators for quick fixture changeover
Flex Locators from Fixtureworks are designed for quick changeover of small and large fixtures, automation components, and more. They are ideal for applications that require frequent disassembly, providing excellent repeatability for locating and clamping in a single operation. Manual and pneumatic versions are available. Just turn the handle, knob, or screw!
View the video.