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hyperMILL 2024 CAD/CAM software suite

OPEN MIND Technologies has introduced its latest hyperMILL 2024 CAD/CAM software suite, which includes a range of powerful enhancements to its core toolpath capabilities, as well as new functionality for increased NC programming efficiency in applications ranging from 2.5D machining to 5-axis milling. New and enhanced capabilities include: Optimized Deep Hole Drilling, a new algorithm for 3- and 5-axis Rest Machining, an enhanced path layout for the 3D Plane Machining cycle, better error detection, and much more.
Learn more.

One-part epoxy changes from red to clear under UV

Master Bond UV15RCL is a low-viscosity, cationic-type UV-curing system with a special color-changing feature. The red material changes to clear once exposed to UV light, indicating that there is UV light access across the adhesive material. Although this change in color from red to clear does not indicate a full cure, it does confirm that the UV light has reached the polymer. This epoxy is an excellent electrical insulator. UV15RCL adheres well to metals, glass, ceramics, and many plastics, including acrylics and polycarbonates.
Learn more.

SPIROL Press-N-Lok™ Pin for plastic housings

The Press-N-Lok™ Pin was designed to permanently retain two plastic components to each other. As the pin is inserted, the plastic backfills into the area around the two opposing barbs, resulting in maximum retention. Assembly time is quicker, and it requires lower assembly equipment costs compared to screws and adhesives -- just Press-N-Lok™!
Learn more about the new Press-N-Lok™ Pin.

Why hybrid bearings are becoming the new industry standard

A combination of steel outer and inner rings with ceramic balls or rollers is giving hybrid bearings unique properties, making them suitable for use in a wide range of modern applications. SKF hybrid bearings make use of silicon nitride (twice as hard as bearing steel) rolling elements and are available as ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, and in custom designs. From electric erosion prevention to friction reduction and extended maintenance intervals, learn all about next-gen hybrid bearings.
Read the SKF technical article.

3M and Ansys train engineers on simulating adhesives

Ansys and 3M have created an advanced simulation training program enabling engineers to enhance the design and sustainability of their products when using tapes and adhesives as part of the design. Simulation enables engineers to validate engineering decisions when analyzing advanced polymeric materials -- especially when bonding components made of different materials. Understand the behavior of adhesives under real-world conditions for accurate modeling and design.
Read this informative Ansys blog.

New FATH T-slotted rail components in black from AutomationDirect

Automation-Direct has added a wide assortment of black-colored FATH T-slotted hardware components to match their SureFrame black anodized T-slotted rails, including: cube connectors (2D and 3D) and angle connectors, joining plates of many types, brackets, and pivot joints. Also included are foot consoles, linear bearings in silver and black, cam lever brakes, and L-handle brakes. FATH T-slotted hardware components are easy to install, allow for numerous T-slotted structure configurations, and have a 1-year warranty against defects.
Learn more.

Weird stuff: Moon dust simulant for 3D printing

Crafted from a lunar regolith simulant, Basalt Moon Dust Filamet™ (not a typo) available from The Virtual Foundry closely mirrors the makeup of lunar regolith found in mare regions of the Moon. It enables users with standard fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers to print with unparalleled realism. Try out your ideas before you go for that big space contract, or help your kid get an A on that special science project.
Learn more.

Break the mold with custom injection molding by Rogan

With 90 years of industry experience, Rogan Corporation possesses the expertise to deliver custom injection molding solutions that set businesses apart. As a low-cost, high-volume solution, injection molding is the most widely used plastics manufacturing process. Rogan processes include single-shot, two-shot, overmolding, and assembly. Elevate your parts with secondary operations: drilling and tapping, hot stamping, special finishes, punch press, gluing, painting, and more.
Learn more.

World's first current-carrying fastening technology

PEM^® eConnect™ current-carrying pins from Penn-Engineering provide superior electrical connections in applications that demand high performance from internal components, such as automotive electronics. This first-to-market tech provides repeatable, consistent electrical joints and superior installation unmatched by traditional fastening methods. Features include quick and secure automated installation, no hot spots or poor conductivity, and captivation options that include self-clinching and broaching styles.
Learn more about eConnect pins.

New interactive digital catalog from EXAIR

EXAIR's latest catalog offers readers an incredible source of innovative solutions for common industrial problems like conveying, cooling, cleaning, blowoff, drying, coating, and static buildup. This fully digital and interactive version of Catalog 35 is designed for easy browsing and added accessibility. Customers can view, download, print, and save either the full catalog or specific pages and sections. EXAIR products are designed to conserve compressed air and increase personnel safety in the process. Loaded with useful information.
Check out EXAIR's online catalog.

5 cost-saving design tips for CNC machining

Make sure your parts meet expectations the first time around. Xometry's director of application engineering, Greg Paulsen, presents five expert tips for cutting costs when designing custom CNC machined parts. This video covers corners and radii, designing for deep pockets, thread depths, thin walls, and more. Always excellent info from Paulsen at Xometry.
View the video.

What can you secure with a retaining ring? 20 examples

From the watch dial on your wrist to a wind turbine, no application is too small or too big for a Smalley retaining ring to secure. Light to heavy-duty loads? Carbon steel to exotic materials? No problem. See how retaining rings are used in slip clutches, bike locks, hip replacements, and even the Louvre Pyramid.
See the Smalley design applications.

Load fasteners with integrated RFID

A crane, rope, or chain may be required when something needs lifting -- plus anchoring points on the load. JW Winco offers a wide range of solutions to fasten the load securely, including: lifting eye bolts and rings (with or without rotation), eye rings with ball bearings, threaded lifting pins, shackles, lifting points for welding, and more. Some, such as the GN 581 Safety Swivel Lifting Eye Bolts, even have integrated RFID tags to clearly identify specific lifting points during wear and safety inspections and manage them digitally and without system interruption.
Learn more.

Couplings solve misalignments more precisely with targeted center designs

ALS Couplings from Miki Pulley feature a simplistic, three-piece construction and are available in three different types for more precisely handling parallel, angular, or axial misalignment applications. The key feature of this coupling design is its center element. Each of the three models has a center member that has a unique and durable material and shape. Also called a "spider," the center is designed to address and resolve the type of misalignment targeted. Ideal for unidirectional continuous movement or rapid bidirectional motion.
Learn more.

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.
View the video.

BASF and Hengst develop reusable spin-on oil filter made of engineering plastic Ultramid Structure LFX

Blue.on is the sustainable alternative to conventional spin-on modules made from metal, since it does not need to be replaced during filter change.

 

 

BASF and Hengst have developed the world's first reusable plastic spin-on oil filter module for cars. Blue.on is the sustainable alternative to conventional spin-on modules made from metal, since it does not need to be replaced during filter change. It is made from Ultramid Structure LFX, a long-glass-fiber-reinforced high-performance plastic from BASF whose specific properties provide new opportunities for metal substitution.

Blue.on offers a solution to a key problem of the automotive industry when it comes to oil filter change: Each year, about 2 billion oil filters are replaced and disposed of. During oil change, the entire filter unit is exchanged, and the residual oil is disposed as hazardous waste. Moreover, a large amount of additional litter is generated.

The new Blue.on module has three components: a filter housing, a connection element to the engine, and a filter element.

Specifically, the system consists of a housing and pipe designed as lifetime components with integrated filter bypass and non-return valve. These OE-quality components remain in the vehicle and are built to function perfectly throughout its life. Added to this is the fully incinerable filter element, the only component that still needs to be replaced when the filter is changed. This solves many of the problems associated with conventional spin-on oil filters.

In addition, Blue.on saves up to 90 percent of the waste mass produced by conventional spin-on oil filters, thus making an important contribution to environmental protection.

This more sustainable solution for the highly stressed part was realized using Ultramid Structure A3WG12 LFX. BASF's Ultramid Structure grades have a special property profile: Besides outstanding mechanical characteristics at high temperatures, the material shows a low tendency to creep as well as reduced shrinkage and warpage. These properties make the innovative spin-on concept possible.

Because of the long glass fibers and the resulting changed fiber orientation, a dimensionally stable part is formed. During the injection-molding process, the glass fibers form a three-dimensional network in the part, leading to a very good surface quality.

The new Blue.on module is consists of three components: a filter housing, a connection element to the engine, and a filter element.

 

 

Engineers also used BASF's CAE simulation tool called Ultrasim. "The development took a lot of time, but the result is highly convincing," said Michael Bohm from Hengst. "All partners were not only eager to find an innovative technical component, but also a sustainable solution for the automotive industry and car drivers."

In 2018, Blue.on was awarded the Innovation Prize of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, long before it went into serial production.

Blue.on technology is making its debut in the 2020 Opel Astra, which features a 1.5-liter diesel engine. The 3-cylinder engine with an output of 77 and 90 kW was developed by former parent company General Motors.

Standard Blue.on sizes include diameters of 67 and 77 mm, and lengths of 68, 78, and 88 mm. The units are adaptable to a conventional spin-on interface (Hengst says it covers around 90 percent of all common spin-on passenger car applications).

Because of the unit's open-system construction, components are visible and accessible, so it is possible to check if they are working properly when replacing the filter. A patented filter insert also prevents installing a wrong filter element. The units feature a customized filtration and valve design, and they come with a lifetime guarantee.

Learn more about Ultramid at www.ultramid-structure.basf.com.

Learn more about the Blue.on filter here.

Source: BASF, Hengst Filtration

Published August 2020

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