Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!

Archives

View Archives

Partners

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants

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.

Researchers evaluate 3D printing copper alloy for NASA rocket engines

Graduate student Trupti Suresh Mali uses nanoindentation to determine the hardness of a new printable copper alloy NASA is developing to line combustion chambers of rocket engines. Researchers at South Dakota State University are determining the mechanical properties and microstructure of GRCop-42 parts manufacturing using laser power-based directed energy deposition through a NASA EPSCoR Rapid Response Research grant.

 

 

 

 

Two South Dakota State University professors are evaluating a printable copper alloy NASA is developing for combustion chambers of next-generation rocket engines used for space travel.

Associate professor Todd Letcher and assistant professor Anamika Prasad of the Department of Mechanical Engineering are determining the material properties of a copper-based printable alloy called GRCop-42, testing samples taken from 3D parts printed using a new additive manufacturing technique.

Additive manufacturing, also commonly known as 3D printing, is different from traditional manufacturing methods in that it builds a part one layer at a time. This manufacturing technique makes it possible to create intricate geometries cost effectively, such as those needed to dissipate heat, explained Letcher, whose research focuses on 3D printing and materials characterization.

Graduate student Scott Landes of Glencoe, MN, prepares to do tensile testing of a GRCop-42 specimen in the Department of Mechanical Engineering's Material Evaluation and Testing Laboratory at South Dakota State University.

 

 

 

 

Prasad, whose research focuses on nanomechanics of engineering and biomaterials, said, "This is an excellent opportunity to utilize the equipment at the Materials Testing and Evaluation Laboratory to train our students to conduct material testing on additively manufactured materials and thereby contribute to the development of a highly educated, skilled workforce in South Dakota."

The agreement between NASA and SDSU is supported by a NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Rapid Response Research grant. EPSCoR is designed to establish partnerships with government, higher education, and industry to develop and improve research infrastructure in areas of importance to the NASA mission. South Dakota is one of 28 states participating in the NASA EPSCoR program.

The SDSU researchers have significant experience testing additively manufactured parts made with polymers/plastics, but this is their first experience with evaluating parts made with copper-based alloys, Letcher explained. "The parts we are testing were manufactured using laser powder-based directed energy deposition," he said.

This additive manufacturing process involves injecting metal powder into a laser-heated pool of molten metal, or melt pool. The nozzle and laser optics are integrated into a build-head attached to a robot that moves in a pattern determined by a computer, building one layer at a time.

The goal of NASA's research is to evaluate new manufacturing techniques to fabricate components more rapidly, according to Paul Gradl, Senior Propulsion Engineer at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. "Laser (blown) powder directed energy deposition additive manufacturing allows us to create very large-scale components with complex internal features that were not previously possible. We're able to significantly reduce the time and the cost associated with the fabrication of channel-cooled nozzles and other critical rocket components."

NASA has provided the GRCop-42 parts manufactured by an industry partner to the SDSU researchers with specific instructions about the types of testing that should be done to determine the mechanical properties and microstructure of the additively manufactured material, Prasad said. Small changes in manufacturing parameters can impact the microstructure and properties of the manufactured parts. Two graduate students are also working on the project.

The researchers have examined surface roughness using a laser scanning microscope, hardness using nanoindentation, and residual stresses using x-ray diffraction. Using the scanning electron microscope in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the researchers examined the microstructure of the material. They also performed tensile testing of various material specimens.

"We are contributing to a database on the material properties of GRCop-42 manufacturing using this specific process," Prasad said. Results from the project's first year were presented at the 2020 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition in November 2020.

The researchers are now performing additional tests on the samples and exploring sample size and cutting methods for low-cycle fatigue testing.

Source: South Dakota State University

Published April 2021

Rate this article