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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.

Design of hybrid powertrains for use in commercial vehicles detailed in SAE International book

The recent development of hybrid powertrain components and system integration technologies can reduce fuel consumption by up to 50 percent compared to conventional internal combustion engines. A new, 404-pg book from SAE International provides a broad and comprehensive look at the technologies and advancements of one of the possible solutions for such challenges: hybrid powertrains for commercial vehicles.

"Advanced Hybrid Powertrains for Commercial Vehicles" begins with the fundamentals of hybrid powertrain systems, government regulations, and driving cycles, then provides design guidelines and key components of hybrid powertrains for commercial vehicles. The term "commercial vehicle" applies to everything from light delivery vehicles to Class 8 long-haul trucks, buses, and coaches. Such vehicles are used for a wide range of duties, including transporting goods or people and infrastructure service.

This book was written for vehicle and component engineers and developers, researchers, students, policymakers, and business executives in the commercial vehicle and transportation industries to help them understand the fundamentals of hybrid powertrain technologies and market requirements for commercial vehicles. It is useful for anyone who designs or is interested in hybrid powertrains and their key components.

Individual chapters of the book cover:

• Introduction of Hybrid Powertrains for Commercial Vehicles
• Internal Combustion Engines for Commercial Vehicles
• Introduction of Clutches and Transmissions for Commercial Vehicles
• Energy Storage Systems: Battery, Ultracapacitor, Accumulator, and Flywheel
• Hybrid System Design and Optimization
• Hybrid-electric Power Conversion Systems
• Hydraulic Hybrid Powertrain System Design
• Hydraulic Components and Controls
• Fuel Cell Hybrid Powertrain Systems
• Commercial Vehicle Electrification
• Hybrid Powertrain System Modeling, Simulation, Validation, and Certification
• Sustainable Transportation and Future Powertrain Technologies

The book is authored by Haoran Hu, Simon Baseley, and Rudolph M. Smaling.

Dr. Hu is the chief scientist at Eaton Corporation. He has more than 20 years of experience in research and development of internal combustion engines, advanced powertrain systems, and emission control technologies. Prior to joining Eaton in 2002, Dr. Hu held engineering leadership positions at Caterpillar Inc., Detroit Diesel Corporation, and Jacobs Vehicle Systems. Dr. Hu has a Master of Engineering degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, a Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) degree in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and an MBA from The Ohio State University.

Baseley recently retired from Bosch Rexroth Corporation after more than 25 years of working in leadership positions on automotive pumps and hydraulic systems, including vehicle hybrid systems. He now works part time at the University of Michigan as a visiting research investigator. He previously worked for over 20 years in design and development of aircraft engines for Rolls Royce Ltd. Baseley has a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham and an MSc from Cranfield University, England.

Dr. Smaling serves as executive director of systems engineering at Cummins, responsible for implementation of systems engineering principles and processes across the corporation. He previously held the position of chief engineer with global responsibility for hybrid system architecture and new product development in Eaton Corporation's Hybrid Power Systems Division. Dr. Smaling also holds a position as adjunct professor in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at Western Michigan University. Dr. Smaling's academic background includes a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technische Universiteit Delft, a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, a dual degree in Engineering and Management from MIT, as well as a PhD in Engineering Systems from MIT.

To order "Advanced Hybrid Powertrains for Commercial Vehicles," go to http://books.sae.org/book-r-396. Price: $99.95. Also available as an e-book. Individual chapters for sale.

Source: SAE International

Published March 2013

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