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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.

IBM sets U.S. patent record in 2013; achieves 21st straight year of patent leadership

IBM announced this month that its inventors received a record-setting 6,809 patents in 2013 -- the 21st consecutive year the company topped the annual list of U.S. patent leaders.

IBM's 2013 patent results represent a diverse range of inventions poised to enable significant innovations that aim to position the company to compete and lead in strategic areas, such as IBM's Watson, cloud computing, Big Data, and analytics. These inventions will also advance the new era of cognitive systems where machines will learn, reason, and interact with people in more natural ways.

IBM's 2013 patent total exceeded the combined totals of Amazon, Google, EMC, HP, Intel, Oracle/SUN, and Symantec.

The company's record 2013 patent count was made possible by more than 8,000 IBM inventors residing in 47 different U.S. states and 41 countries.

The Top 10 list of 2013 U.S. patent recipients* includes:
1. IBM, 6,809
2. Samsung, 4,676
3. Canon, 3,825
4. Sony, 3,098
5. Microsoft, 2,660
6. Panasonic, 2,601
7. Toshiba, 2,416
8. Hon Hai, 2,279
9. Qualcomm, 2,103
10. LG Electronics, 1,947
*Data provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services

In 2013, IBM patented inventions that will transform how companies use technology across a the planet and to embrace the cognitive computing era, such as:

* U.S. Patent #8,510,296: Lexical answer type confidence estimation and application. This patented invention enables IBM Watson to more accurately assess questions posed in natural language and determine confidence in the accuracy of potential answers. To accelerate the impact of patented Watson inventions, IBM has formed the Watson Group, a new business unit that will tap the company's software, services, research, industry experts, and sellers to advance development and delivery of a new class of Watson-enabled cognitive computing apps and technologies to the marketplace.

* U.S. Patent #8,515,885: Neuromorphic and synaptronic spiking neural network with synaptic weights learned using simulation. This patented invention describes breakthrough brain-inspired computers that lay the foundation for a new generation of cognitive systems via hardware and software co-design. As part of a DARPA-funded Systems of Neuromorphic Adaptive Plastic Scalable Electronics (SyNAPSE) project, IBM is developing a chip architecture that aspires to emulate the human brain's cognitive capabilities while rivaling its energy and volume efficiency.

* U.S. Patent #8,422,686: Automated validation and execution of cryptographic key and certificate deployment and distribution. This patented invention automates the lifecycle of cryptographic keys used to encrypt and secure data -- from creation and deployment to deletion and can also enhance security for cloud computing applications.

* U.S. Patent #8,352,953: Dynamically Provisioning Virtual Machines. This invention solves the "noisy neighbor" problem that reduces online system availability and constrains cloud computing network bandwidth when websites, such as online retailers or auction sites, encounter unexpected dramatic spikes in demand.

* U.S. Patent #8,387,065: Speculative popcount data creation. This patent describes an approach for Big Data and analytics computing where a small region or population of analyzed data -- known as a popcount -- is counted, sorted, and speculatively analyzed in real time for trends or outliers. The idea is based on a counter-intuitive premise: that Big Data analysis is small. The method improves data analysis performance, reduces processor resources needed to analyze the data, and is based upon modern graph theories. Built into IBM's POWER processors -- the chip within IBM's Watson and IBM's Power Systems servers -- speculative popcount is advancing cryptanalysis, real-time error correction for streaming data, and the cognitive computing era.

* U.S. Patent #8,572,274: Estimating load shed data in streaming database application. This patented invention describes a technique that addresses the challenge of analyzing real-time streaming Big Data traffic jams by shedding or reducing the data pool without compromising accuracy of the insights.

* U.S. Patent #8,402,041: Analytics of historical conversations in relation to present communication. This patented invention uses Big Data analytics to establish relationships between past and present electronic conversations (social or business) that have similar attributes and provide relevant results in real time.

Examples of other interesting and important patented inventions from IBM's record-breaking 2013 patent output can be found at: http://ibm.co/1kr8i0y.

Source: IBM

Published January 2014

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