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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.

Parallel lives: Army recognizes two autonomous-aviation engineers; they were college roommates and hired same day in 1984

By Dan Lafontaine, RDECOM

Two U.S. Army engineers recently received national recognition at the Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, for their efforts in advancing autonomous aviation for the military.

Hossein Mansur and Matt Whalley, both senior aerospace engineers with the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, have earned 2012 Research and Development Achievement Awards.

(From left) Lt. Col. Carl Ott; Jyuji Hewitt, deputy director of the U.S. Army RDECOM; senior aerospace engineer Hossein Mansur; senior aerospace engineer Matt Whalley; and Barry Lakinsmith, director of the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center's Aeroflightdynamics Directorate, at the awards ceremony at Ames Research Center, June 3, 2014. [Photo Credit: U.S. Army]

 

 

 

 

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology presents the awards annually to recognize outstanding scientific or engineering achievement or technical leadership.

Mansur garnered an Outstanding Achievement Award for his work on the K-MAX unmanned helicopter system, from October 2009 to October 2011. The K-MAX, which can lift up to 6,000 lb, represented a breakthrough for the military in autonomous aerial resupply, he said.

The K-MAX helicopter performs operations at Yuma Proving Ground, AZ, in January 2010. [Photo Credit: U.S. Army]

 

 

"The need is re-supplying forward operating points without having to put convoys on the road and exposing them to [improvised explosive devices]," said Mansur, who works for the Aviation Development Directorate at Moffett Field, CA, as part of RDECOM's Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center. "You can do that with normal helicopters, but it costs more, and it also puts pilots in danger. The need was to fly supplies with an unmanned helicopter."

Mansur said the greatest challenge was developing the system for the high-altitude, high-turbulence, and high-wind environments that the helicopter would face in Afghanistan. He developed and validated an extensive simulation-modeling suite and was responsible for the analysis and optimization of a complex core flight control system.

During his two years of work, the project emerged from a developmental program, to demonstration flight tests, and finally to deployment in theater with the Navy in December 2011.

"Even though the aircraft is flying autonomously, a pilot was on board [during flight tests] to control the aircraft if the control laws were not doing what they were supposed to do. Their comments were: 'The aircraft flies the way I would.' It's the best comment you can get from a flight-test pilot," he said.

The Navy placed two of the aircraft into service immediately. They were scheduled for a six-month demonstration period, but because of their success in delivering a new capability, they remained in Afghanistan, Mansur said.

Whalley won an Outstanding Technical Leadership Award for guiding a government-contractor team that developed software algorithms for low-altitude autonomous flight operations. The work concentrated on obstacle field navigation and safe landing area determination.

"With any helicopter, the strength of that platform is the ability to hover and operate in close proximity to the ground or obstacles," said Whalley, also with AMRDEC's Aviation Development Directorate. "To do that autonomously requires some new technologies -- terrain sensors, navigation algorithms, and programs that can look at the ground and find the safe landing spot. My group has been focused on that for several years. We're trying to bolster those core technologies that would enable new types of operations or expanded operations with autonomous helicopters."

In 2011, the software algorithms were validated and further developed into commercial software libraries and distributed under a technology transfer agreement. Whalley and his team then demonstrated the scalability of the technologies and software by migrating the algorithms to AMRDEC's full-authority JUH-60A Black Hawk helicopter for flight testing.

"We showed that the same approach could be used at full scale that had been successful at model scale," he said.

Whalley and Mansur have shared contributions during their 30-year careers as engineers in Army aviation. They also began their journeys together, in the early 1980s.

They each earned a bachelor of science in aeronautical engineering from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, in 1984. In 1987, they earned master of science degrees in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University.

"Hossein and I were both hired on the same day -- Aug. 6, 1984. We were college roommates," Whalley said.

The Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), which has the mission to develop technology and engineering solutions for America's Soldiers.

Published September 2014

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