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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.

'Off-the-shelf' semitrailer becomes Army missile launcher

By Jason B. Cutshaw, USASMDC/ARSTRAT

A tactical ballistic missile being launched off a 25,000-lb-capacity Transportable Target Launcher, or 25K TTL, designed by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command. [Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo]

 

 

 

 

In times of continuing budgetary constraints, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, or USASMDC/ARSTRAT, is making an extended effort to save taxpayers by not only designing low-cost targets, but also by designing low-cost launch vehicles.

Members of the USASMDC/ARSTRAT Test Execution Support Division developed a transportable, mission-configurable, 25,000-lb-capacity Transportable Target Launcher, or 25K TTL, to support Department of Defense operational testing of theater-class tactical ballistic missile targets.

The Transportable Target Launcher (25K TTL) undergoes inspections before returning to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane in Indiana for maintenance prior to future test missions. The 25K TTL is designed to support Department of Defense operational testing of theater-class tactical ballistic missile targets. [Photo Credit: Jason B. Cutshaw.]

 

 

 

 

"The 25K TTL is a rapidly deployable (C-17 and C-5 transportable), treaty-compliant rail launch platform for theater-class tactical ballistic missile targets," says Bryon Manley, SMDC Technical Center Test Execution Support Division chief. "The 25K TTL is a cost-effective, transportable launcher that can expand the number of available launch sites, adding a more comprehensive selection of threat scenario geometries for tactical ballistic missile target testing on national ranges."

SMDC developed two 25K TTLs, at a cost of approximately $3 million, that are rapidly deployable. They were designed, analyzed, built, and tested using a modified commercial off-the-shelf semitrailer and hydraulic crane as a portable launch platform.

"Our division is about low cost, so we design things based on commercially off-the-shelf available items so that they are cost effective," says Stephanie Chrisley, SMDC general engineer.

Utilization of the TTL is a cost-effective means of presenting test scenarios in a threat-representative construct due to its ability to operate at both unimproved and improved range sites. Additionally, the launcher is transportable by air or land, permitting use at all ranges. The missile launcher can begin operating within 15 minutes of setting up.

"We can take it onto an unimproved launch site with one generator and a small crew and we launch ballistic missile targets with no problem," Chrisley says.

The TTL, which can hold a missile up to 48 ft long and handle up to 73,000 lb of rocket thrust, is undergoing inspections before returning to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane in Indiana for maintenance prior to future test missions.

"We brought it out of storage to have it inspected because we will be using it for a flight test in the spring of 2016," Chrisley says.

The 25K TTL is capable of being transported to a launch site, converted to a fixed installation before target loading and launch, reconfigured for transport after launch, and returned to storage or emplaced for a follow-on mission.

"This gives us the flexibility to launch in any area we want that does not necessarily have to be an improved area; it can be any open area where we can set it up with a small crew," says Kevin Creekmore, Test Execution Support Division acting director. "It does not need existing power, it does not need existing communication lines, and it does not need existing infrastructure. It gives us the flexibility to launch at just about any angle that we want using the adjustable boom.

"We use it to support many different tests for many different customers," he adds. "We have several tests upcoming in the next few years."

SMDC has also developed targets to be launched by the TTLs. Made from existing materials, the program was named Zombie. Zombie uses government-owned material components that have reached the end of their useful lives and are subject to consideration for demilitarization. Using this government hardware instead of demilitarizing it ultimately saves taxpayer dollars.

The command developed the Zombie targets that cut expenses from the around $30 million each for high-end targets to approximately $4 million for SMDC's low-cost Zombie.

"We look for unused rocket motors or some that are going to be demilitarized and just thrown away. The motors are generally still good, so we try to repurpose those with new avionics and new front-end sections and launch them as low-cost targets," Chrisley says.

Published October 2015

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