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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.

No runway required: Bell Helicopter introduces Bell V-247 'Vigilant' tiltrotor unmanned aerial system

While most of us were beginning early preparations for the holidays last year, Bell Helicopter was letting military and industry insiders know that it is working hard to launch a new unmanned tiltrotor concept. The company already has a new manned tiltrotor design in the works.

The Bell V-247 tiltrotor is an unmanned aerial system (UAS) that will combine the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft. The next-gen UAS is designed to provide unmatched long-endurance persistent expeditionary and surveillance capability and lethal reach, as well as runway independence to operate successfully in maritime environments and locations without secure runway availability.

Bell V-247 tiltrotor unmanned aerial system (UAS).

 

 

The Bell V-247 Vigilant satisfies the comprehensive spectrum of capabilities outlined in the 2016 Marine Corps Aviation Plan, and could be available for production as early as 2023. The tiltrotor, featuring a mix of copter and fiexd-wing technologies, is designed to address the evolving demands of the military and transportation sectors for unmanned aircraft for a shipborne UAS platform, including:

• The ability to operate successfully without a runway, such as in maritime environments;
• Seamless performance in locations without secure runway availability, such as at shrinking land bases in contested areas;
• Significant reduction of the logistical footprint while retaining the superior operational performance by combining the vertical lift capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft; and
• The capacity to control the battle space effectively with 24-hr intelligence provided by unmatched long-endurance persistent expeditionary and surveillance capability;

• A sea-based platform that can be sized for compatibility with DDG guided-missile destroyers' shipboard applications;
• Single-engine tiltrotor unmanned aerial system;
• 24-hr persistent ISR with a two-aircraft system;
• Speed: 250 knots cruise speed, 180 knots endurance speed, >300 knots at maximum continuous power;
• Combat range: 450 nautical miles mission radius;
• Time on station: 11 hr
• Size: 16,000 lb empty weight / 29,500 lb max gross weight; 65-ft wing span; 30-ft rotor diameter;
• As it sits on the deck, the V-247 Vigilant can hold a combination of fuel, armament, and sensors, up to 13,000 lb;
• Blade Fold Wing Stow makes V-247 Vigilant DDG hangar compatible;
• Expeditionary capability with small logistical footprint;
• Open architecture and interfaces;
• Air-to-air refueling;
• Modular payload system to provide maximum flexibility;
• Power distribution system to provide maximum mission capability;
• Redundant flight control system;
• Electro Optical System and Targeting System.

On the manned side
The Bell Helicopter V-280 "Valor" tiltrotor mock-up is aimed at providing speed, range, payload, agility, survivability, and endurance at an affordable cost. It converts vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability into a tactical, operational, and strategic advantage for the warfighter. The revolutionary aircraft capitalizes on the more than 325,000 V-22 fleet flight hours, and leverages Bell Helicopter's decades of tiltrotor experience. The first flight of the V-280 Valor is scheduled for the second half of 2017.

Bell Helicopter V-280 Valor manned tiltrotor followed by its V-247 Vigilant unmanned aerial system.

 

 

Its main selling point is: Twice the speed, twice the range of current helicopters.

The design supports ground maneuver and is purpose built for the squad plus enablers. It features integrated cabin armor, fly-by-wire component redundancy, and state-of-the-art countermeasures and performance. Bell Helicopter's design to build technology used on the V-280 Valor significantly enhances manufacturing, assembly, and sustainability, while greatly reducing the total cost of ownership. Team Valor's mission equipment package enables enroute situational understanding through digitally fused reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, and friendly force information. Airborne battle boards bring fused data and mission updates to the cabin for real-time tracking.

Valor specs
SPEED

• Speed: 280 KTAS

• Combat Range: 500-800nm
• Strategically Self-Deployable: 2100+nm Range

• Troop Capacity: Crew of 4 and 14 troops
• Useful Load: 12,000+ lb

• Situational Awareness: Enhanced situational awareness and sensing technologies
• Flight Control System: Triple redundant fly-by-wire
• Hover Out of Ground Effect (HOGE): Achieves 6k/95F
• Ingress/Egress: Two 6-ft-wide large side doors for ease of rapid ingress/egress
• Landing Gear: Conventional, retractable landing gear. 12-degree slope landings
• More MEDEVAC options during the golden hour
• Pilotage Distributed Aperture Sensor (Degraded Visual Environment enabler)

Source: Bell Helicopter

Published February 2017

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