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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.

Is bio-based better? NASA helps test new engine oils

Scott Rogers pours a new bio-based synthetic engine oil into one of the vehicles that Armstrong is using to assist in the performance testing of the new product. [Credits: NASA Photo/Ken Ulbrich]

 

 

By Jay Levine, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center

NASA is assisting with performance testing and validating of three new bio-based engine oils that developers say could lead to better gas mileage, longer oil-change intervals, and reduced emissions.

Four vehicles and soon five at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California are using the new engine lubricant. The U.S. Department of Defense Bio-based Motor Oil Demonstration Program focuses on these new oils that are a blend of conventional synthetic oils with 25 to 40 percent bio-based material, such as domestically produced soybean and canola oils and animal fat.

"All three bio-based motor oils used in the demonstration have American Petroleum Institute certification for use in gasoline engines," said Andy Shaban of the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency and a coordinator for the lubricant oil tests. "Using the oil does not require engine modifications and is expected to be comparable in cost to fully synthetic petroleum engine oil."

Shaban explained the bio-based synthetic oils are being demonstrated to validate their performance and to determine when, based on vehicle miles driven or idle time, the bio-based engine oils need to be changed based on laboratory test results.

Vehicles at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Langley Research Center in Virginia, Johnson Space Center's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, and other government agencies across the country also are part of the pilot project expected to conclude in 2019, he said. Project participants were chosen to represent the diversity of climate regions and are for use in non-tactical federal vehicles.

The demonstration vehicles' use of the engine lubricants and laboratory analysis will provide information that will help evaluate current oil performance and determine oil-change intervals. Of the three participating oil companies, one has its oil commercially available. The other two bio-based lubricants are in pilot production, and products are expected to be available commercially soon, Shaban said.

Before new bio-based synthetic oils were added to Armstrong vehicles, the old oil was drained and sent to a lab for analysis to compare to the new lubricant. [Credits: NASA Photo/Ken Ulbrich]

 

 

At Armstrong, as at other federal facilities, the engine oil was drained in test vehicles and analyzed at a lab to develop a baseline of comparison to the synthetic lubricant, said Jason Denman, auto shop lead at Armstrong for Kay and Associates Inc. The new oil, which has a clear, gold tint like traditional engine oils, was poured in the engines.

Every six months, samples will be collected with a tube inserted in the dipstick opening for a sample of about half a pint, Denman said. It will be analyzed for metal flakes and particulates, carbon content, and breakdown of the additives that will give researchers the clues as to how long the oil will last in actual use and engine wear.

Denman said he is enjoying helping on the research side of the center.

"I like being part of something that could be the new standard," he said. "Anything that can help the environment and what we leave behind is a benefit."

DOD used 1.1 million gallons of four-cycle engine oil annually in 180,000 vehicles, Shaban said. The entire federal government, including the military services, civilian agencies, and the U.S. Postal Service, maintains 633,000 vehicles.

The DLA also is coordinating on the project with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment in Washington, D.C., and the Air Force Research Laboratory, Advanced Power Technology Office in Ohio.

Published May 2018

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