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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.

Researchers get NASA grant to scope out plasma-jet printing for in-space manufacturing

A team of researchers led by College of Engineering assistant professor Harish Subbaraman at Boise State University has been selected to receive a NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) three-year grant of more than $700,000. With this grant, the team will explore the challenges and opportunities of plasma-jet printing for NASA's emerging In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) program.

"The ability to manufacture custom or replacement sensors, components, circuits, and systems from materials and resources available in space will greatly reduce resupply mission costs," said Subbaraman. "ISM is expected to be an enabling capability for NASA's space and interplanetary exploration missions, such as the lunar mission and eventual human expeditions to Mars and other surfaces."

Harish Subbaraman (left), with Jim Browning, Ken Cornell, David Estrada, and Nirmala Kandadai, poses with a plasma printer in a Boise State lab. [Credit: photo Patrick Sweeney]

 

 

Currently, items that have to be resupplied during in-space missions are sent up as cargo shipments from Earth. However, as missions become more complex and often occur farther and farther from Earth, the need to be able to create necessary materials and components in space is growing. But how would it be possible to create such specialized items in space, in zero gravity?

Enter plasma-jet printing.

Often called the fourth element, plasma is an ionized gas with a wealth of potential uses. One example of an existing function for plasma-jet technology is wound treatment. Team member Ken Cornell, an associate professor of biochemistry, likens the process to using a tiny sand blaster to clear away microbial biofilms on wounds.

The impressive range of possibilities afforded by plasma-jet printing means the technology may also lend itself to purposes beyond manufacturing, such as in-space surface sterilization, decontamination, food treatment, and more. Boise State's research team intends to make the most of these opportunities in their design.

"It's about developing a truly multi-purpose additive printer for the International Space Station that will let astronauts manufacture equipment and replacement parts, sterilize scientific equipment, and clean food-preparation and other areas to reduce potential infection -- all without gravity. It reminds me of an old Saturday Night Live episode about a handy product -- it's a floor cleaner AND a dessert topping," said Karen Marker, a grant proposal strategist and writer in the College of Engineering.

The team is comprised of science investigator Subbaraman and co-investigators David Estrada, an associate professor in the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering; Jim Browning, an associate professor and chair of the electrical and computer engineering department; Ken Cornell, an associate professor of biochemistry; and Nirmala Kandadai, an assistant professor in electrical and computer engineering. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Space Foundry and a group of researchers led by Meyya Meyyappan at the NASA Ames Research Center.

To make this incredible technology a reality, first the NASA EPSCoR grant will enable the team to begin tackling big questions and further develop existing technology to ascertain the feasibility of plasma-jet application in space.

Subbaraman sums up the team's goals in the following three points:

1. "Gaining a robust understanding of the fundamental science behind the working mechanism of the plasma-jet system through modeling and systematic experiments and making refinements to optimize performance;
2. Investigating its practical cross-cutting applications;
3. Improving our understanding of the behavior of the technology in a multidirectional operating setting."

Source: Boise State University

Published September 2019

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