| August 10, 2021 | Volume 17 Issue 30 |
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 | LM Guide Actuator with Right/Left Ball Screw for Symmetrical Movement
THK's innovative Type KR-RL Actuator features a driving element that uses right/left threads and enables symmetrical movements with a single motor. Two drive systems are combined into a single package, resulting in a compact overall design. This electric actuator outperforms pneumatic versions by offering precise force control, speed control, a longer life, and energy savings. Applications include gripping, measuring, and positioning for robot hands, screw-tightening machines, cutting equipment, and dispensers.
Learn more. |
 | Audi bringing electric propulsion to grueling Dakar Rally race
The Audi quattro revolutionized rallying in 1981, and today permanent four-wheel drive is a standard automotive feature -- and not only for rally cars. Now Audi Sport engineering is at it again. This time, they have created a far-out, high-tech test laboratory in the form of the Audi RS Q e-tron, a specially designed racer with the first electrified drivetrain to compete against conventionally powered competitors at the Dakar, the world's toughest rally race.
Read the full article. |
 | Top Tech Tip: 6 plastic product design principles
The rapid development of modern 3D CAD systems has facilitated a move to more organic forms and ever-increasing geometry complexity. Just think about the change in design from the conventional box-shaped vacuum cleaner to the modern Dyson. This article focuses on design fundamentals like wall thickness, rib designs, and draft angles and the impact they have when it comes to complexity vs. manufacturability.
Read the full article. |
 | Universal Robots takes ActiNav next-gen machine loading on tour
Universal Robots, the leading manufacturer of collaborative robots, is hitting the road this summer showcasing its new ActiNav solution for flexible machine loading at live events hosted by partners across the United States. The company is also challenging potential customers to bring their own parts to be picked to see how easy the system setup is and how flexibly and accurately ActiNav operates overall. Find out about the demo happening nearest to you.
Read the full article. |
 | Conserve precious liquids in non-pressurized systems with Siphon Fed No Drip Nozzle
EXAIR's new 1/8 NPT No Drip Siphon Fed Air Atomizing Spray Nozzles provide consistent and even flow of non-pressurized liquid for applications like marking, lubricating, rinsing, cooling, quenching, wetting (moistening), dust control, and humidification. The intelligent design of this Siphon Fed spray nozzle allows for the absence of liquid pressure and, in turn, uses gravity fed liquids or lifted liquids from a siphon height of 36 in. (91 cm) with the added benefit of positively stopping liquid flow when compressed air is shut off. Available in round and flat fan liquid patterns.
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 | Xometry launches instant quoting for binder jet 3D printing of metals
Xometry, a leading AI-enabled marketplace for on-demand manufacturing, has just announced the availability of instant quoting on metal binder jetting in its Instant Quoting Engine. The parts will be made through Xometry's partner ExOne, an industry-leading metal 3D-printing company. Metal binder jetting is a 3D-printing technology used to make complex metal parts with excellent mechanical properties. Machines bond layers of metal powder together with a binding agent before final sintering in a furnace. It can produce metal parts at a fraction of the cost of other methods with virtually no design limitations.
Learn all about this exciting 3D-printing tech. |
 | Mini shock absorbers: High energy damping in tight spaces
ACE Controls' MC75 Miniature Shock Absorbers (length of 2.77 in.) can provide high energy damping in tight installation spaces in industrial manufacturing, material handling, packaging, medical, electronics, and robotics applications. They are perfect for decelerating loads quickly and without recoil in machines, among other uses. They include a robust construction and one-piece outer body filled with temperature-stable oil. They're also self-compensating, so they react to changing energy conditions without adjustment.
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 | New backlash-free threaded nut for external linear actuators
Nanotec now offers radially pre-loaded threaded nuts for its external linear actuators with flange size 42 mm (NEMA 17). These backlash-free nuts automatically readjust themselves during operation and achieve high positioning accuracy and repeatability. Compared to simple, axially pre-loaded nuts, they are characterized by a lower frictional torque and higher efficiency. The nuts are currently offered in combination with the linear actuators of the LSA42 series from Nanotec. These actuators are available in many lengths and thread leads. They come with ACME or trapezoidal thread and facilitate the construction of space-saving linear axes.
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 | Good Reads: The Space Station did a backflip
On July 29, following the docking of the Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module named Nauka to the International Space Station, the module's thrusters unexpectedly misfired, which caused the station to move out of orientation. Apparently, a lot more happened than was first reported. [Image credit: NASA]
Read the full Space.com article. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | New James Bond Aston Martin supercar becomes 217-mph hybrid V8 for real-world sales
The newest James Bond movie, "No Time To Die," will feature four different Aston Martin models, including an ultra-cool supercar concept called the Valhalla that will make it to production in 2023. The real-world hybrid Valhalla will have just a little less oomph -- boasting 937 hp that comes from a twin turbo V8 ICE and twin e-motors -- than the on-screen configuration and some stylistic changes, but luckily it will have just as much swagger.
Read the full article. |
 | Scientists developing inhalable COVID-19 vaccine spray
Scientists at Rice University are part of an effort to develop an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine. The project, led by scientists at Rutgers University and Rice and Northeastern University, has produced two vaccine strategies. Both are scalable and adaptable and can be transported and stored at room temperature.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Ice Blast cleans and deburs parts
When you mix an IceStorm machine from Coulson Ice Blast with a KUKA articulated robot, you get a neat and efficient system that carries out cleaning, deburring, and deflashing of metal parts automatically -- using real ice (the same type of ice cubes you can put in your drink). The combination of pressurized air and wet ice in the blast stream allows for a non-toxic and non-abrasive process. There is a dry ice option too. Many more applications.
View the video.
Learn all the things this system can do. |
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