Click this link if you cannot read the issue below: Designfax - Tech for OEM Design Engineers
January 30, 2024Volume 20 Issue 04


Image - SPIROL Introduces New Precision Machined Compression Limiters to Protect Plastic Assemblies
SPIROL Introduces New Precision Machined Compression Limiters to Protect Plastic Assemblies
SPIROL's new Series CL6000 Aluminum Precision Machined Compression Limiters have enhanced control of critical features and better GD&T that makes them ideal for highly automated or molded-in assembly processes. For post-mold installation, the superior knurl formation results in more robust retention. This lightweight, lead-free aluminum Limiter is available in symmetrical and headed configurations in a wide range of sizes. For applications that require a galvanic alternative to aluminum, the CL8000 Brass Compression Limiters are also available.
Read the New Product Release
Check out SPIROL's Complete Compression Limiter Offering
View Compression Limiter Installation Equipment

In this issue of Designfax

  • 3 years, 72 fights: NASA's Mars copter mission ends
  • Can golf ball dimple tech help rockets fly better?
  • Rapid 3D printing with liquid metal demonstrated
  • Porsche Macan gets an all-electric option for 2024
  • Top Tech Tip: Servo drive or motion controller?
  • Experts answer retaining rings and springs Qs
  • Retaining magnets from JW Winco: Universal and clever
  • Rotating-nut stepper motor linear actuator with rotary encoder
  • LED light bars from AutomationDirect
  • 3D print tool steel with the ease of a plastic
  • New from Ruland: Inch-to-metric rigid couplings
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • Aftermarket brake pads: The sketchy truth
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • U.S. Army gets world's largest metal 3D printer
    • Nuclear battery powers devices for 50 years
    • Self-eating rocket engine burns itself for fuel
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: Porsche Macan EV 2024

News

Helical portable antenna could help restore communication after disasters

Mine mission: Marine Corps looks to boost mine countermeasure capabilities

Tires with snow chains built in created by Hyundai and Kia

Infection-resistant, 3D‑printed metals developed for medical implants



Feature articles

Image - After 3 years and 72 fights, NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter mission ends
After 3 years and 72 fights, NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter mission ends
Built with many off-the-shelf components, such as smartphone processors and cameras, NASA's experimental Mars Ingenuity Helicopter was designed as a technology demonstration that would fly no more than five times on the Red Planet. The 4-lb rotorcraft far exceeded expectations until an incident earlier this month.
Read the full article.

Image - Can golf ball dimple tech help rockets fly better?
Can golf ball dimple tech help rockets fly better?
Cutting-edge research at Sandia National Laboratories is forging a rocket revolution and propelling the future of aerospace by infusing rocket science with a touch of golf ball magic. It could benefit everything from race cars to wind turbines too.
Read the full article.

Image - Rapid 3D printing with liquid metal demonstrated by MIT
Rapid 3D printing with liquid metal demonstrated by MIT
MIT researchers have developed an additive manufacturing technique that can print fast with liquid metal, producing large-scale parts like table legs and chair frames in a matter of minutes.
Read the full article.

Image - Porsche Macan gets a new-model, all-electric option for 2024
Porsche Macan gets a new-model, all-electric option for 2024
Porsche's top-selling model, the Macan, will be available as an all-electric vehicle for 2024. It's an all-new compact SUV design that rides on a special new EV platform shared by Porsche and Audi. It will include a 630-hp dual-motor trim that will do 0 to 60 in 3.1 sec. What's happening to the gasoline model?
Read the full article.

Image - Top Tech Tip: Servo drive or motion controller? What's the difference?
Top Tech Tip: Servo drive or motion controller? What's the difference?
In the world of automation, there can be a fine line between what is considered a motion controller and a basic servo drive. According to motion experts at Kollmorgen, it's critical to understand the functionality and intelligence of each device since, in many applications, both a motion controller and a servo drive are required to complete the system.
Read this informative Kollmorgen blog.

Image - Experts answer questions about retaining rings and wave springs
Experts answer questions about retaining rings and wave springs
Every year, hundreds of technical questions are submitted through Smalley's "Ask the Expert" page. The company's team of engineers answers the questions directly, but they also post them in a blog for sharing. This selection addresses many commonly asked questions about retaining rings and wave springs. Very useful info.
Read the full article.

Image - Retaining magnets from JW Winco: Universal and clever
Retaining magnets from JW Winco: Universal and clever
JW Winco has expanded its magnet line to support more applications with new materials, shapes, systems, and even raw magnets. Learn about their latest offerings, including retaining magnets designed for corrosive environments (GN 50.8), encapsulated magnets designed for sensitive or painted surfaces (GN 51.8), handle magnets (GN 53.3), and powerful magnets designed to handle challenging environs (GN 52.6).
Learn more.

Image - Rotating-nut stepper motor linear actuator with rotary encoder
Rotating-nut stepper motor linear actuator with rotary encoder
Thomson Industries now has available a rotating-nut stepper motor linear actuator (SMLA) with a rotary encoder as a standard option. Machine designers with applications requiring positional feedback can now specify the full line of SMLAs integrated with this enhancement. Thomson SMLAs use a stepper motor and lead screw shaft to translate rotary motion to linear motion for all three configurations: linear actuator, rotating screw, and rotating nut. Previously, designers requiring positional monitoring on either the actuator or rotating screw configurations had to request a custom encoder assembly.
Learn more.

Image - LED light bars from AutomationDirect
LED light bars from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect adds CCEA TRACKALPHA-PRO series LED light bars to expand their offering of industrial LED fixtures. Their rugged industrial-grade anodized aluminum construction makes TRACKALPHA-PRO ideal for use with medium to large-size industrial machine tools and for use in wet environments. These 120 VAC-rated, high-power LED lights provide intense, uniform lighting, with up to a 4,600-lumen output (100 lumens per watt). They come with a standard bracket mount that allows for angle adjustments. Optional TACLIP mounts (sold separately) provide for extra sturdy, vibration-resistant installations.
Learn more.

Image - 3D print tool steel with the ease of a plastic
3D print tool steel with the ease of a plastic
The Virtual Foundry, a pioneer in advanced 3D-printing materials, is excited to announce the launch of their latest innovation: M300 Tool Steel Filamet™ (not a typo). This material answers the demand for FFF 3D-printable Tool Steel, delivering unparalleled strength and versatility. What sets this material apart is its seamless compatibility with various 3D printers, including Creality, Bambu Lab, Ultimaker, and more. The filament prints effortlessly, resembling the ease of working with PLA (plastic).
Learn more.

Image - New from Ruland: Inch-to-metric rigid couplings
New from Ruland: Inch-to-metric rigid couplings
Ruland Manufacturing now offers rigid couplings with inch-to-metric bores as a standard product, giving users a wider range of off-the-shelf couplings. This expansion is the latest addition to the company's inch-to-metric, standard coupling product line that includes seven types of motion-control couplings and universal joints. Instead of re-machining or ordering custom-made couplings, using off-the-shelf, inch-to-metric rigid couplings saves time and money.
Learn more.

Most popular last issue

Image - U.S. Army gets world's largest metal 3D printer
U.S. Army gets world's largest metal 3D printer
The U.S. Army's new Jointless Hull machine (made with the aim of 3D printing a tank hull in one piece) is the world's largest additive and subtractive manufacturing apparatus. It 3D prints parts up to 30 ft long that are forging-level quality using a new technology called additive friction stir deposition.
Read the full article.

Image - Nuclear battery claimed to power small devices for 50 years without charging
Nuclear battery claimed to power small devices for 50 years without charging
A Chinese company claims that its miniature atomic energy batteries can generate electricity stably and autonomously for 50 years without the need for charging or maintenance. An atomic energy battery could one day power cell phones that never need charging, and the battery will not catch fire or explode.
Read the full article.

Image - Self-eating rocket engine burns itself for extra fuel
Self-eating rocket engine burns itself for extra fuel
University of Glasgow engineers in Scotland have built and fired the first unsupported "autophage" rocket engine that consumes parts of its own body for fuel. The design concept was first patented nearly 100 years ago but never successfully built.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
Aftermarket brake pads: The sketchy truth
Engineering Explained's Jason Fenske takes a deep dive into aftermarket brake pad design, materials, and construction in a bid to educate consumers about good and not-so-good buying options out there -- and why there are major differences. You can always learn something from a Fenske video -- and you might be a little surprised along the way.
View the video.

New products

Electrical/Electronics
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Mechanical
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Motion
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