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April 02, 2024Volume 20 Issue 13


Image - The retaining ring changing product design <br>for the better
The retaining ring changing product design
for the better

Smalley's industry-leading Spirolox® Retaining Rings feature a gapless design with 360° of retaining surface. Unlike other rings, Spirolox has no protruding ears to interfere with mating components in your assembly! The highly versatile Spirolox rings are also groove-interchangeable with circlips, meaning they can replace circlips without any design changes! Are you ready to try the Smalley Advantage?
Request your free product samples on our website!

In this issue of Designfax

  • Navy tech: Automating aircraft ship landings
  • Top Product: E-Z LOK threaded inserts for plastics
  • First functional graphene semiconductor created
  • Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: Built for adventure
  • Why hybrid bearings are becoming new industry standard
  • Next-gen warehouse automation
  • Webinar April 18: Optimize motion profiles for speed and time
  • 3M and Ansys train engineers on simulating adhesives
  • Innovative DuoDrive is UL/CSA certified
  • New FATH T-slotted rail components in black
  • Sensor detects objects up to 6 ft away
  • Weird stuff: Moon dust simulant for 3D printing
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • How to design a spoon: SOLIDWORKS xShape
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • All-new 2025 Infiniti QX80: Wow, what a ride
    • Wireless EV charging as fast as wired chargers
    • Spring actuator redefines motor efficiency
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT

News

Cerebras Systems unveils world's fastest AI chip -- has 4 trillion transistors

DOD looks to establish 'mine-to-magnet' supply chain -- one F-35 fighter jet requires 900 lb of rare earth materials

New method rapidly verifies that a robot will avoid collisions

Purdue thermal imaging innovation allows AI to see through pitch darkness like broad daylight



Feature articles

Image - Navy tech: Automating aircraft ship landings at rough seas
Navy tech: Automating aircraft ship landings at rough seas
Landing a helicopter on a ship's flight deck is one of the most challenging and complex maneuvers demanded of a Navy pilot. The U.S. Navy is pursuing a solution capable of adapting to these difficult conditions with the help of Texas A&M University researchers by combining an optimal aircraft design with a robust machine learning algorithm.
Read the full article.

Image - Top Product: E-Z LOK threaded press-in inserts <br>for plastics
Top Product: E-Z LOK threaded press-in inserts
for plastics

E-Z Press™ threaded inserts from E-Z LOK are specifically designed to cater to the unique properties of thermoset plastics or thermoplastics, ensuring seamless integration without compromising the material's integrity. By incorporating these press-fit inserts, your projects that use plastic can achieve higher quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Read the full article.

Image - First functional graphene semiconductor created
First functional graphene semiconductor created
Researchers at Georgia Tech have created the world's first functional semiconductor made from graphene, a single sheet of carbon atoms held together by the strongest bonds known. With at least one critical property that is 10x better than silicon, graphene could cause a paradigm shift in electronics.
Read the full article.

Image - Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: Built for adventure
Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: Built for adventure
Sometimes you need a little modern retro mashup to get the job done and have some fun, like the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT and its nod to the El Camino era. The enhanced sport adventure vehicle made its debut at the New York International Auto Show last week, boasting two powerful, flexible, and efficient powertrains; available HTRAC AWD; and a more aggressive front design for a wider stance.
Read the full article.

Image - Why hybrid bearings are becoming the new industry standard
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.

Image - Next-gen warehouse automation: Siemens, Universal Robots, and Zivid partner up
Next-gen warehouse automation: Siemens, Universal Robots, and Zivid partner up
Universal Robots, Siemens, and Zivid have created a new solution combining UR's cobot arms with Siemens' SIMATIC Robot Pick AI software and Zivid's 3D sensors to create a deep-learning picking solution for warehouse automation and intra-logistics fulfillment. It works regardless of object shape, size, opacity, or transparency and is a significant leap in solving the complex challenges faced by the logistics and e-commerce sectors.
Read the full article.

Image - Webinar April 18: Optimize motion profiles for speed and time
Webinar April 18: Optimize motion profiles for speed and time
Optimized motion profiles are essential for the reliability and productivity of your machine. However, the most commonly used profiles don't always provide the desired results. Avoid extensive trial and error! Learn the simple, predictable adjustments you can make to fine-tune motion during this presentation by Hurley Gill, senior application engineer, Kollmorgen, on April 18, 2024, at 11am ET/5pm CEST. You can also sign up to receive a link to the recorded webinar.
Learn more.

Image - 3M and Ansys train engineers on simulating adhesives
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.

Image - Innovative DuoDrive gear and motor unit is UL/CSA certified
Innovative DuoDrive gear and motor unit is UL/CSA certified
The DuoDrive integrated gear unit and motor from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS is a compact, high-efficiency solution engineered for users in the fields of intralogistics, pharmaceutical, and the food and beverage industries. This drive combines a IE5+ synchronous motor and single-stage helical gear unit into one compact housing with a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. It has a system efficiency up to 92% and is available in two case sizes with a power range of 0.5 to 4.0 hp.
Learn more.

Image - New FATH T-slotted rail components in black from AutomationDirect
New FATH T-slotted rail components in black from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect 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.

Image - Sensor detects objects up to 6 ft away: Small housing, big operating range
Sensor detects objects up to 6 ft away: Small housing, big operating range
Thanks to TOF technology, the new ODT3CL1-2M compact laser diffuse sensor with background suppression from Leuze achieves an operating range up to 2 m. This 2-in-1 sensor detects the presence of objects and transmits measurement values via IO-Link at the same time. It is suitable for many applications in intralogistics where long distances need to be bridged: automated guided vehicles for monitoring the position of goods, controlling robot grippers, or quality control.
Learn more.

Image - Weird stuff: Moon dust simulant for 3D printing
Weird stuff: Moon dust simulant for 3D printing
Crafted from a lunar regolith simulant, Basalt Moon Dust Filametâ„¢ (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.

Most popular last issue

Image - All-new 2025 Infiniti QX80: Wow, what a ride
All-new 2025 Infiniti QX80: Wow, what a ride
If you are in the market for a three-row, ultra-premium ride, look no further. The all-new Infiniti QX80 has all your needs covered and then some. From its solid 450-hp twin-turbo engine to its electronic air suspension, world-first camera views, and every-seat-a-first-class-experience interior, this flagship SUV will get you to your destination safely in high spirits and high style.
Read the full article.

Image - Wireless EV charging rates now comparable to wired fast chargers
Wireless EV charging rates now comparable to wired fast chargers
A team of researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory recently demonstrated that a light-duty passenger electric vehicle can be wirelessly charged at 100-kW with 96% efficiency -- comparable to conventional, wired high-power fast chargers.
Read the full article.

Image - Spring-assisted actuator created at Stanford redefines electric motor efficiency
Spring-assisted actuator created at Stanford redefines electric motor efficiency
Researchers have invented a way to augment electric motors to make them much more efficient at performing dynamic movements through a new type of actuator. It uses springs and clutches to accomplish a variety of tasks with a fraction of the energy usage of a typical electric motor.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
How to design a spoon with subdivision modeling: SOLIDWORKS xShape
Learn how to design a spoon with SOLIDWORKS xShape, which is found in 3D Sculptor on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. xShape is a next-gen subdivision modeling tool that runs entirely in your browser and takes a freeform approach to creating complex shapes and surfaces. You can design 100% in the cloud or seamlessly integrate your xShape models with your SOLIDWORKS designs. Follow along with this 7-minute tutorial to see what it's all about.
View the video.

New products

Electrical/Electronics
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Mechanical
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Motion
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