Click this link if you cannot read the issue below: Designfax - Tech for OEM Design Engineers
September 25, 2012Volume 08 Issue 36


Image - New Line of Phillips Pan Machine Screws
New Line of Phillips Pan Machine Screws
Micro Plastics has added a new line to their inventory of 250 million parts! The Phillips Pan Machine Screws are molded in tough, resilient, and corrosion-resistant Nylon 6/6 material. Thread sizes included are: 4-40, 6-32, 8-32, 10-32, 1/4-20 and 1/4-28. Available in 25 standard lengths ranging from 3/32 in. up to 3 in., Micro Plastics also offers an extensive line of machine screws, including head styles such as Binder, Binder Combination, Fillister, Hex, Pan, Round, Socket, Flat, Oval, and Thumb Screws, as well as Studs, Grubs, and Flat Head Wing Screws.
Click here for more information.

In this issue of Designfax

  • Shell optimizes lubricants using COMSOL
  • Ins and outs of slewing ring bearing tech
  • Microthrusters propel small satellites
  • Wheels: Evaporator keeps cabin cool during idle stop
  • Mike Likes: Servos replace pneumatic cylinders
  • Engineer's Toolbox: Marines test robotic pack mule
  • Wireless industrial pushbutton controller
  • Rotary clamping latches tightly seal doors
  • Premium graphite commutated motors
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • Bacteria-resistant polymer
    • NASA's next rover has 3D-printed parts
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • Climbing foot made with laser sintering
    • Wheels: Car horns get capacitive touch
    • Self-charging power cell developed
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: MIT satellite microthrusters [Photo: M. Scott Brauer]

News

TI introduces microcontrollers and power supply packages for safety-critical applications

Far-out space struts: NASA awards orbiting 3D printer concept $100K for development

Integrated brake control system for cars gains heightened customer interest

NRL researchers use unmanned aircraft to probe hurricane outflow jets



Image - Free Gates Power Transmission Drive Design Software
Free Gates Power Transmission Drive Design Software
Gates offers a broad range of design products for both basic and complex power transmission drives. Design a two-point drive from scratch, or modify an existing drive integrating Gates technology, with free Design Flex® Pro™ software. For multi-point drives try Design IQ®. All Gates tools are backed by product application engineers available to collaborate on unique design solutions.

For more information, visit http://gates.com/ptdesign.


Feature articles
Shell optimizes lubricants using COMSOL
Shell is using simulation to find and optimize the right lubricants in complex friction problems.
Read the full article.

Image - Let it slide: The ins and outs of slewing ring bearing technology
Let it slide: The ins and outs of slewing ring bearing technology
If you're wondering about the load capacity, speed and rotation, vibration absorption, temperature, and price of sliding slewing ring bearings, look no further. These low-cost replacements for expensive roller bearings may be just the ticket for your latest mechanical challenge.
Read the full article.
MIT-developed microthrusters could propel small satellites
A penny-size rocket thruster may soon power the smallest satellites in space. The device, which runs on jets of ion beams, bears little resemblance to today's bulky satellite engines, which are laden with valves, pipes, and heavy propellant tanks.
Read the full article.
Wheels:
Cold storage evaporator limits rise in cabin temp during idle stop

DENSO Corporation has developed a Cold Storage (CS) Evaporator that limits the increase in vehicle cabin temperature during an idle stop when stop/start technology is employed.
Read the full article.

Image - Mike Likes: <br>Replace pneumatic cylinders with servo actuators
Mike Likes:
Replace pneumatic cylinders with servo actuators

SKF CASM Series servo actuators are ideal electromechanical solutions for applications historically performed by conventional pneumatic cylinders. This technology, in comparison, inherently reduces energy consumption, potential contamination, noise, and maintenance, while eliminating the need for constantly running compressors, hoses, and other components associated with pneumatic cylinders. All three modular models (CASM-32, CASM-40, and CASM-63) have been designed to fit standard industry footprints of pneumatic cylinders and can easily facilitate system conversion. Motor adapter kits enable users to connect the motor package of their choice and easily program motor profiles. Load capacities range from 300 N to 5,400 N, stroke lengths range from 50 mm to 800 mm, and speeds from 60 mm/s to 1,060 mm/s can be achieved.
Click here to learn more.
Engineer's Toolbox:
Marines test robotic pack mule in Virginia; BigDog grows up

DARPA demonstrated a robotic prototype of the Legged Squad Support System (LS3) in Virginia Sept. 10. This unit is the latest iteration of Boston Dynamics' famed BigDog robot.
Read the full article.

Image - Wireless industrial pushbutton controller
Wireless industrial pushbutton controller
Honeywell's Limitless Wireless Operator Interface is a controller designed to wirelessly turn on and off equipment (pumps, motors, drives, conveyors, and other industrial equipment), open or close gates/doors, or provide notification to remote locations. This unit, which provides up to a 1,000-ft line-of-sight communication range, can be used in rugged industrial environments to notify appropriate departments when there are quality, machine, material out-of-stock, or other manufacturing issues. Limitless receivers provide PLC inputs or relay outputs connected directly to equipment. Advanced power management technology prolongs battery life.
Click here to learn more.

Image - Rotary clamping latches tightly seal doors
Rotary clamping latches tightly seal doors
GN 516 Rotary Clamping Latches from J.W. Winco have a closing mechanism that transfers the rotary movement of the operating element (key) into a 90-degree turn and then into a 6-mm linear stroke. This mechanism is designed for common applications such as making a tight and vibration-proof interlock in the end position (retaining position) in connection with an elastic element (door/casing seal). The lock housing is zinc die-cast, and the locating ring is zinc die-cast and plastic coated with a black textured finish. The latch is zinc-plated, blue passivated steel. Seven types of operating elements are offered. This component is offered in metric sizes.
Click here to learn more.

Image - Premium graphite commutated motors
Premium graphite commutated motors
MICROMO's range of brushed motors has expanded with the addition of two new graphite commutated motors. The CXR series motors feature premium materials. The new drives offer the benefits of a high power density with dynamic 4- or 8-mNm continuous output torque and an extremely flat gradient of the n/M curve. Featuring compact dimensions of 13- or 17-mm diameter and a length of 36 or 41 mm, as well as a large operating temperature range of -30 to 100 degrees C, the 1336 and 1741 are suitable for a wide range of applications. Both motor variants can optionally be combined with two-channel encoders and a compatible range of precision gearheads. Speed control or positioning tasks are managed either by the FAULHABER Speed Controller SC 1801 or the Motion Controller MCDC 3002.
Click here to learn more.

Most popular last issue
If the climbing shoe doesn't fit, design a new foot
Using EOS direct metal laser sintering, Morris Technologies shows how extreme customization can team up with extreme sports so that climber C.J. Howard can scale new heights with his one-of-a-kind titanium prosthetic foot.
Read the full article.
Wheels:
Car horns go the capacitive-touch route; fewer components required

New car owners of the near future might yell, "What the beep?!" when they try to pound their horns.
Read the full article.
Self-charging power cell converts and stores energy in a single unit
Georgia Tech researchers have developed a self-charging power cell that directly converts mechanical energy to chemical energy, storing the power until it is released as electrical current. The advance could have military applications for troops who might one day recharge battery-powered equipment as they walk.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
Polymer that resists bacterial attachment discovered
U.K. scientists at the University of Nottingham have discovered a new class of polymers that are resistant to bacterial attachment. The development could lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections and medical device failures.
View the video.

Video Image
NASA's next rover is chock full of 3D-printed parts
NASA engineers are using 3D printing to build a next-generation, two-person rover to support humans exploring other worlds, such as asteroids and Mars. Designers of the galactic SUV used fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology from Stratasys to create one-off, working prototype parts quickly and efficiently.
View the video.

Video Image

New products

Electrical/Electronics
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Mechanical
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Motion
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