Click this link if you cannot read the issue below: Designfax - Tech for OEM Design Engineers
May 24, 2016Volume 12 Issue 20


Image - Smartest, toughest cable tie out there
Smartest, toughest cable tie out there
The DualZip cable tie from Micro Plastics combines the functionality of both a releasable and a permanent tie in one part. The permanent lock is so strong that, under normal circumstances, the part will fail with the strap breaking before there is slippage within the lock. The releasable lock can be ratcheted and released many times and will continue to reliably lock. With this design, the teeth are on the outside of the bundle diameter, making it easy to release, and the release tab is located up and away from the bundle for easy access every time. The DualZip Cable Tie is available in 8-in. length. Free samples available on request.

Click here to learn more.


In this issue of Designfax

  • National Lab: 3D-printed foam is better
  • How surface-mount fasteners carry the day
  • New world record set in solar cell efficiency
  • Wheels: Carbon-fiber wheels on Ford GT supercar
  • Mike Likes: High-res 3D scanner for reverse engineering
  • Engineer's Toolbox: Stainless steel pressure sensors
  • 3D Printing: Selecting the right material for 3D printing
  • Tech Talk: The 2:1 rule for fixed/floating linear bearings
  • Joining: Aluminum welding guide
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • 5 fun, easy Raspberry Pi project ideas
    • Yamaha shows motorcycle-riding humanoid robot
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • Army experiments with 'unlimited magazine'
    • Chairless exoskeleton solves long-standing problem
    • Wi-Fi at 10,000 times lower power
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: Ford GT supercar has optional carbon-fiber wheels

News

Engineers use simple process to fabricate fastest flexible silicon transistor ever

Can your rooftop handle solar panels? Sandia tests say 'probably so'

Argonne diamond-like coating shows surprising potential to improve actuator, bearing, and gear reliability in wind power

Engineer develops 'leap forward' for 3D printers



Image - Get 50% OFF your first parts order with <br>3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing
Get 50% OFF your first parts order with
3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing

Get your 3D printed parts with the NEW & innovative online quoting system from 3D Systems On Demand Manufacturing. Focusing on three core additive manufacturing processes and our integrated cast urethane process, we are able to provide you the fastest service possible, while maintaining the exceptional quality you expect from 3D Systems. For a limited time, receive 50% off your first parts order, up to $500 discount! Offer ends 5/31/2016.

Get started now!


Feature articles
National Lab: 3D-printed foam outperforms standard materials
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory material scientists have found that 3D-printed foam featuring uniform structures with well-defined cellular shapes and dimensions works better than standard cellular materials in terms of durability and long-term mechanical performance. Foams are an important class of materials for thermal insulation, shock-absorbing support cushions, and lightweight structural and floatation components.
Read the full article.
Image -
Find your Automation Solution from the precision motion leader, Physik Instrumente (PI).


Image - How surface-mount fasteners carry the day for printed circuit boards
How surface-mount fasteners carry the day for printed circuit boards
When specifying hardware for printed circuit board applications, many designers may still turn either to loose fasteners or broaching fasteners. While both provide the necessary functionality, each carries potential risks that may impact the production process, the integrity of boards, and even disassembly if required. Leon M. Attarian of PennEngineering runs through profiles of the latest surface-mount fastener families.
Read the full article.

Image - The prism did it: New world record set in solar cell efficiency
The prism did it: New world record set in solar cell efficiency
A new solar cell configuration developed by engineers at the University of New South Wales in Australia has pushed sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiency to 34.5 percent -- establishing a new world record for unfocused sunlight and nudging closer to the theoretical limits for such a device.
Read the full article.

Image - 15,000 Stock Metric Gears
15,000 Stock Metric Gears
KHK USA Inc offers the largest selection of stock metric gears in North America. With over 175 types, in more than 15,000 configurations, KHK USA offers the broadest selection of spur gears, helical gears, internal ring gears, gear rack, bevel gears, worms and wormwheels, and other gear types.

Click here to learn more.

Image - Wheels: Carbon-fiber wheels offered on Ford GT supercar
Wheels: Carbon-fiber wheels offered on Ford GT supercar
If you're going to lay down $400,000 for a new Ford GT, it's nice to know it comes with options. One impressive one, although it'll cost you, is carbon-fiber wheels to match the supercar's carbon-fiber exterior, which is pretty cool if a matchy-matchy look is your thing when it comes to automotive styling and performance.
Read the full article.

Image - Mike Likes: High-res 3D scanner for reverse engineering
Mike Likes: High-res 3D scanner for reverse engineering
FARO Technologies has launched the FARO Design ScanArm, a portable 3D-scanning workhorse tailored for 3D modeling, reverse engineering, and CAD-based design applications across the PLM process. As a limited-time promotional offer, the Design ScanArm will be bundled with 3D Systems' Geomagic software at a significantly reduced price. This easy-to-use scanner features optically superior blue laser technology with fast scanning speed. It is ideal for any organization that needs to manufacture parts without existing CAD models, develop aftermarket products that need to fit tightly with existing products, reverse engineer legacy parts, and much more.
Click here to learn more.

Image - New Product: Voltage and Current Analog Amplifiers
New Product: Voltage and Current Analog Amplifiers
Introducing the new IAA Series -- two in-line amplifiers for any full bridge strain gauge sensor with mV/V range outputs. These two models provide either voltage (±5 or ±10 VDC) or current (4-20 mA) outputs. The sleek enclosure is durable allowing the amplifier to be used in a wide range of industrial environments and includes an integrated DIN clip.

Watch this video to learn more!


Image - Engineer's Toolbox: <br>What's the difference between 17-4PH and 316L stainless steel for pressure sensors?
Engineer's Toolbox:
What's the difference between 17-4PH and 316L stainless steel for pressure sensors?

Stainless steel pressure sensors and transducers are most commonly manufactured from either 316L or 17-4 PH. Both offer good material strength and good elasticity, but there are key differences that can have significant impacts on which material you should choose for your application.
Read the full article.

Image - 3D Printing: Selecting the right material for 3D printing white paper
3D Printing: Selecting the right material for 3D printing white paper
This industrial 3D printing white paper explores the properties of thermoplastic and metal materials available with direct metal laser sintering, selective laser sintering and stereolithography technologies. It also includes a quick-reference guide of material attributes that can steer you toward the proper grade.
Download your free copy today!

Image - Tech Talk: The 2:1 rule and defining fixed/floating linear bearings
Tech Talk: The 2:1 rule and defining fixed/floating linear bearings
When using self-lubricating plain bearings, ensuring acting forces follow the 2:1 rule is crucial to keep the system from binding or chattering. In this brief Tech Talk from igus®, learn how to implement a fixed/floating system for a range of linear bearing geometries, and get tips from the DryLin® linear bearings experts.
Click here to get this PDF article.

Image - Joining: Aluminum welding guide
Joining: Aluminum welding guide
Lincoln Electric has released an updated guide for Aluminum Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). The guide offers a detailed look at filler metal types, filler metal selection considerations for welding, tips for welding on aluminum materials, and a discussion on the causes and cures of defects in aluminum welding. General welding safety guidelines are also included. Even if you're not a hardcore welder, there is plenty to learn in this valuable resource, such as the differences between steel and aluminum, aluminum metallurgy, alloying elements, and much more.
Click here to learn more.

Most popular last issue

Image - Army experiments with providing 'unlimited magazine' to 2025 Soldiers
Army experiments with providing 'unlimited magazine' to 2025 Soldiers
A swarm of experts from across the nation assembled for a two-week experiment recently at Fort Sill in Oklahoma trying out systems with the potential to provide service members with unlimited weapons capabilities. The event, called Maneuver Fires Integrated Experiment, demonstrated two types of weaponry: one using lasers and the other using electricity-propelled projectiles to acquire and destroy targets.
Read the full article.

Image - Chairless exoskeleton solves long-standing problem
Chairless exoskeleton solves long-standing problem
The Chairless Chair is a new solution for relieving strain and fatigue from excessive standing during long work shifts. The entire construct is lightweight, easy to put on, and hardly noticeable when walking. By operating a switch on the strap, the flexible construct turns into a stable seat. Two small DC motors activate a stop valve in the hydraulic elements of the shock absorbers, locking the support into the seated position.
Read the full article.

Image - Engineers achieve Wi-Fi at 10,000 times lower power
Engineers achieve Wi-Fi at 10,000 times lower power
A team of University of Washington computer scientists and electrical engineers has demonstrated that it's possible to generate Wi-Fi transmissions using 10,000 times less power than conventional methods. The new Passive Wi-Fi system also consumes 1,000 times less power than existing energy-efficient wireless communication platforms, such as Bluetooth Low Energy and Zigbee.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
5 fun, easy project ideas you can try with a
$35 Raspberry Pi

Patrick Norton from Digital Trends scratches the surface of cool things you can do with a Raspberry Pi, that $35 credit-card-size computer board that makers and budding science geeks love. Why not make a vintage arcade console, an ad blocker (called a Pi-Hole) for your home network, or a DIY streaming box for your HDTV? Raspberry Pi boards and accessories are available at element14.
View the video.

Video Image
Yamaha shows motorcycle-riding humanoid robot
Japan's Yamaha Motor Co. showcases a motorcycle-riding humanoid robot, with developers saying the technology could one day present an alternative to driverless cars by being a personal driver for all your vehicles. But does it enjoy a Sunday drive and feeling the wind in its hair? Matthew Stock from Reuters reports.
View the video.

Video Image

New products

Electrical/Electronics
View Products…
Mechanical
View Products…
Motion
View Products…


Subscribe to DesignFax

For advertising opportunities contact:

John Holmes

jholmes@nelsonpub.com
(847) 364-7441

Dan Beck

danbeck58@gmail.com
(518) 852-9624

Questions or comments about the eMagazine or articles? Contact us at: Designfax

www.designfax.net
PO Box 424, Alto, MI 49302

webteam@designfax.net
Privacy Statement