| September 08, 2020 | Volume 16 Issue 34 |
 | Army researchers develop power-line sensors for small drones
Researchers at the Army Research Lab have developed a novel sensor and software application to detect and avoid energized power lines in the vicinity of unmanned aerial systems. The goal is to provide autonomous systems sufficient time and distance to react, avoid wires, and navigate follow-on maneuvers. It's very clever how it works.
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 | Essenza: The Lamborghini racer they don't want you to take home
The latest hypercar from Automobili Lamborghini is a limited-edition, track-only powerhouse called the Essenza that sports the most powerful naturally aspirated V12 from the automaker to date. With aerodynamics inspired by racing prototypes and new technical solutions designed for the ultimate driving experience, it's a one-percenter's dream racer -- but most owners won't end up taking it home.
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 | Space Station uses silicon carbide ceramic bearing
Insaco, working with a major pump manufacturer, helped design a specialized pump to process wastewater into usable water on the International Space Station. To overcome both the requirement for reliability during manned space flights and the poor lubricity of water, Insaco recommended and machined a special grade of silicon carbide for their ceramic bearing with dimensional tolerances of +/-.0002". The pump has run in space successfully since 2016. For your unique machining requirements using sapphire, ceramic, quartz, and glass, trust the experts at Insaco.
Learn more about replacing metals with hard materials. |
 | How slip clutches can help maximize your designs
The way they see it over at Polyclutch, there aren't a whole lot of problems you can't solve with a slip clutch. Way beyond using them for overload protection, there are a surprising number of other applications for these versatile and valuable components. From increasing machine speeds and applying constant tension on wire to indexing a conveyor and automatic screw assembly, slip clutches just may provide the design leverage you've been seeking.
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 | THK develops smoothest moving miniature LM guide, the type RSX
Featuring an optimized circulation structure, the new Type RSX Miniature LM Guide from THK offers the smoothest movement in its class, and its compact outer dimensions enable the realization of space-saving designs. Its design includes a built-in retaining wire that prevents balls from falling out and a groove contact structure that receives loads in all four directions. Suitable for a range of applications, the Type RSX offers customization of surface treatment, metal circulation parts, block length, effective stroke type, and more. It is available in a standard Type RSX-M and a Type RSX-WM with a longer overall LM block length, wider width, and higher rated load and permissible moment.
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 | Direct-drive linear motors reduce operating costs and increase productivity
Kollmorgen's new ICH family of Direct Drive Linear (DDL) servo motors improves overall equipment effectiveness by increasing productivity, reducing operating costs, and lowering maintenance costs through the reduction of mechanical components inherent in a direct-drive solution. When compared to conventional rotary systems, ICH linear servomotors increase throughput by up to 40% and enable the design of smaller, lighter machines with increased energy efficiency. The unique anti-cogging coil design provides smooth and quiet travel and delivers continuous forces ranging from 175N to 5341N and peak forces from 405N to 12,726N with voltage ratings up to 480 VAC.
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 | Add conductive performance to thermoset and thermoplastic composites
VeeloVEIL from Veelo Technologies is an extremely light and conductive metallized nonwoven material engineered to add conductive performance to thermoset and thermoplastic composites. It is used by the aerospace industry to protect composite aerostructures from environmental and man-made hazards, and improve survivability. Available in 12- and 36-in.-wide roll stock, VeeloVEIL is electrically uniform and conforms to complex curves. This specialty material is used for lightning strike protection and electromagnetic effects protection, including EMI shielding, asset hardening, and repairing electrical networks on composite-skinned air vehicles.
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 | New line of slotless BLDC motors
Lin Engineering high-performance slotless BLDC motors use independent, patented ironless windings. This special design enables high-speed, high-torque, and low-noise performance. The compact structure and low cogging allow these slotless BLDC motors to achieve smoother operation at both high and low speeds, more accurate control, higher efficiency, and higher power density. They feature a wide speed range up to 50,000 rpm. Other benefits include reliable long life, nearly silent operation, and a modular design for better customization.
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 | Motors and encoders paired for antenna pointing systems
The Celera Motion Infinity Series motor is a low-profile, direct-drive motor that is ultra-thin and arc-shaped. Segments of the motor can be used individually or combined to create a full circumference up to 360 degrees. The ironless motor delivers the smooth motion required for accurate positioning needed to make precise movements. Coupling the motor with the Celera Motion IncOder, a high-resolution rotary inductive position sensor, enables highly reliable position sensing.
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 | Cool Tools: New Bosch thermal camera for industry
The Bosch GTC400C 12V Max Connected Thermal Camera is easy to use, determining temperatures in seconds and documenting the results with convenience. Featuring a large, illuminated color display, it delivers a 160 x 120 thermal graphic image accurate to +/- 3 C. It features simple operation: Just squeeze the trigger to shoot an image, and use the click wheel for the functions. The thermal graphic image features more than 19,000 measurement points for precision to show hot and cold spots, with the temperature at the center and an adjustable temp scale. The integrated visual camera records actual images, so the user can document the work area visually as well as thermally. This allows side-by-side comparison, picture-in-picture, and overlay of picture and thermal graphic. Nice long battery life.
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 | Good Reads: Supercomputer analyzes COVID-19
The Summit supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee was tasked with analyzing more than 40,000 genes from 17,000 genetic samples in an effort to better understand COVID-19. Thomas Smith, co-founder and CEO of Gado Images, writes about what all the data uncovered and an interesting new theory about how COVID-19 impacts the human body in many -- sometimes debilitating, sometimes deadly -- ways.
Read the full article on Medium. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | New 'bullet' plane design aims to shake up aero industry
It may not feature a traditional super-aerodynamic look, but the Celera 500L sports a "bullet" design that Otto Aviation says is the future of fuel-efficient, small commercial plane flight. Boasting 18 to 25 mpg and a range of over 4,500 nautical miles, the six-passenger plane prototype already has 31 successful test flights under its belt.
Read the full article. |
 | 6 technologies NASA is advancing to send humans to Mars
Technology development has already begun to enable a crewed Mars mission as early as the 2030s. Many of the capabilities will be demonstrated at the Moon first, during the Artemis missions, while other systems are more uniquely suited for deeper space. Here are six technologies NASA is working on to make Mars science fiction a reality.
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action |
Installing heat-set inserts into FDM parts
Ricky Shannon, an application engineer on TriMech's 3D-printing team, has created an informative blog post on what to do if you need threads within your plastic 3D-printed part. Will the printed threads hold? They might, but Shannon says a more secured option could be to use heat-set threaded inserts in a secondary process. Learn all the ins and outs of the procedure. Tri-Mech is known for producing excellent tips videos and blogs -- from beginner to advanced. Check out more of their offerings under their Resources tab.
View the video. |
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