| March 25, 2014 | Volume 10 Issue 12 |
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 | Molded Nylon Special Standard Round Spacers
Micro Plastics announces a new product line of Special Standard Round Spacers. The new line of molded nylon round spacers includes over 250 sizes, with diameters of 1/8" through 1 1/2" and lengths from 1/8" to 2 3/4". These tough, resilient spacers can be used in a variety of assemblies. Useful in electronic and electrical applications, they may also be used as bushings, bearings, rollers, gliders, and bumpers. They are resistant to vibration, abrasion, and corrosion; are electrically insulating; and have a high strength-to-weight ratio.
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| | Feature articles |
 | DARPA's impressive folding space telescope trades glass optics for lightweight polymer membranes
As the need for higher-resolution orbital imagery expands, glass mirrors are fast approaching the point where they will be too large, heavy, and costly for even the largest of today's rockets to carry to orbit. DARPA's Membrane Optical Imager for Real-Time Exploitation (MOIRE) program aims to address this using lightweight polymer membrane optics to replace glass mirrors. With a proposed diameter of 20 m, MOIRE's membrane optic "lens" would be the largest telescope optics ever made and dwarf the traditional glass mirrors used in the world's most famous telescopes.
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 | Researchers build nonflammable lithium-ion battery
In studying a material that prevents marine life from sticking to the bottom of ships, researchers led by chemist Joseph DeSimone at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have identified a surprising replacement for the only inherently flammable component of today's lithium-ion batteries: the electrolyte.
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 | Real LSR parts really fast:
Proto Labs launches advanced liquid silicone rubber injection molding; provides valuable design tips
Proto Labs is officially kicking off its new, advanced liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection molding service at the Boston Convention & Expo Center, March 26-27, 2014. LSR is a thermoset engineering material that is particularly suitable for applications in the medical sector: It can withstand sterilization and is biocompatible, so it works well for products that have skin contact. The material also lends itself to applications in the automotive and food appliance industries, typically in the form of seals, gaskets, valves, and cables. Proto Labs is offering parts production in as fast as five business days. The company also offers some super-valuable design tips in this article.
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 | Engineer's Toolbox:
Self-clinching fasteners by design
Dozens of types and thousands of variations of self-clinching fasteners (steel, stainless steel, or aluminum) have been engineered over the years. Leon M. Attarian of PennEngineering provides three mini case studies where manufacturers benefited greatly by switching to self-clinching fasteners in their assemblies. This article is filled with insightful tips and suggestions.
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 | Mike Likes:
NFPA air cylinder line with economy in mind
Fabco-Air has launched its new OEM NFPA Cylinder Line. The repairable NFPA Interchangeable cylinder line (FCQN Series) is specifically designed to give consumers a dependable, economical alternative. Standard features include magnetic pistons for position sensing, adjustable cushions at both ends of the cylinders, stainless steel tie-rods, and anodized end caps. Each cylinder includes both bottom-tapped and end-cap sleeve nut mounting configuration. NFPA mounting is made easy by simply adding one of the many detachable NFPA mounts that is offered by Fabco-Air to the standard cylinder.
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 | Get mini motor selection on demand
Portescap has released the MotionCompass, a Web-based application designed to provide miniature motor solutions based on unique motion requirements for various applications. The input parameters (speed and torque) generate motor recommendations across multiple product technologies. A wealth of self-contained data is available on recommended options, including electrical and mechanical specifications, speed vs. torque curves, and performance charts. All data is dynamically generated in real time and provides the ability to select a solution based on specific application needs. Users can choose products, review performance metrics, and confirm the optimum solution for the application. A unique feature of the MotionCompass is the ability to assign weights to four key performance parameters (speed, efficiency, power, and current), which directly impact motor recommendations.
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 | Heavy-duty stage lifts 10 kg
Zaber's VSR vertical lift stage is a stepper actuator-driven platform capable of moving a 10-kg (22-lb) load. It delivers exceptional travel and load capacity for its compact size, measuring only 55-mm tall when closed. Its small footprint also allows it to mount directly onto Zaber's LST and LSQ series of linear stages. The VSR stage is designed for plug-and-play use with Zaber's A-MCA and A-MCB2 controllers.
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| | Most popular last issue |
 | Color solar cells fuse energy and beauty
Colorful, see-through solar cells invented at the University of Michigan could one day be used to make stained-glass windows, decorations, and even shades that turn the sun's energy into electricity. The cells, believed to be the first semi-transparent, colored photovoltaics, have the potential to vastly broaden the use of the energy source.
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 | Wheels:
Taking it on the wide side -- Nissan Motor develops Smart LCD rearview mirror
Forget those tall passengers in the rear seats or your dog pacing back and forth in the rear compartment. Nissan Motor Company recently announced the development of the Smart rearview mirror, a world-first LCD monitor that not only provides clear rearward visibility under various conditions, but also allows the driver the ability to switch between the LCD monitor and the traditional rearview mirror, depending on the driver's preference.
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | The night I invented 3D printing
CNN interviews Chuck Hull, executive vice president and chief technology officer of 3D Systems, who invented stereolithography (3D printing) back in 1983 and patented the technology in 1986. Hull also invented the STL file format.
View the video and story. |
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