| December 27, 2016 | Volume 12 Issue 48 |
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 | The aliens have landed. Lock 'em up.
It looks "alien," but it's the ultimate in box-security fasteners. In fact, the Alien Lock from Micro Plastics is the first and only dedicated box fastener. It is a much less expensive solution than banding or taping your boxes, and it keeps them more secure, too. It's easy and fast to insert, and it's incredibly strong. It cannot be pulled out without it being obvious that the box was tampered with -- it must be cut off. This is a 1-step fastener: Push Alien Lock through the lock port, and the locking process is finished.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Feature articles | Six surprising capabilities of modern hydraulics
Bosch Rexroth's Dr. Steffen Haack lays out six capabilities for modern hydraulics as a strong drive technology that is well prepared for Industry 4.0 applications, which may come as a surprise for many. Don't underestimate the performance and intelligence of this highly precise and energy-efficient technology.
Read the full article. |
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 | New stamping technique creates functional electronics at nanoscale dimensions
The next time you place your coffee order, imagine slapping onto your to-go cup a sticker that acts as an electronic decal, letting you know the precise temperature of your triple-venti no-foam latte. Someday, the high-tech stamping that produces such a sticker might also bring us food packaging that displays a digital countdown to warn of spoiling produce, or even a window pane that shows the day's forecast, based on measurements of the weather conditions outside.
Read the full article. |
 | Keels:
Autonomous swarmboats enable new missions, provide safe harbors
Autonomous unmanned Navy swarmboats were put through their paces in a recent demonstration in the lower Chesapeake Bay -- with results that show dramatic new possibilities for autonomy in future naval missions. Using a unique combination of software, radar, and other sensors, officials from the Office of Naval Research and their partners were able to get a "swarm" of rigid-hull inflatable boats and other small boats to collectively perform patrol missions autonomously.
Read the full article. |
 | Compressed Air: EXAIR's new catalog 30 features cabinet coolers, conveyors, HEPA vacs, and air jets
EXAIR's new Catalog 30 is the company's best catalog yet -- a full-color technical guide offering solutions to common industrial conveying, cooling, cleaning, blowoff, drying, coating, and static electricity problems. Catalog 30 introduces new Cabinet Coolers, Line Vac Air Operated Conveyors, Heavy Duty HEPA Vacs, and Stainless Steel Air Jets. EXAIR products help companies conserve compressed air, reduce dangerous noise levels, and eliminate harmful dead-end pressures. Detailed technical explanations, performance data, application photos, and dimensional drawings are provided for each product.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Optimize mechanical misalignments, get hidden benefits
C-Flex Couplings combine the best qualities of disc, beam, and bellows couplings in a unique and economical new design. Made to couple two rotating shafts together, these couplings can accommodate large misalignments while transmitting high torque loads with zero backlash. Benefits include lower energy usage and less-frequent bearing failure, since less stress is placed upon bearings. Constructed using high-strength hardened stainless steel or glass impregnated polyamide flexures, these couplings require no maintenance and provide years of trouble-free life, even in contaminated environments. Flexible Pivot Bearings and Super Plastic Torsional Damping Couplings are also available.
Click here to learn more.
Watch C-Flex Couplings in action handling misalignments. |
 | Ultra-miniature in-line load cell
Introducing FUTEK's brand new in-line load cell: the LCM100 model. It's an ultra-miniature threaded load cell that has a capacity range of 1,000 g to 25 lb. RoHS complaint, the load sensor is great for both tension and compression applications. The most impressive feature of the LCM100 is its very low deflection, which allows it to provide high response rates and superior settling times.
Check out this video! |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Engineer's Toolbox:
World's smallest production V8 optimized with precision honing
Gary Conley's 30-year quest to manufacture a true production V8 engine in quarter-scale almost went up in smoke twice: once in 2001 when a foundry fire claimed all his critical molds, and later when oil smoke proved a stubborn problem during run-offs of the engine. Conley overcame the first setback with years of sheer determination. The second issue required a Sunnen MB 1660 honing machine, abrasives, and some Sunnen know-how.
Read the full article. |
 | Chairless exoskeleton solves long-standing problem
The Chairless Chair is a new innovation 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. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | |
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