| June 06, 2017 | Volume 13 Issue 21 |
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 | Constant Section Rings from Smalley
Smalley offers over 1,000 Constant Section Rings from stock in both carbon and stainless steel in diameters ranging from .375" to 10". Smalley can also produce these heavy-duty rings with different end configurations to meet your application requirements. Custom designs are available from .157" to 120" diameters. Free samples available for testing.
Click here to learn more. |
 | 24% More Torque Per Watt -- in a 10 mm Package
MICROMO launches the new FAULHABER 1016 SR series. At 10 mm in diameter and 16 mm in length, the 1016 SR series delivers over 24% more torque per watt than competitive motors with the same dimensions. Additional strengths include low power consumption, high energy-efficiency and minimal vibration & low audible noise, making it well suited for applications with small dimensions and very high requirements.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Feature articles | DARPA picks Boeing design for next-gen spaceplane
DARPA's Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1) program seeks to build and fly the first of an entirely new class of hypersonic aircraft that would break the cycle of escalating launch costs. As the next step toward a future of routine, responsive, and low-cost space access, DARPA has awarded Phases 2 and 3 of the program to The Boeing Company.
Read the full article. |
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 | 'Third arm' aims to lessen Soldier's burden, increase lethality
Future ground troops may one day have a "third arm" device attached to their protective vests that will hold their weapon, lessening the weight on their arms and freeing up their hands for other tasks. Weighing less than 4 lb, the body-worn weapon mount is currently undergoing testing at the Army Research Lab, where researchers hope the lightweight device will ensure Soldiers pack a more powerful punch in combat.
Read the full article. |
 | Researchers turn a flag into a loudspeaker
A paper-thin, flexible device created at Michigan State University not only can generate energy from human motion, it can act as a loudspeaker and microphone as well. The audio breakthrough could eventually lead to such consumer products as a foldable loudspeaker, a voice-activated security patch for computers, and even a talking newspaper.
Read the full article. |
 | Keels: 3D printing helps push Land Rover yacht racing forward
Land Rover Ben Ainsile Racing (BAR) is no stranger to cutting-edge technologies. The British yacht racing team, formed by four-time Olympic gold medalist and America's Cup winner Sir Ben Ainsile, uses artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and -- most recently -- additive manufacturing (in the form of metal 3D printing) to gain competitive advantages.
Read the full article. |
 | 5-Star Product: 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. |
 | Engineer's Toolbox:
Slip clutches maximize 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.
Read the full article. |
 | Superior rotary motion system: High precision. High speed. High torque.
Nexen's Compact Ring Drive (CRD) System offers a better alternative to cam-driven systems -- it can start/stop in any incremental position and allows maximum acceleration/deceleration at any point with no risk of damage. Change the motion profile any time by simply loading a new servo drive program. Large open center allows users to optimize performance in a small space.
Learn more about CRD.
Nexen Group is a leading manufacturer of precision motion control components, power transmission, and web tension control products.
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 | Brushless motors -- What's the difference?
Brushless motors are used in an extensive variety of OEM applications, from pick-and-place equipment and robotic joints to GPS-based automated vehicle steering and pumps/fans/blowers. Do you know the difference between a brushless DC motor, brushless servo motor, and brushless torque motor? Learn more about these motors, when they're used, and how to choose the right one for your application.
Read the article now -- Brushless Motors: What's the big difference?
Allied Motion Technologies designs and manufactures precision specialty motion control components and systems. |
 | Maple 2017 is here!
Maplesoft has announced the release of a new version of its flagship product, Maple -- the mathematical software that makes it extremely easy to analyze, explore, visualize, and solve math problems. It offers increased mathematical power, stronger visualizations, and flexible deployment options. The latest release includes new features that enable users to extend Maple's power through user-created packages, construct even complicated plots easily, and password-protect Maple documents. The result of over 30 years of development, this release includes a large number of useful improvements that existing customers will welcome.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Specifying intrinsically safe remote monitoring sensor systems for hazardous environments
Josh Schadel from SignalFire Telemetry lays out the plan for how to specify remote monitoring sensor systems for hazardous environs such as a tank- or well-level monitoring application that involves the storage of dangerous or volatile materials. Intrinsically safe (IS) equipment is designed so that energy levels are low enough not to generate an arc, spark, or temperature that could ignite an explosive area. IS equipment differs from explosion-proof (XP) systems where ignition is contained within an enclosure so as not to ignite the explosive environment.
Read Schadel's informative blog post. |
 | Real LSR (liquid silicone rubber) parts really fast
Proto Labs provides advanced liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection molding services that provide custom prototypes and end-use production parts in 15 days or less -- sometimes in as little as 5 days. They use aluminum molds that offer cost-efficient tooling and accelerated manufacturing cycles, and they stock various grades and durometers of LSR materials. LSR is a thermoset engineering material that is particularly suitable for applications in the medical sector -- it can withstand sterilization and is biocompatible. LSR also lends itself to applications in the automotive and food appliance industries, typically in the form of seals, gaskets, valves, and cables.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Cool Tools: Laser scanner for reverse engineering
The new FARO Laser Tracker Vantage product family sets a new price/performance standard for addressing challenges in large-scale metrology such as assembly alignment, part and assembly inspection, machine installation and alignment, and reverse engineering. Two high-performance Vantage models are available: E model (operating range to 25 m) and S model (operating range to 80 m). Both compact units offer industry-leading portability with an integrated master control unit (MCU), hot swappable batteries that eliminate the need for AC power and cabling, and industrial-grade Wi-Fi. A single carrying case makes for easy transport.
Click here to learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Air spray: The comeback of stunning military aircraft paint jobs
Eight Oregon Air National Guard members received a call to arms. Their wing commander handed them an assignment, stressing high priority. They worked 33 consecutive days, some pulling night shifts. Their orders: Paint a Boeing-built F-15 Eagle jet fighter in a manner that would elevate base morale at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, OR, and commemorate the Air National Guard's 75th anniversary across the state. By Dan Raley
Read the full article. |
 | Can a robo dog fetch you a cold one? Impressive!
If you haven't seen the all-electric SpotMini robot from Boston Dynamics yet, well, hold on to your hat. Or better yet, let this incredibly nimble droid (complete with extra arm) hold it for you. It runs, walks, scoots, and shimmies effortlessly and quietly for about 90 minutes on a single charge, depending on what it is doing. It has a variety of sensors, including depth cameras, a solid-state gyro, and proprioception sensors in the limbs, to help with navigation and mobile manipulation. SpotMini performs some tasks autonomously, but often uses a human for high-level guidance. We're sure you could train it to fetch from the fridge.
View the video. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action |
Honey, I shrunk the V-8 engine!
Borrowing from the classic design of a V-8 engine to achieve high push/pull and holding forces, patented piezo actuator technology and linear stepping motion design principles come together to create the fastest and strongest non-magnetic drive of its class size. These piezoelectric motors are self-clamping, i.e. at rest or in steady state mode, they automatically hold the position without any need for power. Learn how this technology can be used in your application.
watch VIDEO | learn MORE |
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