| April 02, 2019 | Volume 15 Issue 13 |
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 | ID/OD Retaining Ring Lock
Spirolox® Retaining Rings can operate in an internal and external groove at the same time. Install the ring in one groove, and then compress the ring with the mating component into the second groove. When the grooves meet, the ring snaps into place creating a low-cost, hidden, high-strength, tamper-proof rotating joint. Over 6,000 rings are stocked from 1/4" to 16" diameters in carbon and stainless steel, customs up to 120".
Learn more. |
 | New 22mm Brushless Servo Motor Packs a Punch
MICROMO launches the brand new FAULHABER 2264 BP4 series brushless dc servo motor. At 22 mm in diameter, 64 mm in length and weighing only 140 grams, the 2264 BP4 series delivers 59 mNm of continuous torque, and reaches speeds up to 34,500 revolutions per minute. These impressive power and performance abilities are possible due to a new segmented winding of the coil, which also improves overall efficiency of the motor.
Learn more. |
 | NASA set to demonstrate X-ray communications in space
A new experimental type of deep space communications technology is scheduled to be demonstrated on the International Space Station this spring. Currently, NASA relies on radio waves to send information between spacecraft and Earth. Emerging laser communications technology offers higher data rates that let spacecraft transmit more data at a time. This demonstration involves X-ray communications, or XCOM, which offers even more advantages.
Read the full article. |
 | Wheels: Thermoplastic composite steering knuckle uses recycled carbon fiber
What can you do with recycled materials and injection molding in a totally new application? Solvay displayed a thermoplastic composite steering knuckle prototype for a car at its booth at the JEC World 2019 show in Paris this past March. The component, a prototype manufactured by Italian automobile design house Magneti Marelli, is the first of its kind and the result of a close collaboration between both companies.
Read the full article. |
 | Boston Dynamics shows off radical warehouse robot
Looking something like a beefy robotic ostrich on wheels, Boston Dynamics' latest version of its Handle "mobile manipulation robot" concept autonomously performs mixed-SKU stacking and unstacking. The Handle on-board vision system tracks the marked pallets for navigation and finds individual boxes for grasping and placing. The bot's creators say the boxes used in this video weigh about 11 lb, but the robot is designed to handle boxes up to 33 lb. Impressive and strange design all in one.
View the video. |
 | Victrex and Bond pioneer 3D printing for PAEK and PEEK parts
To help customers with an accelerated route to market for 3D-printed PAEK and PEEK parts, UK-based Victrex has secured a multi-million-euro investment in Dutch 3D-printing company Bond High Performance 3D Technology. What's significant is that Bond's technology is capable of printing complex, functional parts made of PAEK/PEEK with excellent mechanical properties, including in the z-direction. This enables the additive manufacturing of high-strength, isotropic parts with properties comparable to conventional molded or machined PEEK parts.
Read the full article. |
 | Why choose a frameless motor for your machine?
Many applications that take advantage of a frameless motor are direct driven, which eliminates bandwidth-robbing compliance. This means you have eliminated torsional losses and any wind-up or spring losses. Eliminating mechanical compliance can increase bandwidth capabilities by a factor of five, 10, or even 20 times, allowing your machine to respond faster and improving productivity. Frameless motors can also be designed to provide excellent torque density.
Read this informative Kollmorgen blog. |
 | ICOMold: New CAD model design service partner
ICOMold has partnered with a professional design service with a large group of designers who specialize in designing for injection molding. If you need to get a quote but don't have a 3D CAD model (or need your file modified, repaired, or converted), ICOMold is now offering these services through its design partner ZVerse.
Learn more. |
 | Plastic torque-limiting wing nuts
JW Winco, a leading supplier of standard industrial machine components, has now made available EN 5320 Plastic Torque Limiting Wing Nuts, which are used when manually applied torque is to be limited. Turn clockwise, and the torque of the wing nut triggers an "over-engagement" when the specified torque is reached. When tightening, this will ensure the maximum permissible torque is not exceeded. Turn counter-clockwise, and the torque needed for loosening will always be transmitted properly. The technopolymer plastic is glass fiber reinforced and temperature resistant up to 176 F (80 C). The wing nuts are available in either a black matte or orange matte finish. An aluminum version (GN 3663) is also available.
Learn more. |
 | More stopping power for servo motors -- using less space
Miki Pulley's BXR-LE spring-applied Electro-Magnetic brake series safely holds a static position, without the need for external power. When the stator is energized, the brake is disengaged allowing free rotation. When no current is applied, compression springs halt the brake rotor, thereby stopping the input shaft rotation. This is an ideal feature to prevent rotation during power failure events. There are six total size configurations in the BXR-LE series to choose from. Of particular importance: These brakes have a slim design and high holding torque in a very compact package. Great for robotics.
Learn more. |
 | New long-travel linear motor stage
The new V-417.336025E1 linear translation stage from PI is engineered for industrial applications with high demands on dynamics, precision, smooth scan motion, short settling times, and low tracking error. It provides 32 in. of travel (813 mm). The stage achieves high velocities to 79 in./sec (2 m/sec) based on a direct-drive ironless linear servo motor. High accuracy, repeatability, and functionality are guaranteed by an integrated absolute-measuring linear position encoder featuring 1-nm sensor resolution. Applications include: pick and place, optics, semiconductor test and inspection, bio-tech, DNA sequencing, 3D printing, and laser processing and machining.
Learn more. |
 | Completely updated new full-line catalog of fasteners
Micro Plastics introduces its new 300-page catalog #41 containing thousands of fastening solutions for engineers and product designers. Find hundreds of new problem-solving products including Spacers, Washers, Clips, Clamps, Ties, Bushings, Screws, Nuts, Rivets, and Plugs. Micro Plastics specializes in Nylon threaded fasteners, but the company also offers extensive product lines for wire management and circuit board hardware. Samples are available upon request.
Check out the new online catalog. |
 | Lightweight, heavy-duty thermoplastic planks introduced
If you're told to walk the plank these days, you may find yourself walking on plastic. SABIC recently introduced its STADECK heavy-duty panels to the Americas. These high-strength but extremely lightweight panels are used for scaffolding and numerous other applications in the building and construction industries. They are made from glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin and are up to 60 percent lighter than wooden planks, saving not only your back but also the gas or diesel it takes to tote heavier support materials around. They also never rot or corrode.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Tow big or go home: All-new Chevy Silverado HD
If your need for hauling big stuff has gotten even bigger, Chevy has answered your call. The all-new 2020 Silverado HD can "tow, tow, tow your boat" and whole lot more, since its max towing capability has been increased a whopping 52 percent. And with 15 available camera views, including an impressive new Transparent Trailer view, you have every angle covered. The HD will be available in five distinct trim levels. From a design standpoint, the 2020 Silverado HD has the most differentiation from light duty ever.
Read the full article. |
 | Why would you need a sapphire piston -- and who could make one?
If you want a prototype piston made of metal for research purposes, you have a lot of options -- you can even 3D print your own. But what if you need something much more exotic, like the second-hardest natural material? When Mid Michigan Research had just such a need, it turned to Insaco for the company's long history of custom fabrication of sapphire precision parts, often in unusual forms.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action |
X Gamer tries out Harley-Davidson scooter
X Games host Jack Mitrani was the first person ever to ride Harley-Davidson's new lightweight electric scooter concept in public this past January. Mitrani especially loved the quick responsiveness of the electric direct drive as he whizzed around Aspen. Harley says it has designed the battery to be removable, so riders can "single-hand-carry (it) back to an apartment or office space to charge using a charging dock that plugs into any standard household power outlet." The company is really planning to make these -- not a late April Fool's joke.
View the video. |
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