| April 14, 2020 | Volume 16 Issue 14 |
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 | THK World-Class KR Actuators -- Rigid, Accurate and Compact
The LM guide actuator model KR from THK provides high-rigidity, high-precision functionality and space saving. It is achieved by a nut block designed in a structure that integrates an LM rail having a highly rigid U-shaped cross-sectional form with the LM guide section.
The KR features a four-way equal load rating. The LM guide actuator can be operated in any position, which makes it ideal for loading in directions that are not fixed.
Click here to learn more. |
 | Titanium Springs from Atlantic Spring
Titanium springs from Atlantic Spring-MW Industries offer improved resistance to corrosion, lower torsion modulus, shorter free length, greater strength, and significant weight reduction over steel springs. These attributes make titanium springs ideal for various aircraft, space, military, and defense applications. Atlantic Spring offers rapid prototyping services. Prototypes can be available within 3 to 5 days dependent upon design complexity and material availability. ISO9100D certified and ITAR registered.
Download capabilities flyer. |
 | Ferrari Roma: A taste of the sweet life
Ahh, the sweet life. Do you remember that, before things got so challenging? Ferrari still has that spirit and has channeled it into its new sleek and sultry Roma coupe. The 611-hp turbo V8 is simply stunning -- like someone in a 1960s spy movie got a glimpse of the future and related instantly. The Roma pays homage to a bygone era but also reminds us that "la dolce vida" is still here in modern times -- if we just take a moment to savor it.
Read the full article. |
 | Application Note: Why apple harvesters need angle sensors
The SFM Samurai is a self-propelled apple harvester that can collect a whopping 100 tons of apples each day. The machine is designed for optimal navigation through the narrowest of orchard rows thanks to its SFM-developed four-wheel steering system that relies on Novotechnik RFC4800 series angle sensors to monitor each axle position.
Read the full article. |
 | Innovative resettable pin puller for advanced aerospace and weapons platforms
Marotta Controls has just introduced its newly patented Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) pin puller -- a non-pyrotechnic resettable locking device. Initially developed for missile fin locks, the SMA pin puller is suited for any critical separate-and-deploy mechanism where precision timing and confidence in performance are high priorities. Replacing a single-use pyrotechnic solution with the SMA pin puller enables customers to fully vet a lock's functionality during the all-up test stage, resulting in a more reliable solution. The SMA pin puller is also significantly smaller than a traditional pyrotechnic puller, which requires additional components to safely disengage the locking pin without firing the device.
Learn more. |
 | Linear guides slide and absorb shocks in speed boat seats
Developers of high-speed boats such as Kaj Naval from Poland use lubrication-free and maintenance-free drylin linear bearing technology from igus made of high-performance plastics. Designers are using drylin W linear guides for the spring-mounted shock absorbers in boat seats, ensuring the seats slide about gently even at high speeds, absorbing the vibrations of the waves. The guide carriage has no lateral clearance due to the use of sliding elements made of a tribo-polymer. Even after a long operating time, the carriage does not show any signs of wear. In addition, the corrosion-free solution is considerably lighter than metallic alternatives such as recirculating ball bearing guides.
Learn more about drylin W linear rails and carriages. |
 | How BST designs drones tough enough for volcanoes
Based in Colorado, Black Swift Technologies (BST) designs and manufactures unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for scientific missions in extreme conditions, such as monitoring and assessing the Arctic landscape, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and volcanoes. Learn how they use cloud-native Onshape (after ditching Solidworks) to design UAS parts, especially valuing Onshape's easy version control features and the ability to run the CAD software on nearly any operating system, including Linux.
Read this informative Onshape blog by Darren Garnick. |
 | New low-noise, solid-state relays
Instead of using moving components as mechanical power relays do, solid-state relays (SSRs) from Sensata Technologies rely on silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) technology that allows SSRs to provide quieter operation (no clicking), longer life, and more precise switching control. The new LN series SSRs from Sensata's Crydom brand conform with IEC 60947-4-3 Environment B and CISPR 11 standards for low-voltage domestic, commercial, and light industrial locations and installations, and are compliant with C-UL-US and TUV certifications. The LN Series of panel-mounted solid-state relays offers reliable back-to-back SCR switching up to 75 A at 528 VAC.
Learn more.
Read the Sensata application note: SSRs for Professional Food Equipment. |
 | Carmaker operating profits report
Fiat Group World, a non-official site for Fiat Chrysler automobiles, global trends, market research, and data analysis, has put together a very interesting and concise report on carmaker operating profits for 2019. Can you guess which worldwide manufacturer makes the most profit per unit? (Hint: We featured their Roma coupe in this issue.) Which carmaker makes the most profit overall? Which sells the most units?
Read the online report. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Tesla demos ventilator design that uses car parts
On April 5, Tesla showed the world the first prototype of the ventilator design it's working on to help with the shortage of medical equipment in the fight against COVID-19. Tesla engineering used several parts from its electric car lineup to create the artificial breathing device, including the Model 3 infotainment computer system and screen, the air mixing chamber, sensors, and vehicle controllers. The Tesla system is portable and even comes with an extra battery and O2 backup that lasts for 20 to 40 minutes.
View the video. |
 | Tiny gyroscope will help navigate without GPS
A small, inexpensive, and highly accurate gyroscope, developed at the University of Michigan, could help drones and autonomous cars stay on track without a GPS signal. The device is 10,000 times more accurate than gyroscopes used in typical cell phones and 1,000 times less expensive than much larger gyroscopes with similar performance.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | |
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