Designfax – Technology for OEM Design Engineers was launched as an exclusive eMagazine in October 2005 following 25 successful years in print. Subscribers to the weekly publication (48 issues a year) are high-level OEM product design engineers and engineering managers who operate in a broad range of manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, appliances, medical equipment, transportation, computer process controls, industrial equipment, and more. Primary content focuses on the latest exciting applications and products for Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, Motion Control, Fluid Power, and Materials engineering, including articles on powerful software programs that serve as a primary engineering tool. Take a look at what Designfax offers and then subscribe.
| July 01, 2025 | Volume 21 Issue 25 |
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 | Coiled and Slotted Spring Pins
SPIROL offers two types of Spring Pins. Coiled Spring Pins, invented by SPIROL in 1948, are known for their 2¼-coil design and flexibility after installation, making them ideal for shock absorption. Available in light, standard, and heavy duty, the designer can choose the optimum combination of strength, flexibility and diameter to suit different application requirements. Slotted Spring Pins, or Roll Pins, compress upon insertion, allowing for easy installation and accommodating hole tolerances.
Read "The Difference Between Coiled Spring Pins and Slotted Spring Pins"
View SPIROL's Comprehensive Line of Pin Installation Equipment
Complimentary Application Engineering Support |
| | Feature articles |
 | Hertz's AI drive-through scans rental cars for damage
Rental car company Hertz has a new weapon in its arsenal to detect damage made to its vehicles when rented. Its AI-driven vehicle inspection system from tech partner UVeye can conduct high-res, automated vehicle inspections so Hertz can immediately make an assessment -- and even issue an instant add-on to your bill.
Read the full article. |
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 | Aero History: WWII Superfortress bomber engine struggles
In July 1944, a B-29 Superfortress aircraft conducted a series of flight tests at the NACA Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory (now NASA Glenn) in Cleveland, OH. The tests were part of a national effort to get the new bomber into combat as the Allies sought to turn the tide in the Pacific theater of World War II.
Read the full article. |
 | Mercedes AMG GT XX: 1,341-hp everyday hypercar
The Mercedes near-production-ready AMG GT XX is like a video game concept car come to life. It's a four-door EV hypercar chock full of superlatives: over 1,300 hp, a groundbreaking high-voltage battery that can be charged in 5 minutes, aero wheels with movable blades, speakers in the headlights, luminescent paint segments, and a whole lot more. It's the future blueprint for a new ultra-high-end line of AMG vehicles, and the future looks blindingly fast and bright.
Read the full article. |
 | Tech Tip: How to keep heavy loads balanced
Some Thomson smart linear actuators have a position-based synchronization option to help manage unbalanced loads when using multiple units. The system adjusts the speed of each actuator to keep them starting, moving, and stopping synchronously, regardless of their respective load distribution. So useful. So smart.
Learn all about this feature. |
 | Innovative new robo welding gun
Comau's newest N-WG welding gun is designed for high-speed spot welding for traditional, hybrid, and electric vehicles, in addition to general industry sectors. It features a patented, single-body architecture that enables rapid reconfiguration between welding types and forces, and it delivers consistent performance across a broad range of applications, including steel and (soon) aluminum welding. It supports both X and C standard gun configurations, has fast arm exchange, and universal mounting options. It is fully compatible with major robot brands and represents a significant advancement in spot welding performance and cost efficiency.
Learn more. |
 | Micropositioning stages ensure high accuracy
PI now offers fast delivery of the L-511 linear micropositioning stage, which is designed for applications requiring minimum incremental motion down to 20 nm and drive forces up to 22 lb. The L-511 can be combined to form XY or XYZ motion systems and integrated with rotary stages for enhanced flexibility. Features high-load recirculating ball bearings for exceptional durability, even under demanding, repetitive cycles. To enhance positioning accuracy and automation throughput, this stage integrates non-contact, direction-sensing optical reference point switches located at mid-travel.
Learn more. |
 | Next-gen pneumatic valves have higher flow rates
Emerson's next-generation AVENTICS Series XV pneumatic valve systems have new flow rates, configurations, accessories, UL certifications, and more. These updates give OEMs greater design flexibility and scalability to precisely configure valves when engineering handling systems and automation solutions. The XV03 provides flow volumes up to 350 NL/min., and the XV05 provides up to 1,000 NL/min. Series XV valves include metal threads, aluminum base plates, and compact dimensions to make integration easier. Look for new accessories and greater connectivity in the near future.
Learn more. |
 | Board-level EMI shielding: DIY in minutes
ProtoShield sheets from Tech-Etch are depth-etched with a checkerboard pattern for folding, so they can be easily formed into many diverse configurations. In the product-development stage, fully functional shields can be created in minutes with just a pair of scissors and a straight edge for folding. Offered in two sizes: standard (.25-in. squares) and metric (5-mm squares). Both versions are solderable and corrosion resistant due to nickel silver material. Shield prototypes can be directly soldered to the board, or shield clips can be used for easy mounting. Samples available.
Learn more. |
 | New LEGO Icons Shelby Cobra
Relive the legendary design and performance of the iconic 1960s Shelby Cobra 427 S/C (which celebrates its 60th anniversary in August) with this new 1,241-piece set from LEGO. It features an intricate, 1:10-scale model of the legendary sports car including maneuverable steering; opening doors, trunk, and hood; and a meticulously recreated V8 engine. Toolbox, fire extinguisher, and celebratory trophy included too. Available July 4.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | 2026 Corvette ZR1X: Next-gen American hypercar
The 2026 Corvette ZR1X is an all-day comfortable tourer, a straight-line rocket, and a racetrack weapon, all in one. With a total of 1,250 hp available, a 5.5L V8, electrified all-wheel drive, and a 0- to 60-mph time of under 2 sec, ZR1X is a true, next-gen American hypercar and the most advanced Corvette ever.
Read the full article. |
 | NIST and partners use quantum mechanics to make a factory for random numbers
Einstein believed that nature isn't random, famously saying, "God does not play dice with the universe." Scientists have since proved that Einstein was wrong. NIST researchers and their colleagues at the University of Colorado Boulder created the Colorado University Randomness Beacon (CURBy). It is the first random number generator service to use quantum nonlocality as a source of its numbers, and it is the most transparent source of random numbers to date. Anyone can use it.
Read the full article. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Versatile Transport System: Turbocharge conveyance
THK's Versatile Transport System is a high-mix production solution that will keep your production line moving. Its linear motor drive enables high-speed operations, and processing can be performed directly on top of the system's freely recirculating sliders. This highly precise, modular system has many unique features, including easily adjustable stop positions, flex layouts with path splitting and parallelization, and easy addition/subtraction of extension pieces.
View the video. |
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