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.

December 03, 2024Volume 20 Issue 45


Image - Shop Smalley Rings & Spring Online Now
Shop Smalley Rings & Spring Online Now
Shop over 11,000 in-stock parts directly on Smalley's new e-commerce platform! Access real-time pricing, place orders seamlessly, and create custom shopping lists. Visit store.smalley.com to explore Smalley's industry-leading selection of Wave Springs, Spirolox® Retaining Rings, Tapered Section Rings (Circlips), and other innovative products. Discover the convenience of finding high-performance solutions in one place!
Check out Smalley's new e-commerce platform.

In this issue of Designfax

  • NASA Spinoff: Redefining the 'rugged' video camera
  • Shape-shifting antenna may transform communications
  • 200-year-old polymer challenge solved
  • All-new Honda Passport: 'Born Wild' and rugged
  • What is a low-waving linear motion guide?
  • World first: 3D printer makes metal or composite parts
  • Key considerations for battery-powered motors
  • Top Tech Tip: Servo drive or motion controller?
  • Rugged photoelectric sensors see up to 4 meters
  • World's first current-carrying fastening technology
  • OnRobot Sander: Ultimate solution for precision finishing
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • Fun for process geeks: See soldering up close
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • BMW revolutionary in-wheel drive motor
    • Mercedes-AMG GT 43: Slick two-door coupe
    • 'Light hurricanes' transport huge amounts of data
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: All-New 2026 Honda Passport

News

U.S. national lab computer verified as world's fastest supercomputer

Skunk Works demonstrates airborne battle management of AI-controlled aircraft

Student rocket group shatters international amateur space record

Weird science: The brain is not the only organ that makes and retains memories



Feature articles

Image - NASA Spinoff: Redefining the 'rugged' video camera
NASA Spinoff: Redefining the 'rugged' video camera
A video camera rugged enough to survive the first Space Launch System rocket launch and function in the extreme conditions of space is tough enough for harsh Earth environments. A license and expertise from Marshall Space Flight Center helped Boca Raton, Florida-based Imperx Inc. develop a camera with a built-in heater and light source.
Read the full article. Lots of development details here.

Image - Shape-shifting antenna poised to transform communications
Shape-shifting antenna poised to transform communications
By leveraging cutting-edge additive manufacturing techniques and shape memory alloys, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory have created an antenna that can change its shape based on its temperature. This technology has transformative potential in a wide range of military, scientific, and commercial applications.
Read the full article.

Image - 200-year-old polymer challenge solved
200-year-old polymer challenge solved
Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed a new design that appears to rewrite the textbook on polymer engineering. No longer is it dogma that the stiffer a polymeric material is, the less stretchable it has to be.
Read the full article.

Image - All-new Honda Passport: 'Born Wild' and rugged redesign
All-new Honda Passport: 'Born Wild' and rugged redesign
The 2026 Passport is a completely redesigned mid-size SUV that pushes Honda further into the ruggedized, adventure-ready market. The most off-road-capable Honda SUV ever will come in three flavors and sport increased ground clearance, off-road tuned suspension, specially developed all-terrain tires, and a more powerful 285-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with the model's first 10-speed automatic transmission.
Read the full article.

Image - What is a low-waving linear motion guide?
What is a low-waving linear motion guide?
If you are having a problem with your linear guides not always staying perfectly straight during use, it may be due to a phenomenon called waving -- a problem that is particularly critical in high-precision markets such as semiconductor and LCD equipment-related applications or machine tools. Thankfully, THK has an answer.
Read the full article.

Image - World first: Industrial 3D printer makes metal or advanced composite parts
World first: Industrial 3D printer makes metal or advanced composite parts
Markforged Holding Corporation has unveiled the FX10 Metal Kit, a print engine that brings metal-printing capability to the FX10 machine system. With this kit, the FX10 becomes the world's first industrial 3D printer that can be switched to print with metal filaments or composites.
Read the full article.

Image - Key considerations for battery-powered motors
Key considerations for battery-powered motors
Battery-powered motor applications require careful design considerations to pair motor performance and power consumption profiles in concert with the correct battery type. This Power Electric article covers power requirements, performance considerations, and battery choices to assist you in selecting an efficient motor and a battery with the appropriate capacity. Good technical info.
Read the full article.

Image - Top Tech Tip: Servo drive or motion controller? What's the difference?
Top Tech Tip: Servo drive or motion controller? What's the difference?
In the world of automation, there can be a fine line between what is considered a motion controller and a basic servo drive. According to the motion experts at Kollmorgen, it's critical to understand the functionality and intelligence of each device since, in many applications, both a motion controller and a servo drive are required to complete the system.
Read this informative Kollmorgen blog.

Image - Rugged photoelectric sensors see up to 4 meters
Rugged photoelectric sensors see up to 4 meters
AutomationDirect has added AchieVe FDM series 12-mm tubular photoelectric sensors that offer a rugged metal construction, high IP67 protection ratings, and sensing distances up to 4 m. These sensors feature selectable light-on/dark-on operation, a 10- to 30-VDC operating voltage range, potentiometer or teach-in button sensitivity adjustment, and a fast 1-kHz switching frequency. Highly visible red LED models are offered with the polarized reflective sensing style, while infrared models are available in diffuse and through-beam styles. Lots of applications. Three-year warranty.
Learn more.

Image - World's first current-carrying fastening technology
World's first current-carrying fastening technology
PEM® eConnect™ current-carrying pins from Penn-Engineering provide superior electrical connections in applications that demand high performance from internal components, such as automotive electronics. This first-to-market tech provides repeatable, consistent electrical joints and superior installation unmatched by traditional fastening methods. Features include quick and secure automated installation, no hot spots or poor conductivity, and captivation options that include self-clinching and broaching styles.
Learn more about eConnect pins.

Image - OnRobot Sander: Ultimate solution for precision finishing tasks
OnRobot Sander: Ultimate solution for precision finishing tasks
Sanding is now more versatile and precise. Save time and enhance efficiency while maintaining consistent quality. With easy integration, remote monitoring, and dust-free operation, OnRobot Sander is a valuable addition to any workflow. This tool offers precise control over sanding parameters and is suitable for various materials, making it a must-have for professionals in the finishing industry.
Learn how to build your sanding application.
Learn more about OnRobot Sander.

Most popular last issue

Image - BMW to road-test revolutionary in-wheel drive motor
BMW to road-test revolutionary in-wheel drive motor
The BMW Startup Garage, a development spinoff of BMW Group, and Munich-based motor developer DeepDrive are set to road-test a revolutionary electric motor. The concept features dual-rotor technology and is expected to enable lightweight, super-efficient, powerful drives that offer plenty of range.
Read the full article.

Image - Mercedes-AMG GT 43: Slick two-door 4-cylinder coupe
Mercedes-AMG GT 43: Slick two-door 4-cylinder coupe
Is a racy little high-end coupe your choice of ride? There's a new one in town. Called the Mercedes-AMG GT 43, it's an entry-level 416-hp four-cylinder priced below the GT55 and GT63 but still capable, cool, and raring to go.
Read the full article.

Image - Storm in a laser beam: 'Light hurricanes' may transport huge amounts of data
Storm in a laser beam: 'Light hurricanes' may transport huge amounts of data
A new quasicrystal design method developed by researchers in Finland allows for theoretically any kind of vortex when packaging light for transmission through and optical fiber. These vortices may be able to transmit significantly more data over standard optical fiber.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
Fun for process geeks: See soldering up really close
YouTuber Robert Feranec takes a super-close look at ball grid array (BGA) surface-mount soldering, chip soldering, and hand soldering with the help of Keyence and VOIPAC. Watch to see what happens when you solder chips correctly -- and incorrectly. Unique insights we are glad Feranec shared with the world. [Credit: Screenshot from Robert Feranec video]
View the video.

New products

Electrical/Electronics
View Products…
Mechanical
View Products…
Motion
View Products…


For advertising opportunities contact:

John Holmes
jholmes@nelsonpub.com

 

Dan Beck
danbeck58@gmail.com
(518) 852-9624

Questions or comments about the eMagazine or articles? Contact us at: Designfax

www.designfax.net

webteam@designfax.net
Privacy Statement

If you choose not to receive any more issues of Designfax, please follow this link


Subscribe to DesignFax

Nelson Publishing, LLC | www.designfax.net
PO Box 424, Alto, MI 49302
webmaster@designfax.net

Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!
image of Designfax newsletter

A Few of
Our Valued
Partners

Micro Plastics
Ask an expert about Smalley wave springs
MICROMO
ProtoLabs
Servometer
BellowsTech
igus
Beswick Engineering
Stratasys
Dassault Systemes
Rogan Corp.
C-Flex Bearing Co.
PI (Physik Instrumente)
FUTEK
Universal Robots
3D Systems
KHK USA - Gears
Orion Fans
Intech Power-Core
THK
MW Industries
Xcentric Mold & Engineering
Tech-Etch
EXAIR
Novotechnik
Goodfellow
JW Winco
Helical Products Co
Insaco
Suhner
AutomationDirect
Xometry
Universal Robots
OnRobot
Nexen
Kollmorgen
Allied Motion
Spirol
Tolomatic
E-Z Lok

Archives

View Archives

Our Other
Publications

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants