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.
| January 19, 2021 | Volume 17 Issue 03 |
 | Precious metal wire in a variety of diameters
Goodfellow offers a range of precious metal wire (Ag, Au, Ir, Pa, Pt, Rh) in diameters ranging from less than 1.0µm to 3.0mm, readily available from stock in lengths ranging from a fraction of a meter to large production runs. These wires are part of the company's full range of 125 pure metal, alloy, ceramic and glassy alloy wires in a variety of diameters and conditions. Custom fabrication is also available.
Details in the Goodfellow catalog. |
| | Feature articles |
 | Top 10 Army advances of 2020
The U.S. Army Research Lab has the mission to operationalize science for transformational overmatch. The lab's leading scientists picked the coolest top 10 advances from 2020 -- including weapons, AI, communications, drone tech, and more -- to showcase how Army scientists and researchers are supporting the Soldier of the future.
Read the full article. |
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 | What they didn't teach you about fittings in engineering school
Do you know why an old standard "Christmas-tree" barbed fitting may not be your best choice for your miniature fluid power application? Experts at Beswick Engineering run through the common types of fittings used in these smaller pneumatic applications, along with thread sizes and seals to help you make the correct choice. They also touch on pressure and temp ranges, chemical compatibility issues, rigid and flexible lines, and the ease of assembly and maintenance.
Read the full article. |
 | Super-cool muscle mash-up: Aston Martin Victor
Are two supercars mashed together better than one original? In the case of the one-off Aston Martin Victor, we'd have to say yes! Like some delicious mega peanut-butter-and-chocolate creation, the Victor combines elements of the track-only Aston Martin Vulcan and the company's flagship One-77 sports cars to create a throwback 70s- and 80s-inspired 847-hp muscle car that is super cool and modern.
Read the full article. |
 | Top Tech Tip: Innovative way to take up tolerances!
Smalley Linear Springs are a continuous wave formed (marcelled) wire length produced from spring tempered materials. They act as a load-bearing device with approximately the same load/deflection characteristics as a wave spring. Linear Springs are now available as a standard part in carbon and stainless steel, with over 200 sizes.
Learn more. |
 | Low speed on a bumpy road is worst for vehicle body
An associate professor from RUDN University has developed a computer model that describes all types of vehicle body damage caused by fatigue failure. According to his simulations, low speed on bumpy roads can be more dangerous for a vehicle body than moderate speeds. The results aim to help measure fatigue resistance in vehicles more accurately.
Read the full article. |
 | Exploring Mars with miniature motors
When developing the high-resolution Panoramic Camera on the ExoMars Rover, engineers looked for motors that were extremely compact and could also deliver reliable and precise positioning for the camera-focusing mechanism. FAULHABER Stepper motors were selected for the job, as they precisely position objects with a resolution of 1280 steps per revolution without the need for a separate feedback system, and are more rugged and sturdy than conventional servo motors.
Read the full article. |
 | New Intellistat Ion Air Gun for static elimination
EXAIR's patented Intellistat Ion Air Gun is a handheld and lightweight solution for static elimination in clean processes or sensitive assembly work such as scientific and electronic test facilities, laboratories, and clean rooms. The Intellistat was designed to consume minimal compressed air while simultaneously delivering precise blow-off, and exceptional static decay rates capable of reducing 1000 V to less than 100 V in less than a second at up to 24 in. away.
Learn more. |
 | Industry 4.0 sensor solutions for brake applications
Nexen Group has just announced the release of its Industry 4.0 Sensors included with the Zero-Backlash Spring Engaged (ZSE) brake, Servo Motor brake, and Slide Rail brake families. The inductive proximity sensor technology, integrated with Nexen brakes, provides important brake status and operational data to maximize machine efficiency. Utilizing IO-Link v1.0 Fieldbus connectivity, the sensors detect brake engagement or disengagement, indicate brake wear, aid in precise positioning, and provide critical preventative maintenance information.
Learn about Nexen's new Smart ZSE Brakes and more. |
 | Integrated servo motor: Power, precision, and control
Maxon's new IDX compact integrated servo gearmotor + drive combines a powerful, brushless EC-i motor and an EPOS4 positioning controller, which can be complemented with a maxon planetary gearhead when required. This motor with an operating voltage from 12 to 48 VDC stands out for its high torque density, high efficiency, maintenance-free components, and a high-quality industrial housing providing IP65 protection. The IDX also features configurable digital and analog inputs and outputs, and intuitive software enabling easy commissioning and integration into master systems.
Learn more. |
 | Automotive cameras get 3-MP res and added cybersecurity
The OX03F10 automotive image sensor from OmniVision expands the company's next-gen ASIL-C viewing camera family with higher 3-MP resolution and cybersecurity features that are required as vehicle designers make the transition from Level 2 and 3 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to higher levels of autonomy. The OX03F10 also maintains the family's unique combination of a large 3.0-micron pixel size with a high dynamic range (HDR) of 140 dB and the best LED flicker mitigation (LFM) performance for minimized motion artifacts. Additionally, the sensor is offered in a 1/2.44-in. optical format and features a four-lane MIPI CSI-2 interface.
Learn more. |
 | Solid-state LiDAR wins CES innovation award
LiDAR sensor provider SOSLAB won the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2021 Innovation Awards for its Solid-state LiDAR ML unit for autonomous vehicles in the Vehicle Intelligence and Transportation category. The award recognized the excellence of the ML product, which is a compact LiDAR without moving parts. Its design enables simpler vehicle sensor deployment in terms of size, weight, and stability. ML is easy to mass-produce with a simple structural design that is expected to attract attention in the automotive LiDAR market.
See how it works. |
 | ESPRIT CNC programming Learning Center online
The ESPRIT Learning Center is a new online training platform with on-demand, self-paced training courses created specifically for ESPRIT CAM programmers. ESPRIT's top engineers and instructors have poured a huge amount of effort and energy into creating these courses. The first learning path to be released is New User Milling, with New User Turning and New User Mill-Turn to follow. Each learning path includes five to seven training courses that guide users through several different machine models and part models to introduce different machining processes in ESPRIT. These are paid courses.
Learn more. |
| | Most popular last issue |
 | Most Popular 2020 - Part 1
710-HP Dodge Durango Hellcat SUV, Airbus BelugaXL, model trains, Rivian electric truck, unbreakable battery, "bullet" plane, stainless steel types comparison, non-contact torque sensor for vehicles, and more.
Read the full issue. |
 | Most Popular 2020 - Part 2
Uncuttable metal, WWII Superfortress bomber, Ram 1500 TRX, Ford Bronco, electrified 1977 Chevy Blazer, cars painted with inkjet, unseen Porsche concept cars, firefighting robot, Super Magnesium, and more.
Read the full issue. |
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| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Cool Tools: OnRobot Screwdriver for cobots/robot arms
Automated precision assembly using cobots and robot arms just got easier with the introduction of an impressive new screwdriver unit from OnRobot. The OnRobot Screwdriver allows manufacturers to automate a wide range of assembly processes quickly, simply, and flexibly. It includes precise torque control, a nifty screw retraction system, and Quick Changer mounting.
View the video. |
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Robotic swarm swims like a school of fish
A team of researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering has developed fish-inspired robots that can synchronize their movements like a real school of fish -- without any external control. It is the first time researchers have demonstrated complex 3D collective behaviors with implicit coordination in underwater robots.
View the video. |
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