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.
| June 10, 2025 | Volume 21 Issue 22 |
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 | Precision-fit desiccants protect your products!
Injection molding techniques enable desiccants to provide moisture adsorption in nearly any enclosed volume, regardless of the volume's shape complexity, and are tough enough for use as structural components. Specifically, injection molding allows for desiccants formed to occupy up to 100% of available space in order to maximize moisture adsorption -- especially in enclosures for sensitive instruments -- while bringing the low costs, repeatability, and precision tolerances typical of molded plastics. Great for electronics, aerospace and defense, and more.
Learn how to protect your project or products!
Or speak with an AGM engineer at (520) 881-2130. |
| | Feature articles |
 | AI and laser 3DP repair mining digger teeth
Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute have teamed up with project partners to develop an AI module to help with laser material deposition. This technique is used to repair worn bucket teeth and other tools used in mining. The goal is to automate all the steps, from mapping the defects to planning the paths and parameters to be used during welding and then to the actual execution and quality control.
Read the full article. |
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 | New fuel cell could enable electric aviation
A team led by MIT researchers has developed a fuel cell that can carry more than three times as much energy per unit of weight as the lithium-ion batteries used in virtually all electric vehicles today. Better yet, the prototype uses an inexpensive and widely available commodity.
Read the full article. |
 | How to trick out your ride: Jeep shows off new concepts at safari event
Jeep showed off seven new, expressive, and highly capable concept vehicles for customers and off-roading enthusiasts at its 59th annual Easter Jeep Safari at the end of April. The event is a showcase for Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar, which presents new ways to customize vehicles. Concepts ranged from military inspired to sun and fun -- and lots of cool retro designs in between.
Read the full article. |
 | Copper foam -- so many advantages
Copper foam from Goodfellow combines the outstanding thermal conductivity of copper with the structural benefits of a metal foam. These features are of particular interest to design engineers working in the fields of medical products and devices, defense systems and manned flight, power generation, and the manufacture of semiconductor devices. This product has a true skeletal structure with no voids, inclusions, or entrapments. A perennial favorite of Designfax readers.
Learn more. |
 | Top Product: E-Z LOK threaded press-in inserts for plastics
E-Z Press™ threaded inserts from E-Z LOK are specifically designed to cater to the unique properties of thermoset plastics or thermoplastics, ensuring seamless integration without compromising the material's integrity. By incorporating these press-fit inserts, your projects that use plastic can achieve higher quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Learn more
or contact Kyle Lindsly-Roach for free samples at 310.323.5613 x221. |
 | Elevating tables: Precise vertical positioning in tight spaces
As semiconductors and optical components become smaller and more sophisticated, the TZ Series of precision elevating tables from IKO International provides exceptional vertical positioning accuracy in a compact size. This unit features a unique wedge mechanism guided in the vertical direction by a pair of IKO C-Lube Super MX linear motion rolling guides arranged in parallel to achieve highly precise positioning with exceptional rigidity. An optional linear encoder provides full closed loop control to achieve positioning accuracy as high as 0.005 mm, with repeatability of +/-0.001 mm.
Learn more and get all the specs. |
 | This cobot is all about safety around people
The COBOTTA PRO from DENSO Robotics is a lightweight, high-speed collaborative robot designed for communication between workers and robots while maximizing productivity. It delivers a blend of productivity and safety for both simple tasks and multi-step processes like assembly and inspection work. The 6-axis unit operates at speeds up to 2,500 mm per sec when no workers are near and slows or stops when people approach. Two models available: PRO 900 (max payload 6 kg) and PRO 1300 (max payload 12 kg). Many more functions and features.
Learn more. |
 | Full-color 3D-printing Design Guide from Xometry
With Xometry's PolyJet 3D-printing service, you can order full-color 3D prints easily. Their no-cost design guide will help you learn about different aspects of 3D printing colorful parts, how to create and add color to your models, and best practices to keep in mind when printing in full color. Learn how to take full advantage of the 600,000 unique colors available in this flexible additive process.
Get the Xometry guide. |
| | Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action | Do thin oils destroy engines? Lessons from GM's massive recall
Engineering Explained's Jason Fenske takes a deep dive into why GM is recommending thicker oil as a potential solution to more than 28,000 reported engine failures. Why would this change help, and is oil viscosity the real culprit? A pretty hard-hitting look at the issues, backed by a lot of data review. You can always learn something from a Fenske video.
[Image credit: Video screenshot courtesy of Engineering Explained]
View the video. |
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