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October 08, 2024Volume 20 Issue 38


Image - What is the C-Flex Pivot Bearing?
What is the C-Flex Pivot Bearing?
It's a flexure-based bearing utilizing internal flat crossed springs, capsuled in a cylindrical housing, to provide precise rotation with low hysteresis and no frictional losses. The C-Flex bearing will offer infinite life when used within its rated load and rotation values. Applications include Medical, Industrial, Aerospace, Semiconductor, and Optical.

Advantages include: Frictionless, Backlash-free, Self-centering, Simple installation, Low hysteresis, Vacuum applications, Stock items, No lubrication, No maintenance, and Infinite life.
Learn more from C-Flex, The Leader in Flexing Metal Technology.
View the C-Flex Pivot Bearing training page.


In this issue of Designfax

  • New electric space thruster burns metal for fuel
  • How slip clutches can help maximize your designs
  • Researchers watch water form for the first time
  • All-new Ford Expedition: Live your best big family life
  • Top Product: Durable angle sensors for automotive
  • Stratasys, BASF partner on new polypropylene for 3DP
  • Great design: Handle with integrated lighting/signaling
  • How to maximize and optimize stepper motor control
  • New shoulder milling solution for stainless steel and HRSAs
  • World's most popular 3D multisensor metrology systems
  • Cam followers with space-saving polymer outer ring design
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • NEW! Semi-automatic pin installation from SPIROL
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • Inverse Wankel engine: Army 10-kW generator
    • Researchers beat Tesla valve: One-way fluid flow
    • 2025 GMC Yukon: King of the hill
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: All-New Ford Expedition: Platinum

News

Human genome stored on 'everlasting' memory crystal

Cyclic polymers may be catalyst for new era in manufacturing

Fire hazard. Don't use. Chrysler recalls more than 154,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler hybrid plug-in vehicles

Weird science: Most tropical lightning storms are radioactive



Feature articles

Image - New electric space thruster burns metal for fuel
New electric space thruster burns metal for fuel
Deep space exploration might no longer be confined to sci-fi books and movies after scientists in the UK began testing a rocket thruster that promises to boldly go farther than ever before. The electric Magdrive propulsion tech uses inert metal for fuel and could be refueled in-situ on metal-bearing planetary bodies.
Read the full article.

Image - How slip clutches can help maximize your designs
How slip clutches can help maximize your designs
The way they see it over at Polyclutch, there aren't a whole lot of problems you can't solve with a slip clutch. Way beyond using them for overload protection, there are a surprising number of other applications for these versatile and valuable components. From increasing machine speeds and applying constant tension on wire to indexing a conveyor and automatic screw assembly, slip clutches just may provide the design leverage you've been seeking.
Read the full article.

Image - Researchers watch water form at nanoscale for the first time
Researchers watch water form at nanoscale for the first time
For the first time ever, researchers have witnessed -- in real time and at the molecular scale -- hydrogen and oxygen atoms merge to form tiny, nano-sized bubbles of water. The event occurred as part of a Northwestern University study, during which scientists sought to understand how palladium catalyzes the gaseous reaction to generate water.
Read the full article.

Image - All-new Ford Expedition: Live your best big family life
All-new Ford Expedition: Live your best big family life
The all-new 2025 Ford Expedition lineup of full-size SUVs includes most everything needed to help active families move up to eight people. Available as either standard-wheelbase or extended-length MAX, the fifth-gen Expedition has been redesigned with better versatility and a nifty split tailgate, advanced technology, and improved capabilities. Trims include Active, King Ranch, Platinum, and the first-ever Expedition TREMOR for off-roading.
Read the full article.

Image - Top Product: Durable, full redundant angle sensors for automotive and off-highway
Top Product: Durable, full redundant angle sensors for automotive and off-highway
Novotechnik's new RSK-3200 Series angle sensors are designed for harsh automotive and off-highway applications. Measurement range is 0 to 360 degrees, and the temperature range is -40 to 125 C. This unit's built-in coupling accepts D-Shaft, with shaft customization available. The sensors are sealed to IP 67 or IP 69k depending on version. RSK-3200 Series sensors are extremely durable with MTTF of 285 years for each of the two channels! Applications include throttle control and EGR valves, transmission gear position, and accelerator position. Very competitive pricing.
Learn more.

Image - Stratasys, BASF partner on new polypropylene for 3D printing
Stratasys, BASF partner on new polypropylene for 3D printing
A new additive manufacturing material from Stratasys and BASF is aimed at driving greater part quality, versatility, and cost efficiency. SAF™ PP is recognized for its exceptional chemical resistance and airtight capabilities, making it the ultimate choice for complex applications across various industries. It can also be welded to other polypropylene components.
Read the full article.

Image - Great design: Handle with integrated lighting/signaling
Great design: Handle with integrated lighting/signaling
Signaling and indicator lights, switches, and buttons -- elements that hardly any machine can do without. The new JW Winco cabinet U-handle EN 6284 integrates all these functions into a single, compact element. The new U-handle is designed to enhance the operation of systems and machines. It features an integrated button and a large, colored, backlit area on the handle. These elements can be used individually or in combination, providing a versatile tool for system control and process monitoring that can be seen from across the room.
Learn more.

Image - How to maximize and optimize stepper motor control
How to maximize and optimize stepper motor control
Engineers from Performance Motion Devices take a comprehensive look at how to control two-phase stepper motors, beginning with the basics (operations, strengths and weaknesses) and moving on to traditional and updated advanced techniques for control including closed loop. A very thorough presentation.
Read this informative Performance Motion Devices article.

Image - New shoulder milling solution for stainless steel and HRSAs
New shoulder milling solution for stainless steel and HRSAs
Cutting tool specialist Sandvik Coromant has introduced the CoroMill MS20, a true 90-degree shoulder milling solution. Designed for roughing to finishing in stainless steel and heat-resistant super alloys (HRSAs), it ensures uncompromised security, versatility, and productivity -- especially for the aerospace and oil and gas industries. One of the standout features of CoroMill MS20 is the optimized geometries tailored for different ISO materials, ensuring higher edge line security.
Learn more.

Image - World's most popular 3D multisensor metrology systems get next-gen addition
World's most popular 3D multisensor metrology systems get next-gen addition
Offered in two benchtop and two floor-model options to handle nearly any size part, the SmartScope M-Series systems from Optical Gaging Products usher in the next generation of enhancements in image accuracy, optics, and throughput to the world's most popular 3D multisensor video measurement platform. SmartScope M-Series features fixed optics with a 20-megapixel camera and proprietary Virtual Zoom, combined with advanced sensors, illumination, and accessories, to achieve class-leading optical measurement speeds. Lots more features.
Learn more.

Image - Cam followers with space-saving polymer outer ring design
Cam followers with space-saving polymer outer ring design
The new CFL Series cam follower from IKO International boasts a unique, space-saving outer ring design and polymer layer that exceeds the capabilities of conventional resin-type cam followers. Many conventional cam followers press-fit a layer of resin onto the unit's standard outer ring to maintain radial load capacity and provide quiet, clean, and durable operation. However, this thicker assembly makes it difficult to fit into constrained spaces. The CFL Series significantly improves on this design with a polymer layer that is molded directly onto the IKO exclusive thin-walled steel outer ring. This construction solves the dilemma of being able to install a cam follower with special polymers, offering self-lubricating and shock-absorbing properties into existing applications.
Learn more.

Most popular last issue

Image - LiquidPiston inverse Wankel engine tested for U.S. Army 10-kW generator prototype
LiquidPiston inverse Wankel engine tested for U.S. Army 10-kW generator prototype
LiquidPiston has begun testing its 10-kW heavy-fueled generator prototype that uses the company's 25-hp heavy-fueled XTS-210 rotary engine -- the size of a basketball -- with an inverse Wankel design. The system is up to 75% lighter and smaller than the currently fielded Advanced Medium Mobile Power Sources used by the U.S. Army.
Read the full article.

Image - Researchers beat Tesla valve results for creating one-way fluid flow device with no moving parts
Researchers beat Tesla valve results for creating one-way fluid flow device with no moving parts
To make fluid flow in one direction down a pipe, it helps to have shark anatomy, according to researchers from the University of Washington. They have discovered a new way to help liquid flow in only one direction without flaps.
Read the full article.

Image - 2025 GMC Yukon: King of the hill
2025 GMC Yukon: King of the hill
GMC has revealed the 2025 Yukon, the brand's flagship nameplate, with major technology upgrades, a bold exterior, thoughtfully refreshed interior design, and the first-ever AT4 Ultimate trim. Underpinned by an available 6.2L V8 engine, the 2025 Yukon offers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It has some remarkable trailering tech too, and even thermal night vision.
Read the full article.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
NEW! Semi-automatic pin installation technology from SPIROL -- Better, faster fastening
SPIROL's new video showcases their updated Model PR and Model CR Semi-Automatic Installation Machines for Pins, Alignment Dowels, and Bushings. The video demonstrates how to operate the machine, details standard features, and optional quality and error-proofing enhancements. More than 80% of the components in this installation equipment are standard, pretested, production-proven, off-the-shelf parts. This translates into faster delivery, greater reliability, and lowest cost for equipment of comparable quality.
View the video.

Video Image

New products

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