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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, 2025Volume 21 Issue 22


Image - Precision-fit desiccants protect your products!
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.

In this issue of Designfax

  • AI and laser 3DP repair mining digger teeth
  • Big rig custom shop accelerates automation
  • New fuel cell could enable electric aviation
  • How to trick out your ride: Jeep shows off new concepts
  • Copper foam -- so many advantages
  • Bonding dissimilar surfaces: Why PSA tapes are better
  • Top Product: E-Z LOK threaded inserts for plastics
  • Elevating tables: Precise positioning in tight spaces
  • This cobot is all about safety around people
  • Full-color 3D-printing Design Guide from Xometry
  • Tech Tip: How to create quality STL files for 3D prints
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • Do thin oils destroy engines? GM recalls
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • Brembo says it can cut brake disc wear by 80%
    • Toyota RAV4 2026: New look, all-hybrid lineup
    • The U.S. has a new most powerful laser
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: Jeep Wrangler 4xe Blueprint Concept

News

New cooling technology raises power and longevity of solar panels

Why does static friction weaken at higher loads?

Torpedoes from the air: U.S. Air Force expands QUICKSINK capability to include Stealth Bomber launches

Weird science: Silicone variant breaks the rules, could conduct electricity



Feature articles

Image - AI and laser 3DP repair mining digger teeth
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.

Image - Big rig custom shop accelerates automation into the passing lane
Big rig custom shop accelerates automation into the passing lane
The demand for novel truck illumination and automation is surging, and Dustin Dickerson, owner of Dickerson Custom Trucks, is finding new and better ways to create increasingly sophisticated designs based on proven commercial off-the-shelf industrial devices, such as modern PLCs and HMIs, from AutomationDirect.
Read the full article.

Image - New fuel cell could enable electric aviation
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.

Image - How to trick out your ride: Jeep shows off new concepts at safari event
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.

Image - Copper foam -- so many advantages
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.

Image - Bonding dissimilar surfaces: Why PSA tapes are better than metal fasteners
Bonding dissimilar surfaces: Why PSA tapes are better than metal fasteners
Bonding dissimilar surfaces can be challenging for many reasons, including thermal expansion differences, galvanic corrosion, or the roughness and porosity of the surfaces. According to Engineered Materials, there are many reasons why pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes perform better than other joining methods such as liquid adhesives and metal fasteners.
Read the full article.

Image - Top Product: E-Z LOK threaded press-in inserts for plastics
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.

Image - Elevating tables: Precise vertical positioning in tight spaces
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.

Image - This cobot is all about safety around people
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.

Image - Full-color 3D-printing Design Guide from Xometry
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.

Image - Tech Tip: How to create high-quality STL files for 3D prints
Tech Tip: How to create high-quality STL files for 3D prints
Have you ever 3D printed a part that had flat spots or faceted surfaces where smooth curves were supposed to be? You are not alone, and it's not your 3D printer's fault. According to Markforged, the culprit is likely a lack of resolution in the STL file used to create the part.
Read this detailed and informative Markforged blog.

Most popular last issue

Image - Brembo says it can cut brake disc wear by 80% -- and drastically limit brake dust too
Brembo says it can cut brake disc wear by 80% -- and drastically limit brake dust too
The brake experts at Brembo have cooked up a new vehicle brake technology they say can slash disc wear dramatically and cut brake dust emissions by up to 90%. What's their secret?
Read the full article.

Image - Toyota RAV4 2026: Totally new look, all-hybrid lineup
Toyota RAV4 2026: Totally new look, all-hybrid lineup
America's best-selling compact SUV, the Toyota RAV4, has a brand new, boxy look for 2026 and will come only with hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. The 6th-gen RAV4 will be available in Core, Sport, and Rugged styles across seven grades, including a new-look Woodland and first-ever GR SPORT.
Read the full article.

Image - The U.S. has a new most powerful laser
The U.S. has a new most powerful laser
The ZEUS laser facility at the University of Michigan has roughly doubled the peak power of any other laser in the United States with its first official experiment at 2 petawatts (2 quadrillion watts) -- with higher power to come.
Read the full article.

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.

New products

Electrical/Electronics
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Motion
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