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.

February 11, 2025Volume 21 Issue 06


Image - Internal Threading in Hard Materials Now Possible!
Internal Threading in Hard Materials Now Possible!
"Fasten"-ating: INSACO has a new capability where we can machine an internal thread in ceramic, sapphire, quartz, and other "hard" materials. Our consultative approach ensures we collaborate closely with engineers and designers, understanding their challenges and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. See how our capabilities and experience can complete your next project. Ideal for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.
Learn more.

In this issue of Designfax

  • New tires add golf ball dimple tech for efficiency
  • New bearing can be remanufactured again and again
  • Materials breakthrough: Alloy doesn't expand
  • Subaru Forester Hybrid: Impressive by the numbers
  • Top Product: Integrated servo 20% smaller
  • New compression limiters protect plastic assemblies
  • 3-axis motion made simple using CLICK PLUS PLC
  • Sound-dampening foam with an eco edge
  • How to select a linear bearing pillow block
  • Benchtop ionizer removes static at a distance
  • Ultra-lightweight humanoid robotics arms
  • Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
    • Guy builds omni-directional ball-wheeled bike
  • Most Popular Last Issue
    • Renault EV concept is super lab on wheels
    • New update on horizon for your refrigerator tech
    • First civil supersonic jet makes historic flight
  • New Products
    • Electrical, Mechanical, Motion
    Cover Image: First-ever Subaru Forester Hybrid

News

New camera can identify objects at the speed of light using meta-lenses

Rolls-Royce recycling military jet engine components into powdered metal for 3D printing

IIHS says supersizing vehicles offers minimal safety benefits -- and substantial dangers

It's on: Search begins for 3M's 2025 America's Top Young Scientist



Feature articles

Image - New tires add golf ball dimple tech for efficiency
New tires add golf ball dimple tech for efficiency
Engineers at Continental increased the overall efficiency of their new EcoContact 7 automobile tires by using a new rubber compound, new casing technology, and knowledge gained from the sport of golf.
Read the full article.

Image - New bearing can be remanufactured again and again
New bearing can be remanufactured again and again
The experts at SKF say they have developed a machine bearing that can be reclad and reused repeatedly. SKF multi-material Infinium bearings can not only have damaged areas repaired, but they can also be reclad with different materials that exhibit different or enhanced performance.
Read the full article.

Image - Materials breakthrough: Alloy doesn't expand when heated
Materials breakthrough: Alloy doesn't expand when heated
An international research team has created a metal alloy that doesn't expand when heated -- beating the performance of Invar, a metal alloy of iron and nickel that is known for its extremely low thermal expansion. Better yet, the team explains why the new material exhibits its unique properties.
Read the full article.

Image - First-ever Subaru Forester Hybrid: Impressive by the numbers
First-ever Subaru Forester Hybrid: Impressive by the numbers
Are you ready for almost 600 miles on a single tank? Subaru's first-ever Forester Hybrid integrates a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine and electric motors with the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. It boasts up to 40% better fuel efficiency compared to its non-hybrid counterparts.
Read the full article.

Image - Top Product: Integrated servo system is 20% smaller than standalone unit
Top Product: Integrated servo system is 20% smaller than standalone unit
Applied Motion Products has introduced the MDX+ series, a family of low-voltage servo systems that integrate a servo drive, motor, and encoder into one package. This all-in-one drive unit is an ideal solution for manufacturers in logistics, AGV, medical, semiconductor, the solar industries, and many others.
Read the full article.

Image - New precision machined compression limiters protect plastic assemblies
New precision machined compression limiters protect plastic assemblies
SPIROL has introduced its new Series CL6000 lightweight, lead-free, Aluminum Precision Machined Compression Limiters designed to reinforce high stress joints in plastic assemblies where bolts are used to connect two components to each other. They protect the plastic from excessive compression throughout the product's lifespan.
Learn all about Compression Limiters in this article.

Image - 3-axis motion made simple using CLICK PLUS PLC
3-axis motion made simple using CLICK PLUS PLC
AutomationDirect CLICK PLUS PLCs, when combined with stepper motors, make advanced motion control and edge integration simple for smaller systems. Learn motion control basics, motor options, motion with micro-PLCs and steppers, and more in this informative whitepaper from AutomationDirect. No registration required.
Get the AutomationDirect whitepaper.

Image - Sound-dampening foam with an eco edge
Sound-dampening foam with an eco edge
BASF has introduced Basotect® EcoBalanced melamine foam, a material that helps to reduce the product carbon footprint (PCF) of many sound-absorption applications in the transportation, building, and construction industries. This easy, drop-in solution has an up to 50% lower PCF than the respective BASF standard grades but demonstrates the same material performance. Applications include engine covers, wall and ceiling sound absorbers, HVAC parts, and air cleaners.
Learn more.

Image - How to select a linear bearing pillow block
How to select a linear bearing pillow block
When it comes to choosing a pillow block style to help provide a secure foundation for a rotating shaft, the engineers at Lee Linear suggest using something called "P.O.S.T.L.U.D.E.S" as your guide: Precision, Orientation, Speed, Travel, Load, Unknowns, Duty Cycle, Environment, and Safety. Learn all about pillow block types, construction, and applications.
Read the Lee Linear blog.

Image - Benchtop ionizer removes static at a distance
Benchtop ionizer removes static at a distance
The award-winning EXAIR Varistat® Benchtop Ionizer is a powerful fan-driven static eliminator engineered to neutralize static charges on surfaces in demanding industrial environments. This Ionizer delivers a consistent stream of ionized airflow, effectively eliminating static and particulates without the need for compressed air. The Varistat is now available in 230 V to meet the needs of industrial locations. Easily mounted and manually adjustable.
Learn more.

Image - Ultra-lightweight humanoid robotics arms are ultra affordable too
Ultra-lightweight humanoid robotics arms are ultra affordable too
RealMan's ultra-lightweight robotic arms offer unmatched agility, strength, and precision at a surprising price. Designed with cutting-edge materials and advanced motion control, these arms enable lifelike movements, making them ideal for manufacturing, service industries, and even domestic assistance. Among these, GEN72 is a consumer-grade robotic arm with a load capacity of 2 kg priced at just over $1,000. It is suitable for large-scale applications such as personal research and development, and commercial service scenarios. Lots of other options.
Discover what RealMan Robotics has to offer.

Most popular last issue

Image - Renault EV concept is super lab on wheels: Filante Record 2025
Renault EV concept is super lab on wheels: Filante Record 2025
Inspired by legendary Renault speedster models, the Renault Filante Record 2025 is no ordinary all-electric concept car. It's part Batmobile and part salt-flats racer designed for reaching ultra efficiency. The single-seater demo was made to preview a range of future technologies while using the same real-world battery capacity as the brand's Scenic E-Tech compact crossover SUV.
Read the full article.

Image - New update on horizon for your 1950s refrigerator tech
New update on horizon for your 1950s refrigerator tech
A more efficient and environmentally friendly form of refrigeration is on the horizon based on thermogalvanic cells that produce a cooling effect by way of a reversible electrochemical reaction.
Read the full article.

Image - First civil supersonic jet makes historic flight
First civil supersonic jet makes historic flight
The first successful supersonic flight of Boom Supersonic's demonstrator aircraft, XB-1, took place on Jan. 28, 2025, at the Mojave Air & Space Port in California. The Denver-based startup designed, built, and flew the world's first independently developed supersonic jet -- a 1:3-scale prototype test plane for the company's planned, full-size Overture aircraft.
Read the full article -- and ride along inside the cockpit too.

Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action
Guy builds omni-directional ball-wheeled bike
Do you remember last September when we featured YouTube maker James Bruton and his funky, self-built Mecanum wheel screw bike? Well, Bruton has been busy; this time around he has designed and created an equally wacky omni-directional ball-wheeled bike. He says he used 3D printing for much of the build and five ODrive brushless motors to keep the balls spinning. Really fun to see him work it all out. Riding the bike brings a whole new meaning to drifting. [Image: Screenshot courtesy of James Bruton YouTube channel]
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