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How accurate is an actuator? Accuracy and repeatability are two important specifications of a linear motion platform. They are separate but related concepts. In fact, repeatability is often what is needed in an application instead of accuracy. The motor, drive and actuator itself all influence accuracy and repeatability. The relative importance of each specification depends on a thorough understanding of your application.
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In this issue of Designfax |
News |
Cover Image: Nelson Publishing
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New fast-charging, long-running, bendable supercapacitor may be energy storage breakthrough Satellite design applied to largest aluminum sailing superyacht ever Air Force Research Lab improving processes for fabricating aircraft engine inlet ducts A new spin on lunar travel: Moon buggy wheel tech evolves for Mars mission |
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Visit the Largest Cobot Expo in North America Universal Robots' unique tradeshow "The Cobot Expo" offers American manufacturers flexible automation solutions for a fast-changing world. The virtual expo July 28-30, 2020, is a rich experience with an extensive range of product news and demonstrations, featuring more than 30 different booths, insightful keynotes, interactive QAs, and live chats with automation experts.
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| Featured Articles |
| Airbus BelugaXL cargo plane enters service with 30% extra transport capacity | |
Jan. 9 was a big, big day for Airbus when the first of six new BelugaXL cargo planes -- boasting the largest cargo bay cross-section of all existing cargo aircraft worldwide -- entered into service. The new mega plane will provide Airbus with 30 percent extra transport capacity in order to shuttle huge commercial aircraft parts to and from its various facilities.
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Au naturel: Ford GT supercar gets unpainted carbon fiber, more power updates A brand new option for the Ford GT is called Liquid Carbon, and it lets the supercar's lightweight sculpted carbon fiber body shine through -- completely free of paint color. But if you don't like all that black weave showing, there's a racy painted throwback edition available too. The 2020 GT also gets an engine power update.
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500 miles on a charge: Samsung announces solid-state battery for EVs Researchers from Samsung recently presented a study on high-performance, long-lasting all-solid-state batteries. Their promising prototype pouch cell is smaller and safer than traditional Li-ion batteries in use today, and would enable an electric vehicle (EV) to travel almost 500 miles on a single charge.
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Metal surfaces can now be instant bacteria killers Bacterial pathogens can live on surfaces for days. What if frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs could instantly kill them off? Purdue University engineers have created a laser treatment method that could potentially turn any metal surface into a rapid bacteria killer.
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Miniature motors for Mars 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.
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American-made supercar aims to upend traditional manufacturing The 1,250-hp Czinger 21C supercar is out to prove that the future is now. Designed and produced by a California startup, it is full of 3D-printed parts and is made with minimum tooling. It's a quirky, sci-fi design mash-up with blazing speed and tandem rider positions. It's also pretty cool, and only 80 will be made.
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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, having 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.
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WWI helmets protect against shock waves just as well as modern designs Biomedical engineers from Duke University have demonstrated that, despite significant advancements in protection from ballistics and blunt impacts, modern military helmets are no better at protecting the brain from shock waves created by nearby blasts than their World War I counterparts.
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Top Blog: The battle of stainless steel types -- 303 vs. 304 vs. 316 Choosing the correct stainless steel material is critical to any application -- especially those designed for wash-down, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, or strength. There are a variety of materials to choose from, with many different specifications tied to them. But do you know the differences between the most widely used grades? Carlicia Layosa from MISUMI gives the rundown. Read this informative MISUMI blog.
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Top Machines Spotlight: The hero of Notre-Dame -- Firefighting robot In the spring of 2019, the famous French cathedral of Notre-Dame was heavily damaged in a devastating fire. But the Paris fire department prevented the complete destruction of the building with the help of a special robot called Colossus. Motors from maxon are used in the robot's design.
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Top Product: Allite Super Magnesium Weighing 33 percent less than aluminum and stiffer and stronger pound for pound, the Allite Super Magnesium alloy has shown its mettle in classified defense and aerospace applications. Now it's available for wider use. This material is less expensive than carbon fiber and has the lowest carbon footprint of any structural material throughout the value chain. Industry applications include home improvement, sporting goods, aerospace, automotive, biking, and beyond. Three alloy variants are available to suit welding, forming/forging, or casting. These alloys feature excellent shock-absorption properties, good electromagnetic shielding performance, good heat dissipation, and recyclability. Allite is based in Dayton, OH.
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Great Resources: ABCs of gears and more KHK USA takes you on a journey through the history and applications of gears in two information-packed, no-cost volumes called "The ABCs of Gears." Part A is aimed at beginners, while part B moves on to intermediate fare, such as types of gears and tooth forms, heat treatment, surface treatment, production methods, etc. Another mid-level text called "Introduction to Gears" and an in-depth "Gear Technical Reference" are also available, chock full of materials information and calculation examples and tables. Best of all, there is no registration for any of these valuable PDF resources. Thanks, KHK USA!
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Engineer's Toolbox: Self-clinching fasteners tips Dozens of types and thousands of variations of self-clinching fasteners (steel, stainless steel, or aluminum) have been engineered over the years. Leon M. Attarian of PennEngineering provides three mini case studies where manufacturers benefited greatly by switching to self-clinching fasteners in their assemblies. This article is filled with insightful tips and suggestions.
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Cool Tools: New 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.
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| Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action |
| What are the best brake pads? Cheap vs. expensive tested | |
| Are expensive brake pads better than cheaper brake pads? Are cheap brake pads dangerous? Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained compares brake pads ranging from $20 to $90, all for the front brakes on the exact same vehicle. He runs through some pretty thorough performance, corrosion, shear, and noise tests to find out. You almost always learn something new from Jason.
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