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OnRobot Gripper Reduces Misloads by 40% Tomenson Machine Works in Chicago turned to collaborative automation in its pin-stamping application to improve quality, profitability, and worker satisfaction. Watch how OnRobot's RG6 gripper handles dozens of different part sizes with fast and easy change-overs.
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In this issue of Designfax |
News |
Cover Image: Nelson Publishing
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Heard of plasmonics? Researchers create a super-fast 'light switch' for future cars and computers New material could make safer football helmets and reduce head injuries |
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Optimize mechanical misalignments, get hidden benefits C-Flex Couplings combine the best qualities of disc, beam, and bellows couplings in a unique and economical new design. Made to couple two rotating shafts together, these couplings can accommodate large misalignments while transmitting high torque loads with zero backlash. Benefits include lower energy usage and less frequent bearing failure, since less stress is placed upon bearings. Constructed using high-strength hardened stainless steel or glass impregnated polyamide flexures, these couplings require no maintenance and provide years of trouble-free life, even in contaminated environments. Flexible Pivot Bearings and Super Plastic Torsional Damping Couplings also available. Watch C-Flex Couplings in action handling misalignments.
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| Featured Articles |
| Air Force tests in-house, rapidly developed small engine | |
The U.S. Air Force is flipping the script on turbine engine development by taking a stab at creating their own new designs and then fielding them out to industry partners for manufacturing. The aim is to demonstrate new technologies faster and to create less expensive prototypes.
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Engineer's Toolbox: How to install a coiled spring pin Coiled pins were designed with assembly in mind. Compared to other pins, their square ends, concentric chamfers, and lower insertion forces make them ideal for easy installation. They can also accommodate wider hole tolerances than any other pin. Learn why coiled pins are the easiest type of pin to install and are designed to be serviceable. By Jeff Greenwood, SPIROL
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Diamonds in your devices: How to power the next generation of energy storage In a breakthrough study, scientists from Japan have used nanodiamonds to construct electrodes for supercapacitors that can be widely used as a more efficient alternative to conventional energy-storage devices.
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Ford Bronco R race prototype is sneak peek at new production model The Bronco is set to be reborn in 2020, and Ford gave us a sneak peek (although a cryptic one) of what it may look like recently when it entered the Bronco R race prototype in the punishing Baja 1000 off-road race. Specially developed by Ford Performance, the heritage-inspired design gave a hint of the new vehicle's boxy proportions and was built using the upcoming production model's body-on-frame architecture.
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Is Excel hindering your engineering projects? While Excel is a great tool for performing quick calculations, it cannot handle the scope of mathematical computation required for advanced engineering projects. Discover why engineers from around the world reap the benefits from the move to robust, interactive mathematical systems such as Maple. Learn how, with the right tools, you can arrive at the right solution faster, while minimizing errors, delays, and rising costs.
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How to prevent step losses with stepper motors When a stepping motor does not operate correctly in a specific situation, the common conclusion is that either the motor or the drive electronics are faulty. However, other factors can contribute to step losses. Mini-motors expert MICROMO runs through important things to examine for the analysis of step losses or non-operation across a variety of applications.
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HVACR Tech Tip: How to correctly size solenoid valves Obtaining reliable performance with solenoid valves on refrigeration or air conditioning systems demands careful consideration of application requirements during the selection process. There has always been a tendency in the industry to select solenoid valves based on line size. However, due to the pressure drop required for proper operation, this policy is risky and not recommended. What should you do? Read this informative Parker Hannifin, Sporlan Division, blog.
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New compact, tough angle sensors Novotechnik has just introduced the Vert-X 1600 Series of angular position sensors, which are ideal for industrial, medical, off-highway vehicle, and other applications. They convert rotational angle into an analog or digital output, with a measurement range of 0 to 360°, 14-bit resolution, and repeatability of 0.1°. Available analog outputs are 10 to 90 percent of supply voltage and 5 to 95 percent of supply voltage. Digital interface options include SPI and PWM. The sensors are sealed to IP 65, life is ? 50 million movements, and MTTF is 668 years. Operating temp range is -40 to 125°C. Will operate with up to 10 N axial or radial shaft load.
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Next-gen low-friction bearing for improved lubrication Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed an optimized design for its proven Levitorq axial thrust washers. Through a new "scoop" feature, the enhanced Levitorq design is able to collect and push lubrication under the washer to enable higher critical speeds and enhanced performance. A team of experts developed the scoop design based on the types and availability of lubricants used in powertrain applications. These designs help optimize the availability of lubrication at the inner diameter, thus improving lubrication across the washer. These designs are ideal for applications with limited or splash lubrication. Levitorq is part of the company's Low Emission Sealing Solutions (LESS) product portfolio.
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New integrated DC motor and controller package Haydon Kerk Pittman has just announced the latest addition to its popular line of brushless DC motors. The EC042B IDEA Motor Series is now available with CANopen communication-enhancing motion control capabilities. Save money and space by utilizing the IDEA Motor's integrated package of motor, drive, and feedback connections in a compact and programmable unit. A single motor/drive unit reduces motion system components by up to 75 percent per axis and simplifies machine troubleshooting. Save time using a pre-engineered, factory-configured and tested servo system. Immediately generate complex precise motion sequences by using the available Graphical User Interface that provides an intuitive programming environment to quickly develop, save, and debug complex motion sequences.
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Adhesives: The importance of hardness testing According to Master Bond, measuring hardness is a simple, yet powerful test to ensure proper curing and evaluate the performance of adhesive materials. Why? Hardness is generally a good indication of the product's overall functionality. If the mix ratio used was incorrect or if parts A and B were not mixed thoroughly or properly, the adhesive will cure "tacky" or with blotches. Hardness can also be used to determine how a material is holding up to various experiments and accelerated aging tests. Read this informative Master Bond blog.
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| Most Popular |
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Sikorsky unveils RAIDER X light-attack copter Meet the future of vertical lift: RAIDER X. Sikorsky's entry to the U.S. Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program competition is a fast-flying (almost 290-mph), agile, and lethal compound coaxial helicopter that has been specifically designed for securing vertical lift dominance against evolving threats on the future battlefield. Bell Textron and a partnership between AVX Aircraft and L3 Technologies have already released their two attack-copter prototype entries.
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Solid-state lithium-ion battery breakthrough: Twice the power, no risk of fire Scientists at Deakin University in Victoria, Australia, have proven that solvent-free solid-state batteries can be made easily, paving the way for a future free from batteries catching fire or exploding if they get too hot. They can also pack in more energy in a smaller space.
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New shark-resistant wetsuit material could help save lives Marine researchers at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, have been busy testing a new wetsuit material they've created that looks promising in helping reduce blood loss caused by shark bites. The protective fabric incorporates ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers onto widely used neoprene material in wetsuits.
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| Videos+: Technologies and inspiration in action |
| Universal Robots help Chicago die caster win jobs | |
| Die-casting manufacturer RCM Industries in Chicago found itself in competition with suppliers in Mexico for a large outsourced project. A fleet of new Universal Robots' e-Series collaborative robots with built-in force-torque sensing took on repetitive high-precision tasks, increasing output and reducing costs to make this U.S. firm competitive with low-wage countries while providing higher-value jobs for workers. Learn more on cobots -- download the free ebook: Ready to get started? Talk to an expert today:
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