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Clever! Indexing plungers with chamfered pins

JW Winco has developed a new type of indexing plunger -- GN 824 -- that can independently latch into edges and grooves. This is made possible by a chamfered plunger pin. When the chamfered pin encounters a raised latching geometry, it retracts and then springs back out again once it reaches the latching point. This new indexing plunger can be ordered with axial thread for fastening and a black plastic knob for operating the indexing plunger. In a clever design, the plunger pin can be adjusted by 360 degrees to ensure that it encounters the mating surface perpendicularly. This hardware is well suited for transport frames, mechanisms, or covers that need to be locked in place quickly and securely, especially without the need for manual intervention.
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New flat quarter-turn clamping fastener

IMAO Fixtureworks has expanded its One-Touch Fastener lineup to include a new quarter-turn clamping fastener that features an innovative flat design and is ideal for clamping in limited spaces. The QCFC flat quarter-turn fastener has a recessed body that protrudes only 2 mm from the mounted surface, a knob that rests flush inside the body, visible ON and OFF markings for safety, and an audible click when fully turned to clamped or unclamped position.
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New electro-proportional hydraulics cartridge valves

Helios Technologies has expanded its electro-proportional cartridge valve offerings with new solutions (models RPEP and RPEN) from its operating company Sun Hydraulics. These valves fit into the compact T-10A cavity and are rated to a max pressure of 5,000 psi (350 bar). They have a flow capacity of 25 gpm and are fully compatible with the XMD Mobile Driver, which was co-developed with sister operating company Enovation Controls. The RPEP is well suited for industrial machines like a hydraulic press, which requires precise pressure regulation. The RPEN is well suited for mobile fan drive applications to dynamically control fan speed and ensure proper temperature regulation.
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Dual-laser metal AM system makes parts faster

Renishaw's new dual-laser RenAM 500D metal additive manufacturing machine has been designed to offer exceptional product quality and productivity for a wider range of budgets. The RenAM 500D features two 500-W lasers that can access the entire build platform, delivering superior performance when compared with single-laser systems. Additionally, the RenAM 500D Ultra, fitted with Renishaw's TEMPUS technology, allows the laser to fire while the recoater is moving, saving up to nine seconds per build layer and reducing cost per part. This also helps to deliver a production speed up to three times faster than conventional single-laser systems. Many more features.
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NEW! Aluminum Press-In Inserts for plastics

SPIROL is pleased to introduce a range of 2024 aluminum Press-In Inserts. Available in symmetrical (Series INS 50) and headed (INS 51) versions, the new aluminum Press-In Inserts line complements the existing brass line. Threaded Inserts are essential for reinforcing plastic components and provide a reusable thread within a bolted assembly. This ensures a proper seating torque and prevents the potential for plastic creep over time. These inserts are designed to be Pressed-In without heat and provide the lowest cost to install with acceptable joint performance for many applications.
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When glass or plastic can't cut it: Transparent ceramics solve critical design challenges

Complex designs are still possible when grinding and polishing Fused Silica or Sapphire. Ceramic properties such as wear, abrasion resistance, and strength of these optical materials can be a designer's dream solution when high temperatures or severe environments rule out standard optical glass or plastic. INSACO is a machine shop specializing in ultra-hard and extreme materials.
→ Contact Jackson Evans, Sales Engineer at INSACO jpe@insaco.com.
→ Learn more about INSACO materials and capabilities.

New contactless link magnetic couplings use magnetic field to transmit torque

Miki Pulley Magnetic Couplings are shaft couplings that transmit torque from one shaft to another using a magnetic field instead of a physical or mechanical connection. These Magnetic Couplings are non-contact and rely on the attraction and repulsion of magnetic poles to generate rotational power. The full product range can withstand significant misalignments and are silent, vibration-free, and do not generate thermal conduction. Design advantages include configurations that are versatile for use in various engagement angles and installations. Max transmittable torque is adjustable.
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New aero and defense PEKK-based FDM polymers from Stratasys

Stratasys has partnered with top aerospace and defense companies to develop two newly qualified materials for 3D printing. Antero 800NA is a PEKK-based FDM polymer with excellent physical and mechanical properties for demanding applications. Antero 840CN03 is a high-performance PEKK-based FDM polymer with electrostatic dissipative (ESD) properties. These new advanced industrial solution materials were rigorously qualified in collaboration with Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Blue Origin, Raytheon, Naval Air Systems Command, the National Institute for Aviation Research, United States Air Force, BAE, and Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.
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New washer tech for leak-free automotive sealing

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has launched the Rubore^® Washer, a unique solution offering virtually leak-free sealing beneath screwheads to safeguard critical systems in vehicles, especially electric ones.
Read the full article.

EOS expands its Nickel superalloys for 3D printing

EOS, a leading supplier of manufacturing solutions for industrial 3D printing, has added two new metal additive manufacturing materials: EOS NickelAlloy IN738 and EOS NickelAlloy K500, both delivering excellent performance, part properties, and value to a variety of industries that leverage EOS Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LBPF) 3D-printing technology. The IN738 superalloy is aimed at high-strength, high-stress energy and turbomachinery applications, while the K500 superalloy is a cost-effective, corrosion-resistant option for chemical, maritime, and space industries.
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Ruland acquires RoCom Couplings, expanding beam coupling and machined spring capabilities

Ruland Manufacturing has acquired the assets of RoCom Couplings, a Santa Maria, CA-based company specializing in beaming technology, including beam couplings, machined springs, and custom beamed components. The acquisition expands Ruland's beam coupling offerings and enhances its manufacturing capabilities to better serve customers requiring precision-engineered flexible couplings and custom machined solutions.
Learn more and see what's offered.

norelem adds 30,000 new components to its range

norelem, a global manufacturer and supplier of standard components for machinery and automation, has expanded its product range by adding 30,000 parts to its catalog. Unique in the industry, this expansion brings norelem's selection of high-quality components to over 130,000 products for design engineers and machine technicians. From sensors and clamps to plungers, levers, and measurement instruments, norelem's entire supply is available to order from its online shop with guaranteed fast and reliable delivery times.
Check out what norelem has to offer. They are new to Designfax.

Wear-resistant precision hinges from JW Winco

The precision hinges GN 7580 from JW Winco supply a pivoting movement to elements such as swing arms, spacers, and clamping plates in applications such as jig construction, automation systems, or testing systems. These wear-resistant hinges feature low radial play and adjustable axial play. They are made of black anodized and high-strength alloyed aluminum, while the bearing bushings are made of bronze. Stainless steel is used for the hardened hinge axis as well as the thrust washers and adjusting screws. An additional polyamide coating on the adjusting screws provides for thread locking.
Learn more.

Supercar of the skies: Autodesk Alias design

Learn how Hill Helicopter is using Autodesk Alias to design the innovative HX50, the "supercar of the skies." The next-gen, private copter marries high-end automotive and aero design and materials to create a futuristic flying five-seat SUV for a discriminating clientele. A neat insider look.
View the video.

CNC machining: How to avoid high costs on thin walls

Parts that are light and strong are crucial to nearly every industry. To achieve better performance without risking part failure, parts must maintain a specific wall-height-to-thickness ratio and wall-height-to-length ratio. Additionally, some geometries and supports can support thin walls to achieve a lighter component weight. Dive deeper into the cost drivers behind CNC-machined thin walls in this Xometry design-for-manufacturing article.
Read the full article.

Researchers recycle wind turbine blade materials to make improved plastics

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, Washington State University

A new method to recycle wind turbine blades without using harsh chemicals resulted in the recovery of high-strength glass fibers and resins that allowed Washington State University (WSU) researchers to re-purpose the materials to create stronger plastics.

The innovation provides a simple and environmentally friendly way to recycle wind turbine blades to create useful products.

Reporting in the journal Resource, Conservation, and Recycling, the team of researchers cut the lightweight material that is commonly used in wind turbine blades, called glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), into approximately 2-in.-sized blocks. They then soaked the flakes in a bath of low-toxicity organic salt in pressurized, superheated water for about two hours to break down the material. They then re-purposed its components to make stronger plastics.

"It works very well, especially considering the mild conditions that we applied," said Cheng Hao, a former graduate student in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and co-first author on the paper. "The solvent is a green solvent, and also the temperature is acceptable for this purpose."

The GFRP material has traditionally been very difficult to recycle. While thermoplastics, the type of plastic used in milk bottles, can be melted and easily reused, the glass-fiber composites are typically made with thermosets. These types of composites are cured and can't easily be undone and returned to their original materials. First-generation modern wind turbines made of composites from the 1990s are now reaching the end of their lifetimes, creating a significant challenge for disposal. The glass fiber-reinforced material makes up about two-thirds of a wind turbine blade's total weight. Furthermore, when the blades are made, about 15% of the material is also wasted in manufacturing.

Left: wind turbine blade waste. Middle: treated and dried wind turbine blade glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). Right: injection-molded plastic containing 70% recycled GFRP. [Credit: Photo courtesy of WSU]

 

 

 

 

"As wind energy grows, recycling and reusing wind turbine waste is becoming increasingly urgent," said Jinwen Zhang, corresponding author and a professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. "This recycling method is scalable, cost effective, and environmentally friendly, providing a sustainable solution for reusing large quantities of glass-fiber-reinforced waste."

In their work, the researchers soaked the blade material in a mild solution of zinc acetate, which is used in medicines, such as in throat lozenges and food additives. The mild solution allowed the researchers to recover glass fibers and resins in good condition, which they then added directly to thermoplastics to produce strong composite materials with up to 70% of the recycled glass-fiber materials. Moreover, the researchers were able to recover and reuse most of the catalyzing zinc acetate solution through simple filtration.

"The ease of the catalyst recovery enhances the overall sustainability and cost effectiveness of the method," said Zhang, who conducts research in the Composite Materials and Engineering Center.

When the researchers added the recycled material to nylon plastic and tested it, they found that the additional fibers made the nylon more than three times stronger and more than eight times stiffer. They also found that the recycled GFRP material can reinforce other plastics, such as polypropylene and the type of plastics used in milk jugs and shampoo bottles.

"For this work, we didn't need to fully break down all the bonds and push the reaction to completion," said Baoming Zhao, co-first author and research assistant professor in the Composite Materials and Engineering Center. "As long as we can break the cross-linked network into smaller pieces and they are melt processable, we can compound that with nylon and get a new composite. We are not separating the resin from the fiber -- we just blend everything with nylon and get a new composite."

The researchers are continuing studies to make the chemical conditions even easier for recycling by reducing the requirements for pressurization. Working with WSU's Office of Commercialization, they also hope to develop blade materials that are fully recyclable in the first place.

Published April 2025

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