Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!

Archives

View Archives

Partners

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants

Simplify pick and place with the THK PPR

THK's Pick-and-Place Robot PPR is a robot that can pick up delicate or minute workpieces such as electronic components and quickly and accurately transfer and assemble them to the base. In addition to the basic movements of raising, lowering, and rotating, various sensors (such as a force sensor), solenoid valves, and controller are all in one unit. The PPR is a process-optimized robot that can improve the production speed of the parts assembly processes and reduce work damage.
Learn more.

New ROBOMACHINE products and more from FANUC

FANUC America demonstrated the future of manufacturing at IMTS 2026 last week, showcasing how Physical AI-powered automation integrates advanced CNC, machining, and robotics to boost productivity and speed deployment. One highlight was the debut of the ROBODRILL DC Series machining centers -- including the high-speed D54CS and D74CS models -- alongside interactive demonstrations featuring collaborative robots, robotic welding, material joining, painting, and assembly technology.
See all the FANUC new tech featured at IMTS.

What is a stick-slip bi-phase positioning stage?

PI (Physik Instrumente) is expanding its Bi-Phase Inertia Drive (BIX) technology with new motor architectures for compact, high-precision nanopositioning applications. Based on the piezo stick-slip principle, BIX stages replace conventional single actuators with two synchronized multilayer piezo actuators. This compact design delivers precise, repeatable motion while maintaining piezo inertia self-locking.
Learn more about this technology.

Universal Robots unveils Gen 7 robot platform!

Redesigned from controller to tool flange, the new Gen 7 robot platform is out-of-the-box AI-ready, giving companies the modern software tools and next-level connectivity they need to confidently take AI from the lab into industrial operations. Gen 7 represents a unified system upgrade designed to make even the most demanding tasks and setups easier. See all the new features -- they are significant.
Read the full article.

Adaptor mount and hub options provide flexibility

Zero-Max's new CD Power-Series Flexible Shaft Couplings feature ISO Flange Adaptors matching ISO 9409-1 patterns on gear reducers and robotics. Eliminating custom transitions, this direct connection enhances torsional stiffness and positioning accuracy while saving space, weight, and inertia. Offering continuous torque up to 65,000 in.-lb and versatile hub options, these compact couplings deliver high power density.
Learn more.

Top-shelf motors: Completely revised maxon catalog

maxon has completely overhauled its 2026/2027 catalog, streamlining its portfolio to reduce complexity and improve navigation. The new structure features dedicated sections for business units -- Medical, Aerospace, Industrial Automation, Mobility -- and specialized fields like Robotics and Space. Key product highlights include new ECX PRIME and ECX FLAT motors, GSW planetary gearheads, and ESCON2/EPOS4 controllers.
Learn more and check it out.

Custom stators, rotors, and motor assemblies for low- to mid-volume applications

Arnold's Ramco Electric Motors is your single partner for custom motor components and complete assemblies. Ramco builds solutions for AC induction, switched reluctance, and brushless DC designs up to 200+ HP. Capabilities include custom stators, rotor-shaft assemblies, aluminum and copper casting, induction brazing, permanent magnet assembly, and precision rotor balancing.
Learn more.

Rotate robot arms more than 600 degrees

The unsupported twisterchain^® from igus eliminates the need for additional trough systems or guide plates in robotic applications, especially in palletizing. This results in a clean, efficient, and space-saving system architecture that delivers both technical and economic advantages. Thanks to its specialized design, it supports rotations of over 600 degrees.
Learn more.

Match the torque of rotary solenoids to your application

Magnetic Sensor Systems has launched the Made in USA R-10-200-CWM Series of clockwise rotary solenoids. Measuring 2.00 in. in diameter and 1.04 in. long with 18 different AWG options and a serrated front shaft end, these compact units optimize torque, current, and duty cycle. When power is removed, an integral return spring automatically returns the shaft to its home position. The shaft is supported by two high-precision radial ball bearings, providing smooth operation with no axial play. Applications include medical, security, and office equipment.
Learn more.

Planetary servo gear unit: New economy series

SEW-EURODRIVE has expanded its PxG planetary servo gear unit portfolio with the new PxG economy series, introducing the P1.G, P2.G, and P3.G performance classes. Designed for standard industrial automation applications like packaging and material handling, these cost-effective units feature peak torque ratings from 11 to 500 Nm and over 20,000 hours of service life, helping machine builders eliminate unnecessary over-specification.
Learn more.

Compact hexapod 6-DOF alignment system has overload protection

PI's compact H-811.I2HS hexapod delivers precise 6-DOF motion with patented overload protection, simplifying setup and operation in OEM applications. This built-in protection safeguards precision mechanics during installation and integration against accidental forces or improper handling. Furthermore, the hexapod mounts in any orientation, granting system designers exceptional flexibility for optical, photonics, microscopy, metrology, and automation systems.
Learn more.

What is STUDROLLER technology? Cross Roller Guides

NB SLIDE WAY cross roller guides use precision rollers to provide stable, non-recirculating linear motions in precision stages, inspection equipment, semiconductor manufacturing, and more. At the heart of all NB cross roller bearings is the STUDROLLER mechanism, which eliminates the cage-creep phenomenon that, over time, can create deviances in cross roller retainer performance. NB cross roller guides equipped with this system are more accurate and better performing than any other comparable products on the market today. High acceleration and faster cycle times are possible in any orientation.
View the video.

Ruggedized Nano servo drives for harsh environs

Copley Controls has released its R47 and R48 NanoPlus Micro Module servo drives. Designed for extreme environments and space-constrained applications, these rugged platforms operate from 9 to 180 VDC, delivering peak power up to 6.3 kW. Offering CANopen (R47) or EtherCAT (R48) communications, both feature STO SIL 3 safety and broad encoder support. Well suited for COTS military, nautical, aviation, oil refining, and vehicle-based systems.
Learn more.

Simplify AC motor control with the new OMRON M1 Inverter

The OMRON M1 Inverter simplifies machine design by unifying motion, safety, networking, and motor control into a single platform. Available in M1-STD, M1-ECT, and M1-EMP models, it controls IM and PM motors with high precision. Featuring SIL3 PLe STO safety and native EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, or RS-485 communications, the M1 accelerates development within the Sysmac environment.
Learn more.

Flexible planetary gearheads: Quiet, extremely robust

FAULHABER GPT gearheads for miniature and micro motors deliver high power density, exceptional flexibility, and excellent cost efficiency. Designed for seamless integration with diverse motors and encoders, these compact planetary drives feature hardened stainless steel components that reliably withstand extreme torques and abrupt load changes. Offered in standard, low-noise, and high-torque variants, they ensure precise, durable performance across wide operating temperature ranges.
Learn more.

Electricity and plasma turn CO2 into fuel and other useful things

Carbon dioxide (CO2) can be harmful to the environment in large amounts, but it can be used in the production of fuels and other useful chemicals. Doing so isn't easy, though. Now, Yale researchers have developed a new way to combine electrocatalysis and plasma to efficiently and practically generate a number of valuable products from the gas. The results are published in Nature Catalysis.

Developing a scalable and practical way to convert CO2 would not only reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but it could also provide a means of achieving net-zero carbon emissions and the long-term storage of intermittent renewable energy.

"The sorts of multi-carbon products we generate with this approach are really useful for a lot of chemical industries," said Professor Lea Winter, who led the study. "These include higher-value products for use in pharmaceuticals, solvents, and manufacturing of a variety of chemicals -- essentially alternatives and replacements for fossil fuel-derivative chemicals."

Winter also noted that it could produce the precursor chemicals needed for sustainable aviation fuel.

Converting CO2 is tricky even in a controlled laboratory setting. Out of the lab -- in an industrial setting, for instance -- it's even more difficult. That's because CO2 has such strong carbon-oxygen bonds and doesn't break down easily. Electrocatalysis, which uses an electric current and a catalyst to speed up the chemical reactions, has been used with some success. Typically, though, using electrocatalysis alone produces a limited number of simple-carbon products.

For an extra boost, the researchers tried coupling plasma -- a gas made of electrically charged particles that's often referred to as the fourth state of matter -- to electrocatalysis to start to break down CO2 before it reaches the electrocatalyst. In this case, the free electrons in the plasma shake up and loosen the CO2 bonds. The electrocatalyst, a material carrying an electrical current, then rebuilds the pre-excited species from the CO2 plasma into new products.

"We find that plasma unlocks new reaction pathways that lead to the generation of products like methanol and butane, which are not generated with electrocatalysis alone," said Winter, assistant professor of chemical & environmental engineering.

But these plasma-electrochemical processes typically use a water interface, which significantly limits the method's effectiveness. The plasma activates the CO2 gas, but the water quenches and neutralizes the most reactive plasma species by the time they get to the electrocatalyst.

"It's been challenging to figure out how to effectively couple plasma with catalysts in a way that allows us to actually see an effect of plasma -- to get those plasma-excited species to participate in catalytic reactions," Winter said.

To get around this problem, Winter developed what she calls a "3-phase interface." Key to the system is a gas diffusion electrode -- a membrane made of the same material used for non-stick pans -- that enables the interaction of solid, liquid, and gaseous components. This membrane is partly covered with a thin layer of copper that acts as a catalyst while keeping the liquid and the plasma separate. The system also includes a small amount of water, which provides the necessary hydrogen ions for the chemical reactions.

The membrane's pores are large enough to allow the plasma particles to pass through to the electrocatalyst layer, meet the protons from the water, and then drive the chemical reactions.

Using this method, the researchers achieved some of the highest reported generation rates of valuable alcohols and products with three or four carbon atoms. These can be used for liquid fuels, pharmaceuticals, and other valuable products.

Building off this work, Winter said she plans to optimize the catalyst by experimenting with alternative materials.

"We want to figure out how to design catalysts that are specifically tuned to controlling the reaction pathways for converting plasma-activated CO2 toward high-value products," she said.

As for putting it to practical use, Winter said the system has the advantage of being easy to scale out because it operates at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. "And it's a turnkey process," she said. "You can switch it on or shut it off at will based on when electricity is available. It can also operate directly with intermittent renewable electricity, so we could see retrofitting an existing plant, and then you don't need to build an entire new factory around it."

Source: Yale University

Published September 2026

Rate this article