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Epoxy adhesive with no mixing required

50-3122 is a one-component epoxy adhesive with a unique combination of physical properties. This adhesive provides both high shear and high peel strengths. It is also able to maintain exceptionally strong bonds over a wide temperature range of -60 C to 205 C. This product from Epoxies Etc. is formulated to offer superior resistance to impact, thermal shock, vibration, and stress fatigue cracking. It is used in electronic, electrical, aerospace, appliance, automotive, and industrial applications, and it passes NASA's outgassing requirements per ASTM E595-07.
Click here to learn more.

Line of high-load cam followers expanded

IKO International has expanded its line of CFKR series Double Hex Hole Cam Followers. The outside diameter of the outer ring is now available in 22 and 26 mm, with current models as high as 90 mm. These bearings are designed for outer-ring rotation and have superior rotational performance with a small coefficient of friction and high load capacity. Consider the CFKR 90 V model, which features a dynamic load rating in excess of 67,000 N, compared to 40,500 N for similar cam followers on the market. The CFKR series features hexagon holes on both stud ends, so it can be tightened from the cam follower head or stud end. Variations are available for roller construction (cage or full complement), shape of the outer ring outside the surface (crowned or cylindrical), and seal structure (shield or sealed type).
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Smallest wave springs on the market

Smalley has expanded the Crest-to-Crest^® Wave Spring Series. Smalley's popular C (imperial) and CM (metric) Series have been expanded; standard sizes are now available from stock down to .188 in. and 5 mm in diameter. Smalley Wave Springs can replace conventional coil springs while occupying only half the space and providing the same force and deflection.
Request complimentary samples today!

MovinCool spot air conditioners featured in new application sheets

MovinCool, a brand of DENSO Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial spot air conditioners, has announced a new series of MovinCool product information sheets covering seven application areas: computer and telecom equipment, healthcare facilities, industrial plants, educational facilities, construction sites, automotive service bays, and emergency moisture removal. In addition to offering information about how MovinCool products are used in each application, the sheets highlight the relevant MovinCool models for the application, along with basic product specifications.
Check out what's new from MovinCool today.

SKYFLEX aero tapes and gaskets help COMAC C919 make maiden flight

Proven by more than 20 years of successful applications, Gore’s tapes and gaskets solve many sealing and surface-protection challenges in civil and military aircraft. These lightweight, no-cure materials are often used as an alternative to Form-In-Place (FIP) seals because they simplify aircraft assembly with seals that can withstand multiple open-close cycles for reduced life-cycle costs. SKYFLEX materials were used to provide panel sealing and surface protection throughout the aircraft on China's first domestically produced single-aisle passenger jet, the C919, which made its inaugural flight May 5, 2017. The materials remain in place under compression and do not squeeze out, providing a durable barrier between the faying surfaces, as well as a seal against contaminants. This protects the structure and corrosion-inhibiting coatings on the surfaces from abrasion damage due to flexing, vibration, or contaminants.
Click here to learn more.

Real LSR (liquid silicone rubber) parts really fast

Proto Labs provides advanced liquid silicone rubber (LSR) injection molding services that provide custom prototypes and end-use production parts in 15 days or less -- sometimes in as little as 5 days. They use aluminum molds that offer cost-efficient tooling and accelerated manufacturing cycles, and they stock various grades and durometers of LSR materials. LSR is a thermoset engineering material that is particularly suitable for applications in the medical sector -- it can withstand sterilization and is biocompatible. LSR also lends itself to applications in the automotive and food appliance industries, typically in the form of seals, gaskets, valves, and cables.
Click here to learn more.

Slip clutches maximize designs

The way they see it over at Polyclutch, there aren't a whole lot of problems you can't solve with a slip clutch. Way beyond using them for overload protection, there are a surprising number of other applications for these versatile and valuable components. From increasing machine speeds and applying constant tension on wire to indexing a conveyor and automatic screw assembly, slip clutches just may provide the design leverage you've been seeking.
Read the full article.

5-Star Product: 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 are also available.
Click here to learn more.
Watch C-Flex Couplings in action handling misalignments.

Maple 2017 is here!

Maplesoft has announced the release of a new version of its flagship product, Maple -- the mathematical software that makes it extremely easy to analyze, explore, visualize, and solve math problems. It offers increased mathematical power, stronger visualizations, and flexible deployment options. The latest release includes new features that enable users to extend Maple’s power through user-created packages, construct even complicated plots easily, and password-protect Maple documents. The result of over 30 years of development, this release includes a large number of useful improvements that existing customers will welcome.
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Mike Likes: Industrial 3D Printing for Dummies

Proto Labs' “Industrial 3D Printing for Dummies” book explains how additive manufacturing can accelerate and augment product development -- from prototype through production. Learn about new and existing technologies, available materials, and how 3D printing is being used for commercial applications in nearly every industry.
Request your free dummies book now!

‘Hinge Selection Guide’ online app

The newly launched “Hinge Selection Guide” online app from Reell Precision Manufacturing introduces a user-friendly resource to pinpoint ideal hinge and torque insert product solutions matching application requirements. This free tool opens an interactive window to designate an application’s parameters, calculate the torque and rotational angle required for the hinge or torque insert, and ultimately identify the Reell products best suited for the job. The tool also enables users to access Reell’s standard catalog products.
Click here to learn more.

Adhesive vent for automotive

The 5-mm, low-profile AVS 110 adhesive vent from GORE is perfectly aligned with the need to further miniaturize automotive control units, sensors, actuators, and motors, and to better protect these high-value electronics from the rigors of under-hood and under-chassis environments. The vent’s 100% ePTFE all-membrane construction reliably protects against hazards such as splashes or immersions and automotive fluids. More reliable venting performance can reduce the need for heavier housings, seals, and gaskets.
Click here to learn more.

Wave spring 3D models

CAD models of Smalley Wave Springs are downloadable at application-specific heights. Enter any height between the spring solid and free height in over 60 native and natural CAD formats. Wave springs can reduce spring height by up to 50% with the same force and deflection as coil springs.
Click here to learn more.

Lifetime warranty on injection mold tools

When ICOMold manufactures a production mold tool for your custom plastic injection molding project, they provide a lifetime mold warranty. As long as the company is producing your plastic parts, they will maintain your mold at their expense -- for the life of the tool. If your mold should require any maintenance or repairs whatsoever, they will take care of it at no cost to you -- even if it needs to be replaced entirely. The lifetime warranty applies to ICOMold production molds. They also offer a low-volume/prototype mold that carries a warranty for up to 10,000 cycles.
Click here to see mold types and warranties provided.

New adhesive for optoelectronic applications

DELO has introduced a new adhesive for optoelectronic applications (components that convert electrical energy into light and vice versa). DELO DUALBOND OB786 is ideal for fixing components within seconds, while ensuring precision and high strength. This milky epoxy resin with medium viscosity ensures good adhesion to common substrates like aluminum, FR4, PPS, and LCP. This product cures under UV light but can be set in a convection oven for areas where light doesn't reach. Great for LED lens bonding, wafer-level/micro-optics, mini cameras, and more.
Click here for more information.

One-of-a-kind 'cannon tube' SCat gun used to improve munition design fires 1,000th shot

The U.S. Army's 155-mm Soft Catch Gun (SCat gun) in action.

 

 

Engineers with the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey set a milestone when they fired the 1,000th shot from the 155-mm Soft Catch Gun (aka the SCat gun) last year.

The system is comprised of a 155-mm Howitzer with a M199 gun tube and 540 ft of catch tubes.

Engineers are able to measure the forces a 155-mm projectile experiences after being fired from a cannon tube. The data is recorded using on-board recorders, which help engineers design robust and reliable precision munition systems and components.

That information is then transferred to a computer and analyzed. The data provides valuable feedback to engineers and warfighters to help in the future development of weapons and munitions systems.

According to records, the first shot from the SCat gun was fired April 30, 2007 at 12:15 p.m. Roughly nine years later, on June 21, 2016 at 9:43 a.m., the 1,000th shot was fired.

"The team has reached a pinnacle for testing of developmental items for future Armament systems for Precision Guided Weapon and Munition systems," said Robert Marchak, mechanical engineer in the Fuze Division of the Munitions Engineering Technology Center.

"The future is an open door at this point and will help ARDEC to achieve more capabilities for the warfighter. With the future brings new opportunities for advancement in more systems to assist in development for the DoD," he said.

"The SCat Gun was designed to last for 50 years. With proper maintenance and upkeep, it will last even longer. Efforts are underway to assess the current system and future development for other assets to fill the gap for testing of High-G and Higher Velocity Armament Systems being developed by the Tri Services and DoD contractors and other government agencies," Marchak added.

How the SCat gun works
SCat is a hybrid system that uses both pressurized air and water to help slow down the projectile's momentum. It is the only system of its kind in the world.

The first part of the chain of catch tubes only contains atmospheric air. The next section, 320 ft of the tubes, contains pressurized air, followed by an 80-ft section with water.

A small burst diaphragm seals one end of the pressurized air and a piston seals the other end.

The piston also separates the water and pressurized air sections. The burst diaphragm and piston are replaced after each test fire.

VIDEO: Engineers with the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center set a milestone last year when they fired the 1,000th shot from the 155-mm Soft Catch Gun (also known as the SCat gun).

Once fired, the projectile achieves free flight for approximately 6 ft and travels down the catch tubes, generating shockwaves that interact with the atmospheric air section, the burst diaphragm, the pressurized air section, the piston, and the water section.

In a little over 1 sec, the projectile shock waves break the burst diaphragm. The air section is compressed and pushed forward, and shock and pressure shear the piston, moving it against the water (momentum transfer), all while slowing the projectile to a stop.

The piston is ejected out of the end of the system, followed by the air and water, and finally the projectile comes to rest in a mechanized brake system.

On-board recorders inside the projectile measure the accelerations of the projectile from the gun-launch and the catch events.

With a muzzle velocity of 888 m/sec, the entire test takes a little over 1 sec from the time the projectile is fired until it has completely stopped.

The speed of 888 m/sec is equal to 1,986 mph.

Source: Picatinny Arsenal

Published March 2017

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