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| For design engineers and engineering management
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July 31, 2009
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Ranting about rails?
Our June 4 editorial about the economics of rail travel continues to
generate feedback. Among the latest letters is this one: "I've just read
your editorial (“Taken for a ride,” June 4), and I have doubts about
high-speed rail as well, but there are some additional factors to
consider. I agree we should first focus on fuel efficiency and some of
the other technical fixes you mention, such as traffic-light timing. But
I also support what is often called the “feebate” program of driving
up fuel efficiency with a market-oriented mechanism.....And I realize it
would take a lot of money to get results in terms of reducing the cost
of electricity generated from alternative sources..." Read more.
Read the argument going on about rail travel in our blog section here.
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NIWeek 2009 - Worldwide Graphical
System Design
Conference and Exhibition
National Instruments invites you to join our community of
engineers, scientists, and educators from all over the world. NIWeek
2009 features three full days of interactive technical sessions,
targeted summits, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions on the latest
developments for design, control, automation, manufacturing, and
test.
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Tech transfer is now an engineering
class
There is a long road between breadboarding a design and producing it
in the form of a product. A professor at the University of Maryland
figured engineering students seldom had any appreciation of this
process. So he folded his sideline business of customizing guitars into
some of his engineering classes. Read more.
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Readers weigh in on looming "labor
shortage"
Our recent editorial about a possible labor shortage is generating a
lot of feedback. Says one reader: "Many of the engineers I know who have
been released do not plan to return to their former positions because of
leaders who figure that anyone who can use a computer can handle their
jobs!" Another claims, "Once everyone is using robots for nearly
everthing, China et al will not be at such an advantage." Read more.
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Featured video: The air-powered robot
hand
Researchers at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering have developed
a robotic hand that can firmly hold objects as heavy as a can of food
but which is dexterous enough to gesture for sign language. The fully
articulated robotic hand is powered by a compressor air tank at 60 psi
and a novel accordion type tube actuator. Read more. There is also a
YouTube video of the thing here.
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Metal inserts for plastic
The comprehensive Inserts for Plastics Design Guide covers
topics such as the specific plastic type in which the Insert will be
used, torque, and tensile requirements, corrosion resistance,
temperature requirements, and installation methods.
Also included is an explanation why inserts are used, an overview on the
various types of plastic, a discussion on special types of Inserts, a
review of Insert testing methods and performance expectations, an
overview of Insert installation methods, and a review of the company’s
Application Engineering Support.
More Information: Spirol International Corp.
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No-lead bronze
Several grades of bronze Graphalloy grades now have no lead. The
lead-free formulations are for bearings and bushings where lead
contamination must be avoided. Applications include deep-well and
potable water pumps, and food-processing equipment such as ovens and
conveyors.
The self-lubricating, nongalling bushings and bearings are dimensionally
stable even when submerged, under load, or experiencing wide temperature
swings. Many grades withstand temperatures ranging from cryogenic to
1,000°F.
More Information: Graphite Metallizing Corp.
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Check Out the New EET Website
Are you looking for more information on energy efficiency? EETweb.com
features the latest efficiency updates, information on the basics of
energy efficiency and products available for energy efficient designs.
Click here to
visit the site and learn more!
Now Available On-Demand
The Energy Efficiency Web Conference & Expo
Engineers saw and heard great educational content at the Energy
Efficiency Web Conference and Expo. If you missed the live virtual
event, don’t despair! An archive of the full day’s agenda is now
available.
Design engineers are required to integrate energy efficiency into their
designs while maintaining lower costs, the highest reliability or both.
The editors of Machine Design understand these challenges
and have developed this conference to help engineers understand the
recently imposed energy mandates. The information presented at this
educational event will help engineers compare the different technologies
and product related to energy efficiency. Attendees will gain access to
the technical information needed to help them make the best decisions
without having to travel or take time away from current projects.
Visit the archive to:
- View informative webinars on energy efficiency
- Visit interactive booths where you can contact suppliers
- Peruse the Resource Center where you can download or link to
additional pertinent energy efficiency information
Register Now!
ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING
Click
Here for a list of archived Machine Design webcasts.
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Minco Flexible Heaters Design Guide
Order a FREE Flexible Heaters Design Guide to learn how flexible heaters
can benefit your design. Also get tips on selecting the right heater for
prototyping. Get your copy today: www.minco.com/heaterguide
Dimension, a division of Stratasys
Dimension 3D printers are fast, office-friendly systems for building
functional, durable 3D models. And they’re affordable: Lease prices in
the US start at just $275/month.
www.dimensionprinting.com
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Contact Information
Editorial questions: Leland Teschler
216-931-9221
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216-931-9893
Machine Design
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©2009 Penton Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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