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March 27, 2009


What's hot
1. "Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing helps avoid problems
2. Specifying linear slides
3. Getting the right gearmotor
4. "Using rotary encoders for feedback control
5. The ultimate sniper rifle
6. You sunk my battleship!
7.
New products

Articles

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing helps avoid problems
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) has been around since the 1940s, yet it is unappreciated as a valuable way to stop bad designs from being made.

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Specifying linear slides
In this short video tutorial, Brian Pinkham from NB Corp. of America gives Lee Teschler from MACHINE DESIGN pointers on selecting linear slides. Running time 5:48 min.

Getting the right gearmotor
Selecting the right gearmotor for a particular application can be difficult. Here are 10 tips from a panel of experts that should help you get the most cost-effective gearmotor for your design.

Using rotary encoders for feedback control
As automated machinery becomes more complex, engineers may see rotary control being added to project lists along with the familiar linear axes. This article provides a practical understanding of using encoders for rotary position feedback.

The Ultimate sniper rifle
This video looks at the Baret M107 50-caliber sniper rifle that can hit targets more than 2,000 meters (about 1.5 miles) away. Video: 6:45 minutes.

You sunk my battleship!
Play the classic game Battleship on line, with you commanding one fleet and the computer in charge of the other.

New Products

Pillow blocks
The BBXBLK-HCP and BBXBLK-UCP pillow blocks feature both locking collar and set-screw types. The solid-base dual-seal-type pillow blocks have cast-iron housings and are designed to fit shafts ranging from ½ to 3½-in. in diameter. The units incorporate one lubrication fitting.
More Information:
Quality Bearings & Components


Advertisement

Motion Resource Center

Every solution requires the right tools to get the job done correctly. Danaher Motion has created a web page with descriptions and access to motor sizing/selection software, on-line servo technology database, an engineering toolbar for various calculations and more. The site even has more details concerning a Motion Control Handbook that will be a great resource even when a computer with web access is available.



Timing belts
More than 55 different sizes of Synchrochain timing belts are now available. Synchrochain belts are designed for applications that place extreme demands on belt performance, such as maximum power transmission. The belts resist fuels, oil, grease, and cleaning agents, as well as moisture and temperatures ranging from –40 to 100°C.
The belts' smooth back side allows the use of back pulleys. Aramid fiber-tension members have a bifilar "S" or "Z" twist, which lets the belts withstand extreme cases of starting torque, as well as shock loads and high dynamic strain. The teeth have also been reinforced on the pulley side.
More Information:
ContiTech North America Inc.


News from MD


Energy Efficiency Web Conference & Expo –
May 14

Do you know you can get in-depth education on energy-efficiency and all the benefits of an in-person trade show without ever leaving your desk or spending a dime?
The intelligent use of energy is making headlines. Product designers and manufacturers are striving to deliver products that consume less power, extend battery life, generate less heat, or work from alternative energy sources. Our Energy Efficiency Web Conference and Expo will educate design engineers, product developers, and managers on how to make the best use of energy-efficient product innovations and devices, and on how to arrange them in systems to lower power consumption and stay "green." This special one-day event will include sessions on such areas as:
  • Power-efficient drive techniques for lighting
  • ROI for high-efficiency capital equipment
  • Energy monitoring and energy standards
  • Designing for SEMI S23 and the Energy Act of 2007
  • Working with alternative power and battery technology
Make plans now to attend the Energy Efficiency Web Conference and Expo. The event offers a full day of live webinars and interactive booths, along with a Resource Center where visitors can download or link to additional materials.

Register Now!

Machine Design Video Spotlight

High-flex silicone flat cable
A silicone injection molding process developed by Cicoil Corp. embeds wires, coax, fiber optics, and even piping into a single highly flexible flat cable for industrial applications.


Check Out the New Machinedesign.com

Our newly redesigned web site still features the best content and information for engineers provided by engineers but with these new great features.

Multiple Path Navigation
Find content your way. Improved site navigation creates multiple ways to find the content you are looking for.

Supercharged Search
The search function has been highly improved and tested to provide the most effective results for engineers.

Highlighted Resources
Looking for CAD drawings? Find them in our CAD Library. Download whitepapers in the Whitepaper Library. Valuable educational content is featured in the eBook section. Check out the latest in editorial and sponsored video in the Video section.


UPCOMING WEBCASTS

Design Essentials for Plastic Gear Peformance
Sponsored by Thermotech
DATE: April 9th, 2009
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT

Engineers are focused on creating cost effective, energy efficient designs that offer performance and high value to the end customer. Luckily, advancements in design, materials, manufacturing and inspection have made it possible to meet product development goals and expand plastic gear applications.
The webinar presents a unique approach to plastic gear development including:

  • Critical gear design principles
  • Performance requirements to determine optimal materials selection
  • Overview of tooling optimization technique
  • Metrology methods for plastic gears
  • Live question/answer session with presenters


  • Click here to register!


    Efficiency in Fractional HP Motors & Gearmotors
    Sponsored by Groschopp
    DATE: April 16th, 2009
    TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT

    Efficiency is often one of the last factors that design engineers think about when specifying for an OEM application, yet it is critical to a successful, optimized design in many ways. Join Groschopp engineers Ron Didier and Jared Birk for an overview of efficiency as it relates to other design considerations such as power source, operating cost, temperature, purchase cost and size.
    Webcast attendees will receive an early release download of the new STPe desktop design tool that allows engineers to calculate operating cost based on speed, torque and power requirements and local kwh energy costs.

    Click here learn more and to register!


    ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING


    Click Here for a list of archived Machine Design webcasts.

    Featured Links


    Don't settle for a standard coupling when a custom will do it better!
    Need to fit a high performance coupling into a small space? Have an application requiring high misalignment? How about high stress applications? Or greater torque capacity and greater torsional stiffness? Custom Designed CD® Couplings From Zero-max Solve Difficult Requirements. Get the free literature.
    www.zero-max.com

    PT Pilot® Custom Online Drive Selection
    Access SEW-Eurodrive's extensive catalog of gearmotors, drives and motion controllers by entering either the horsepower or speed requirements of your application. PT Pilot® quickly moves through a series of point-and-click screens to select the components that best fit your application needs. Login to PT Pilot® at www.ptpilot.com.



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    Contact Information
    Editorial questions:   Leslie Gordon 216-931-9242
    Advertising/sponsorship opportunities:   Virginia Goulding 216-931-9893

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