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Over the last couple decades, Lockheed Martin and Boeing have
produced almost 200 F22 stealth fighter jets for the U.S. Air Force
— and one could argue for the support of U.S. manufacturing as
well. Congress, however, has struck further funding from the 2010
budget. The $350-million jets require nearly 35 hours and $50,000 worth
of maintenance for each hour of flight — tres expensivo.
Even so, the U.S. military budget will exceed $600 billion for 2010 by
conservative estimates, and over $2.5 trillion by left-leaning groups
that count Veterans Affairs payouts, research, and other related
spending in the total. In comparison, the 2008 TARP financial bailout
program will eventually total $1.1 trillion, with a couple trillion more
promised, and many more on the line; the new 2009 Stimulus plan will
total about $820 billion, a quarter of which come as tax cuts.
Want to challenge any of these numbers? Have an opinion on what's
priority? As always, we welcome
your comments.
— Elisabeth Eitel
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The shortest distance between two points is a straight line —
so it's no wonder that nearly every motion system includes sections in
which parts travel in straight paths.
Because these traversing systems are so widespread, every aspect of
linear electromechanical design is continually being improved —
from guidance and load support to actuation and control.
With its origin linked to nothing less than the development of the
wheel, linear motion design dates back at least to the pyramids, when
Egyptians solved the problem of moving heavy loads by placing tree
trunks under blocks of stone and using water as lubricant. This same
basic principle is used today in linear motion ...
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While energy production and distribution have always been a
challenge, today it is increasingly urgent to reduce power consumption
— and lighting is no exception. Light-emitting diodes or LEDs
provide an alternative to conventional lighting for consuming less
power, lower thermal dissipation, and longer life. In fact, LED products
are already spurring evolution in lighting, and it is anticipated that
power LEDs will lead the way in combining high intensity and efficiency.
So what is the structure of LEDs, and how do they emit light?
Find the answer and a PDF with diagrams at the link.
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In this exposé assembled by editor Ken Korane, several
experts provide details on the current scope of counterfeiting in the
field of manufacturing — and how the dangerous and unfair problem
may be curtailed.
Experts believe 30 to 40% of components sold on the open market may be
counterfeit or misrepresented. For instance, a 2005 study by the
Alliance for Gray Market and Counterfeit Abatement and consulting firm
KPMG LLP estimated that the global IT industry loses about $100 billion
in revenue to counterfeiters annually.
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Marathon carrier system is suitable for applications with long
travels and high accelerations where high tow forces are a problem;
system can reduce tow force by 90%.
Rollers support carrier throughout entire travel; guide trough is
replaced with cost effective, easy-to-install rail guidance system
Carrier does not sag or contact itself, and cannot contact guide
trough rails; travels to 2,000 m; velocities to 5 m/sec. Manufacturer:
A&A Manufacturing Co. Inc., Gortrac Division
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The T4 thruster offers the smooth actuation of original T Series
thrusters.
Four guide shafts achieve doubled capacity and reduced deflection
compared to standard designs
2, 2.5, and 3-in. bore sizes available; stroke lengths in 1 to
12-in. increments, to 36 in.
Options include internal and external bumpers, air cushions,
magnetic position sensing.
Manufacturer: Bimba Manufacturing Co.
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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!
Machine Design Video Spotlight
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Learn more about Proto
Labs |
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See how Proto Labs, through its First
Cut and Protomold services, provides new product designers and engineers
with the easiest, fastest and least-expensive way to obtain real parts,
really fast. |
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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Custom Online Drive Selection Tool
SEW-Eurodrive's modular product designs make it possible to choose from
millions of different drive configurations. PT Pilot® v3.0
simplifies the choices and identifies a solution customized for each
application in minutes. No special software or plug-ins required. To
explore the full range of intuitive features login at www.ptpilot.com.
Electro-Sensor's ST420 analog-output shaft speed sensor
detects magnetic pulses from a rotating shaft-mounted magnetic pulser
target (disc or wrap) and outputs a smooth, continuous 4-20mA analog
signal in direct proportion to the pulse frequency (rotating shaft
speed).
www.electro-sensors.com
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