Designfax articles from May 2000

Designfax archives from May 2000

The Global Brain Emerges.
May 1, 2000... What do design engineers, IT architects, editors, artists, physicists, mathematicians, ethicists and tree-sitters have in common? They're meeting May 12-14, 2000, at the Presidio in San Francisco to inspire new scientific collaborations and...

The X-rated Engineering Show.
May 1, 2000... No one under 18 permitted A bit of editorial time-travel here -- while you read this in May, I have, within the past 24 hours, just returned from National Manufacturing Week in Chicago. It was a fine show, a veritable Disney World of...

Mech. Design at Mach Speed CAD by function.
May 1, 2000... Designing a mechanical system is simple -- you take your idea and convert it to shapes and objects. Using software, the illustration can then be "run" in animation or tested with other software tools like FEA. MechSoft-Profi, on the other...

DaimlerChrysler researchers.
May 1, 2000... Ceramic brake discs? With a special combination of carbons and silicon developed by the DaimlerChrysler researchers, brake discs can now be mass-produced from carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramics. FR ceramics retain their heat resistance up to...

Metallic Power of Carlsbad.
May 1, 2000... The last few years have brought several advances in self-contained power systems, with an April announcement of one company's intent to have fuel cell-powered buses on the road by 2002. Another company, Metallic Power of Carlsbad, CA, has been...

LED PC card assembly.
May 1, 2000... CardLED meets the demand for supplying data traffic information while addressing space-limited networking and telecommunication environments. Model PCB-1370 has 16 LEDs configured in two rows of eight, and measures 0.61- x 1.75-in. PCB-1344...

Audible/visual signal.
May 1, 2000... The AV1 audible and visual signal device offers a super bright output and an 85dB sounder. It also boasts easy, tool-free maintenance, a rain-tight NEMA 3R enclosure and three mounting options. Featuring a twist-off Fresnel lens with internal...

Standard LED lamps.
May 1, 2000... This full line of LEDs is offered in a wide variety of standard thru-hole versions and comparable surface mount packages to support product redesigns for saving board space or automating manufacturing processes. The solid-state devices feature...

Fiberoptic backlights.
May 1, 2000... These backlighting panels offer the high brightness of electroluminescent (EL) lamps (30+ Ft-L) without the degradation in brightness associated with EL. Ideal for LCDs, membrane switches and a variety of special back-lighting applications,...

Lens bonding adhesive.
May 1, 2000... Curing in seconds upon exposure to UV or visible light, this opto-mechanical assembly adhesive, Dymax OP-30, minimizes movement of critical components during curing and subsequent thermal cycling. With a modulus of elasticity of 2500 psi, OP-30...

Blue LEDs.
May 1, 2000... In this line of silicon carbide blue LEDs, three lamp-type and two chip-type designs are offered. Major advantages of this company's blue LEDs are high brightness and a higher heat tolerance than non-silicon carbide blue LEDs. Luminous...

LED panel mount indicator.
May 1, 2000... This company has added a 24-volt. DC version to its 608 Series of snap-in LED front panel indicators. Designed for snap-in mounting in 8 mm holes, the IC-compatible indicators are available with red, green and yellow LEDs that provide uniform...

Light boards.
May 1, 2000... These boards are designed to make manufacturing and final assembly more efficient by providing a single panel that replaces multiple block LED assemblies. The custom LED rays are available in several colors, including white, blue, green, light...

Metal halide lighting system.
May 1, 2000... The 175 watt Uni-Form pulse start system suits applications such as security, parking garages and retail settings. It offers a high lumen-per-watt pulse start lamp with greater light output, longer life, and better maintained lumens than the...

Light pipe families.
May 1, 2000... Five new light pipe families have been added to this company's comprehensive light pipe offering, providing a very large selection of standard off-the-shelf light pipe products as well as custom solutions for unique requirements. The new...

Axial LED lamps.
May 1, 2000... The BL-X series features a low package profile, selection of axial lead styles, and wide viewing angles of 55[degrees] (diffused lens) and 35[degrees] (water clear lens). Lamps are packaged in industry-standard Gull Wing, Z-Bend, and Yoke Lead...

Photodiodes.
May 1, 2000... This company has introduced a smaller, lower cost detector to its line of Large Area Avalanche Photodiodes (LAAPDs). The 3mm diameter 581 series offers faster response and lower dark current than the company's larger LAAPDs, while preserving...

Panel indicator lights.
May 1, 2000... The Series 150 incades-cent lights come in red and blue and quickly mount with a stay-put fit by using unique, serrated-design retention "fingers." These units offer high reflectivity brightness, ensuring positive identification. Versatile...

Photo modules.
May 1, 2000... The HRM series photo modules are miniaturized receivers and infrared remote control systems. Pin diode preamplifiers are assembled on the lead frame. The device has the photo detector and amplifier packaged together. It can filter the...

DC to AC inverter.
May 1, 2000... The DMB series of closed-loop inverters is designed to provide reliable, highly efficient power for backlighting large LCDs with up to four cold cathode fluorescent tubes (CCFTs). Power efficiency with the DMB series is as high as 90%....

Flat-response fluid (ERF) LCD.
May 1, 2000... The LM4047 low profile display uses FRF that provides stable contrast (without adjustment) over its operating temperature range. This feature is particularly beneficial where the ambient temperature around the display is likely to change. The...

Probing Deep Waters.
May 1, 2000... Analytical apparatus is taken to extremes Designing equipment for scientific research means creating a product that will be exposed to unique situations. experiments on the space must tolerate the hard vacuum of space and the onslaught of...

How to draw a boat.
May 1, 2000... Changes in CAD products over the last three years have been tremendous, primarily in the areas of collaborative design and object-based rendering. Concurrently, work in the shipyards has been shifting from being directly competitive with one...

Quick Tips for Control Knob Selection.
May 1, 2000... The collet knob offers a number of advantages that make it a superior alternative to traditional set screw and push-on knobs, especially when a secure fit is required Choosing the right control knob for your application can make a...

Polymer seals.
May 1, 2000... These high-performance EnerSeals and EnerRings are ideal for the aerospace industry. EnerSeals offer control over contact pressure and springback via a high grade internal spring that insures positive sealing even under low pressure and frigid...

High-performance filters.
May 1, 2000... These filters include housings that have larger flow areas to ensure low pressure drop and to provide easy: installation, operation and maintenance. The filter element is manufactured using a matrix blended fiber that has a consistent pore size...

Tank-mounted filter.
May 1, 2000... The MiniMiser, for small to medium mobile and industrial applications, is ideal when contamination control, space limitations and cost are important. It provides a compact alternative to spin-on filters, and can handle flows of 35 gpm and...

Ring panel filter.
May 1, 2000... The AirCobra self-sealing ring and link panel filters with internal wire frame incorporate SAAF-tec, the company's high-performance filter adhesive that enhances efficiency and is formulated from food-grade products. The filters come in three...

Gaskets and seals.
May 1, 2000... These precision fabricated gaskets are custom engineered from a variety of materials such as Buna-N, Butyl, neoprene, polyurethane, pure gum rubber, sponge, foam, red sheet and others. Manufactured using, water-jet technology, they feature...

Self-adjusting grommet.
May 1, 2000... This universal grommet is designed to adjust to different wire, cable and, tubing diameters, including 0.125- to 0.312-in. It features a self-adjusting rubber membrane that forms a dust-resistant seal. The 0.650 in.-OD grommet mounts in a 0.500...

Pressure filters.
May 1, 2000... The AF series of tubular backwashing pressure filters offers an economical alternative for fluid handling systems requiring uninterrupted flow. Pressurized, unfiltered liquid flows from the common inlet header through permanent, cleanable...

Filters.
May 1, 2000... Designed to replace the standard breather cap on gearboxes, hydraulic reservoirs, storage and process tanks, Beach Breathers filter water and particulate contamination. Disposable, steel and tank models are available. Disposable units handle...

Zero-maintenance filters.
May 1, 2000... Constructed with permanent plastic coalescing elements, these rugged filters remove any quantity of dirt, oil, and water -- even slugs of liquid -- from compressed air. The filter element, made from several hundred grooved plastic discs stacked...

High performance seals.
May 1, 2000... These knitted mesh seals and gaskets solve problems in applications subject to extreme temperature, corrosion and vibration. Knitted wire is available in a range of metals, composites, alloys, and plastics. The knitting process creates a strong...

Coalescing filter.
May 1, 2000... The DuraDRY brand of filters is suited for high volume applications on OEM equipment on OEM equipment or for outfitting a new building with main line and point of use filtration. Filter housings are available in a wide range of sizes from...

Cure-in-place gasket.
May 1, 2000... Eclipse 901 is a single component UV-curable sealant designed to produce cure-in-place gaskets. It is a liquid that cures to form a high-strength elastomer when exposed to UV-A light and can produce gaskets up to a thickness of 150 mils. The...

In-line filter.
May 1, 2000... For working pressures of 580 and 1450 psi, this company offers a line of industrial filters with nominal flows from 60 to 360 GPM. The 40/100 FLE 0020 to 0120 filters are equipped with up to 3 in. SAE 4-bolt flange connections in a cast iron...

2D and Solid Modeling Speeds Design of Heart Rate Monitor Watch.
May 1, 2000... When Sports Instruments of Park City, UT, decided to manufacture a new heart rate monitor watch, they hired Tres Design Group, Chicago, IL, to produce the design. This product; called the ECG Series, was to display an athlete's heart rate...

Enabling the Disabled.
May 1, 2000... Internet resources for web-challenged surfers During this spring's National Manufacturing Week in Chicago I was amazed at the amount of effort that is now being put into medical initiatives. At the risk of hyperbolizing, I would guestimate...

Panel fastener.
May 1, 2000... The Type PFP self-clinching panel fastener assemblies are the latest in this company's growing line of metal/plastic HYBRID fasteners. These fasteners are complete assemblies for permanent installation in metal sheets as thin as 0.036 in. They...

Thread sealant.
May 1, 2000... ST-3 is a tough, resilient thread sealant for fasteners with straight or tapered threads. It is dry to the touch, seals instantly and forms a custom-fitting elastic gasket that prevents the passage of most fuels and chemicals and helps keep...

Decorative screw covers.
May 1, 2000... Marbleizing is the latest finish available on this company's pop-on-screw covers (POSC), which are also stocked in more than 100 colors in gloss or matte finish, plus live metalized colors. Marbleizing uses a molding process to produce a...

Angle joints.
May 1, 2000... Angle joints to DIN 71802 are used for many purposes in all sectors of automotive engineering, agricultural machinery construction, printing machinery production the construction industry and other fields. The range of joints offered by this...

Processed fasteners.
May 1, 2000... These NYTEMP fasteners offer consistent self-locking capabilities at temperatures up to 450[degrees]F. Made of high temperature-resistant polymer, the locking element is applied as an orange-colored patch to threaded parts. They meet the torque...

Washer.
May 1, 2000... The Disc-Lock washer is a heavy-duty structural self locking product, which prevents loosening caused by shock or vibration in high stress applications. It consists of two washer-shaped pieces, which have inclined cams on one side and a series...

Shielding gasket.
May 1, 2000... This low-profile beryllium copper gasket offers shielding effectiveness at attenuation levels of up to 100db. The finger stock gasket measures just 0.08-in. high by 0.21-in. wide and effectively closes gaps down to 0.025-in. Stick-on mounting...

Conductive epoxy.
May 1, 2000... Dura1co 125N Stress-Free conductive epoxy forms flexible, electrically conductive bonds for continuous use to 400[degrees]F. This epoxy cures at room temperature to form bonds with excellent moisture, chemical and solvent resistance. It bonds...

Resin system.
May 1, 2000... XL-2101 is a fast curing, two-part solventless polyester resin system for high volume, trickle and roll-through operations. It is one of a new class of high flash point, very low VOC solventless polyester resins. Exceptionally stable, it...

Web adhesives.
May 1, 2000... SPA110, SPE18 and SPO91 are 100% solids products suitable for use with apparel, textiles, industrial fabric laminates, and interior automotive trim. Manufactured with a foam fibrillation method to create a uniform, nonwoven adhesive pattern,...

Zinc-alloy fasteners.
May 1, 2000... These die-cast fasteners and standard products include wing nuts, cap nuts, panel nuts, rings, conduit lock nuts, pipe plugs, access panel latches, fiber optic connectors, concrete anchors and more. Durable, lightweight, rustproof and corrosion...

Thread inserts.
May 1, 2000... This company has expanded its line of Thin Wall thread inserts to include internal thread sizes from #10 through 1/2-13. Ideal for applications where insert size is an issue, Thin Wall inserts provide the strength advantage of solid...

Low viscosity adhesive.
May 1, 2000... TRA-BOND 342-14T is a single component, alumina-filled epoxy adhesive that exhibits high bond strength and excellent thermal shock characteristics. It forms strong, durable bonds to a wide range of substrates including ferrite, other...

Light cure cyanoacrylates.
May 1, 2000... These single-component products bond to a wide variety of substrates and are ideal for a range of bonding and assembly applications, including medical devices, cosmetic packaging, speaker assemblies, and electronic components. Flashcure 4304 is...

Self-locking nuts.
May 1, 2000... These cadmium-plated hexagonal featherweight nuts are made of alloy steel for use in temperature applications as high as 450[degrees]F. They are also available in A-286 with cadmium plating for use in temperatures up to 450[degrees]F. Silver...

Tubular rivets.
May 1, 2000... These capped rivets offer excellent piercing performance in materials such as nylon webbing, leather, and ballistic-style fabrics. They are ideal for light- or medium-duty stress applications where a permanent fastener is needed, such as...

Metal-bonding adhesive.
May 1, 2000... Metal Welder is a methacrylate structural adhesive formulated to bond metals and dissimilar substrates. With superior impact and peel resistance, it provides high strength, durable bonds (tensile shear 2,800 psi) to a wide variety of metals,...

Magnet-bonding adhesive.
May 1, 2000... Permabond 671 is a structural adhesive that combines a fast cure (30 - 60 sec.) at room temperature and gap filling ability up to 0.2 in. It is ideal for bonding magnets to frames in brush-type DC electric motors where gaps between magnet and...

Overmolding thermoplastic elastomer.
May 1, 2000... This product is the first of the new J*Bond elastomers that -- according to company studies -- improves internal bond strength to unfilled Nylon 6 over competitive resins. The new resin offers designers the ability to bind directly to nylon...

KRATON polymers.
May 1, 2000... UK bicycle manufacturer Orange Mountain Bikes chose KRATON to improve the grip and shock absorbency of their bike grab-handle grips. The polymers are easy to process in economical thermoplastic processing methods, have good electrical...

Glow-in-the-dark compounds.
May 1, 2000... These precolored compounds come in a wide range of pastel cob ors such as peach, pink, blue, cream, and green, displaying daylight colors that differ from theii color in darkness. The combination of phosphorescent pigments can be compounded...

Microcellular foam urethane elastomers.
May 1, 2000... Durethane M is a flexible urethane foam ideal for use in business machine components like postal meters, low-volume feed rollers and actuator pads, where parts must endure repeated compression cycles. The product is mechanically mixed,...

Polyurethane skins.
May 1, 2000... ULTRA-THANE 5270 is a flexible, aromatic polyurethane skin for post-finish and in-mold applications over flexible foams. The 2-component, fast cure polyurethne elastomer with 70-75 Shore A hardness produces a soft vinly-like feel on automotive...

Molding materials.
May 1, 2000... VersaDamp 2000 TPEs are ideal as anti-shock and anti-vibration mounts for compactly designed devices with limited isolator sway space, such as pagers, cellular phones, laptops and other miniaturized mechanical/electronic components....

UV-stable thermoplastic elastomers.
May 1, 2000... These grades of Santoprene 8000 thermoplastic elastomer offer excellent ultraviolet stability and processing advantages. They are colorable and provide long-term performance for applications that are exposed to prolonged, direct sunlight. The...

Silicone rubber extrusions.
May 1, 2000... These continuous lengths of silicone rubber extrusions are made from highly stable, hybrid elastomers that offer greater reliability under many conditions where organic rubber fails or deteriorates prematurely. Performance characteristics...

Ultra-high molecular weight elastomer.
May 1, 2000... Keltan 7441A is an ultra-high molecular weight, high ENB, oil extended EPDM with the optimum molecular structure for dynamic applications. Developed in collaboration with companies in the automotive industry, it enables compounds based on this...

Vynaprene material.
May 1, 2000... Free samples are available of this new material, which offers the durability and feel of leather at the cost of vinyl. Designers can double-dip these grips for increased durability while adding the value of 2-color designs. The 1-piece...

Hydrophobic polyol.
May 1, 2000... Multranol 8224 is designed to make solid polyurethane elastomers virtually impervious to wet or humid environments. It improves the water resistance of polyurethane elastomers, making them suitable for a variety of applications including...

Thermoplastic vulcanizates.
May 1, 2000... FORPRENE thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) elastomers consist of a polyolefin phase with a cross-linked ethylenepropylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber phase dispersed throughout. This provides rubber-like properties (softness, elastic memory and...

Isocyanate-free compounds.
May 1, 2000... The Evergreen Series of mold rubber compounds contains no free isocyanates, TDI, MDI, MOCA or mercury. They were developed in response to customer requests for urethane mold rubbers that are both user and environmentally friendly. Available in...

3D printer.
May 1, 2000... The Objet Quadra reportedly offers the fastest start-to-finish process of any rapid prototyping machine on the market. The process is based on state-of-the-art ink jet printing technology. It uses 1536 nozzles, jets a proprietary photopolymer,...

Crusher duty motors.
May 1, 2000... Features of these AC motors include roller bearings and a high-strength 4340 steel shaft, making them ideal for applications requiring belted (radial) loads, such as crushers, bandmills, chippers, hogs, balers and compactors. Available in...

Position sensing cylinders.
May 1, 2000... The Position Sensing Cylinder - Aluminum (PSCAL) pneumatic cylinder provides continuous monitoring of the piston position for the full cylinder stroke. This offers more controllability of machines and processes that were previously limited to...

Test display operator panel.
May 1, 2000... Up to 128 messages with scrolling and flashing characters per message can be set up on the NAiS brand ATM-10 to command a variety of functions. Its physical size is 60mm high, 108mm wide and 44mm deep. The bright backlit LCD display, with 5mm...

Smalley's No-TOOLING-COST process ideal for your application.
May 1, 2000... Smalley, for over 30 years has manufactured Spiral Retaining Rings and Wave/Compression Springs to meet your exact specifications. Select from over 5000 STOCK rings and springs, in carbon and stainless steel for overnight shipment, or to...

Wave/Compression Spring Catalog New '99 Edition.
May 1, 2000... Wave/Compression Spring Catalog New '99 Edition, #WS-99, contains thousands of stock size wave springs, spring design formulas, materials guide and typical applications. Helping engineers solve problems, this 40page engineering and parts manual...

Plastic nut.
May 1, 2000... This company extends its SC-Series with the XCF-1800, a flange-mount plastic nut designed for use with 3/26-in. and 1/4-in. leadscrews. It is ideal for 5 lb. load capacity applications, such as small consumer electronic devices, disk drive...

Motor control module.
May 1, 2000... The CMI-5015 motor control module is specifically designed for operating fractionals and integral horsepower motors. Packaged in a miniature hermetic module, the device is ideally suited for high performance 3-phase brushless motor control...

Pnuematic grippers.
May 1, 2000... Type KGG 2-finger pneumatic grippers are designed for assembly applications and material handling operations utilizing small robots. The flexible stroke parallel, dual acting base jaws deliver precise gripping in both ID and OD applications....

Safety relays.
May 1, 2000... Four relays (INT-03, 04, 05 and 06) are intended for use as parts of a safety circuit in guarding or sensing applications. They each use positive-guided circuitry, configured for self-checking to inhibit machine startup or provide controlled...

Level transmitter.
May 1, 2000... The Level Plus M-Series Level Transmitter family is for precision level measurement of liquids in vessels up to 40 feet. Various pipe configurations are available in 316L SS rigid or flexible pipe, hastelloy-C, and teflon. Application housing...

EMC compliance kit.
May 1, 2000... This kit contains a wide selection of EMC shrinkMate heat-shrink tubing. It allows EMC testing facilities--both independent and in-house -- to quickly and easily construct connector and cable assemblies with a high degree of EMI/RFI and ESD...

Non-repairable metric cylinder.
May 1, 2000... This redesigned cylinder conforms to ISO 6432 standards and offers the following features: PCE series incorporates acetal resin end caps for applications where cylinders are exposed to moisture or solvents; extruded endcaps with a smaller cross...

Brushless DC linear motor.
May 1, 2000... The CLD Series 5020 linear motor offers a replacement for mechanical drive, hydraulics and pneumatic technology. An alternative for packaging, material handling and robotics applications, the series offers a single moving part, integral...