Joining & Assembly

Products : Sensors/Data Acquisition

New on the Market: March 2020

Thermal cameras, testing software, an ion air knife, and more.

Articles : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Celebrating Women in Engineering & Science: Mary Hardgrove, Assembly Supervisor

Mary Hardgrove spearheads an entire assembly department that provides next-generation mechanical cable innovations

Briefs : Aerospace

Multi-Objective Flight Control Optimization Framework

This framework can be used by commercial and military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Blog : Materials

Inspection and Simulation Methods: Metal 3D Printing vs. Casting

How does testing a metal 3D-printed part compare to testing a casted one? That's the elephant in the room, says industry pro Kevin Brigden.

Products : Electronics & Computers

New on the Market: February 2020

Low-viscosity plastic; coin cell holders; oxidation-resistant coatings; and more.

Briefs : Electronics & Computers

Welding Ceramics with Lasers

This technology could be used to create smartphones that don't scratch or shatter, metal-free pacemakers, and electronics for space and other harsh environments.

Briefs : Robotics, Automation & Control

Dynamic Gripper Mimics Adjustable Grip of the Human Hand

Such grippers would be suited for human-robot partnership in assembly lines in the automotive, electronic packaging, and other industries.

Products : Semiconductors & ICs

New Products: February 2020 Motion Design

Encoder

The AI25 hazardous series AI25 encoder from Dynapar (Gurnee, IL) is suited for Class 1 Division 2 applications where a Zone 1 or Division 1 encoder may have previously been...

Articles : Manufacturing & Prototyping

Smart Manufacturing Control

Today's advanced smart CNC controls allow manufacturers to optimize the manufacturing process right on the factory floor

Briefs : Aerospace

Flexure for Self-Assembly

Conventional fastening mechanisms like nails, bolts, and welds are subject to manufacturing and inspection tolerances, differential thermal growth, and other sources of error that lead to over-constraint, among...

Briefs : Materials

Soft, Skin-Like Structures for Robotic Locomotion and Transportation

These soft robots can be rolled up and carried in a pocket.

Application Briefs : Motion Control

Modified Fittings Enhance Industrial Safety

NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is home to one of the largest buildings in the world — the massive Vehicle Assembly Building — and also hosts a number of one-of-a-kind facilities. The...

Briefs : Aerospace

Robots Assemble Large Structures from Little Pieces

Systems of tiny robots could build high-performance structures, from airplanes to space settlements.

Articles : Motion Control

Valves for Pneumatic Cylinders and Actuators

Know your valve options.

Blog : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

A 'DEAnsect' Robot Takes 10 Hits from a Fly Swatter – And Survives

A fun way to show the robustness of a soft robot? Swat it.

Products : Lighting

New Products: January 2020 Photonics & Imaging Technology

Photopolymer films, LED light engines, measurement systems, and more.

Articles : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Blue Lasers: Leveraging Fundamental Physics for High Performance

Increased laser capacity has enabled, and will continue to enable, new manufacturing possibilities.

Application Briefs : Manufacturing & Prototyping

NASA's Thirst for Water on Mars Quenched by Student Innovators

NASA and universities from across the country are teaming up to support a continued human presence on the Moon and ultimately Mars.

Briefs : Motion Control

Robotic “Cockroach” Explores Underwater Environments

This microbot can walk on land, swim, and walk underwater.

Products : Electronics & Computers

New on the Market: January 2020

Processors, imaging sensors, dimensioning systems, and more.

Briefs : Sensors/Data Acquisition

Modular Toolbox Builds Safe Robots

Various components are used to assemble robots that are more aware of their surroundings.

Briefs : Electronics & Computers

Particle Robot Works as a Cluster of Simple Units

Loosely connected disc-shaped “particles” can push and pull one another, moving together to transport objects.

Articles : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Five Techniques for Lightweighting: Doing More With Less

Manufacturers in almost every industry are looking to design lighter parts. Here are five lightweighting strategies.

Briefs : Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Robot Performs Complex Maneuvers

An upgraded mini robot can leap over obstacles with ease.

Blog : Sensors/Data Acquisition

How to Fix Satellites — With Satellites

If a satellite breaks in orbit, there's not much that can be done. A professor envisions a new idea for refueling and repair.