Beyond zero lubrication and low maintenance, other desirable traits in linear motion components are flexibility and adjustability. This linear guide features a plane bearing that can be adjusted for clearance on its shaft by an Allen wrench after the bearing is in place. The Web site also has a short video clip depicting the application.

These days, bearings are asked to do more than simply bear loads. They have smart bearings and built-in data grabbing sensors. Now you can ask a bearing to double as a flow valve for metering hot wax. Its single piece construction — from parts of Teflon, coated aluminum, stainless steel — permits operation without gumming up the works.

A key performance factor in cordless drills is torque. It's vital enough that the Power Tool Institute published new procedures for testing torque earlier this year, permitting a first true comparison and reporting method to aid tool buyers. Makita is the first drill maker to adopt and publish torques based on the volunteer standard.

Monitoring bearing condition is one key to preventing damage and unplanned downtime. Wireless monitoring systems, which issue alerts when they detect excessive temperature or vibration, paid multiple dividends for one Toyota facility. Warning of significant bearing change helped avert shaft damage and 16 hours of downtime.

Industrial noise abatement now uses a micron-scale tubular structure. Unlike conventional foams or fibers that absorb specific frequency noise, the low-density material dissipates acoustic waves. The design features holes large enough to let sound in, but with enough internal surface area to squelch the wave, regardless of frequency or resonance.

Innovative use of materials is a fun part of design; the fun doubles when your work reaps recognition. The 2009 Ford Flex earned eight Society of Plastics Engineers prizes for several unique uses of plastic materials. Among the innovations: an acrylic keypad that's invisible until touched and a plastic capless refueling system

Confined space engineering requires some extra care in specifying components. Consider a case when you have to decelerate or stop loads in a short span — a trick even at slower speeds if the weight is heavy enough. This expanded shock absorber line has units to handle loads up to 10,000 lbs.

For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Shock, Vibration & Noise.

A lot of auto and truck trim is secured by high-bond acrylic foam tapes. Yet, the advantages of the closed-cell foam (sleeker look, effective joining of differing surfaces like metals, glass, and plastics) scream for even more use in assembly and construction — anywhere engineers might save riveting, spot welding, or screws.

If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Fastening, Joining & Assembly.

A complaint often heard from engineers is that it's impossible to keep up with the pace of technology. Some claim that the pace of change is a blur, and they can't learn fast enough to stay on the leading edge. So, turn off the Need for Speed video game, and learn some tricks to picking up skills quickly. The recommendations in this Machine Design op-ed piece center on straightforward techniques, but ones that are rarely found in conventional classrooms. They include direct instruction and precision teaching

While the world marveled, research groups gained on emulating a gecko's ability to cling to walls and ceilings. This fall, a U.S. consortium announced their carbon nanotube dry adhesive beat the lizard's clinging ability 10-fold and bested all previous researcher records. The key to the material is arrays of multi-walled nanotubes with 'curly entangled tops' that emulate the branching hairs on real gecko feet.

Should Leaders Abandon the BlackBerry?

Presidential Records rules and security issues might force the U.S. president-elect to drop his connected lifestyle. Having grown accustomed to fast-paced communication and productivity, should a national leader give up his connectivity?