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Cracking Down on Counterfeits
When customers reported premature bearing failures, the manufacturer discovered that the reported failures were not due to any lack of quality on their part. Failures were the result of substandard product made by counterfeit bearing operations. Since quality bearings are critical for machine safety, buyers are warned to avoid cheap imitations.
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Pillow Blocks Feature Versatility
In linear bearing applications with extreme shaft deflection, this roller bearing pillow block solution promises improved performance. It features self-aligning single, double, and twin units that meet or exceed misalignment tolerances of re-circulating ball pillow blocks. The units offer better corrosion resistance and options for use in dirty environments.
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Going Nuts Over Auto Assembly
Two European automakers report exceptional improvements using self-piercing nuts and fastening systems to replace traditional weld nut systems. The application drastically speeds assembly times and produces improved process security by monitoring press load forces when installing the nuts. VW and Audi report improved product quality and cost savings.
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Students React with Engineers
Engineers recently had the experience of allowing three university students to step into their shoes. The students re-designed a tool used to inspect the inner wall of a nuclear reactor core. The temporary collaboration resulted in improvements that may be incorporated into a new inspection tool and valuable experience for the students.
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Pipe Viper PVC Pipe Bending Tool
James Spring & Wire Company
The Pipe Viper allows you to bend PVC pipe using no heat guns, heat boxes, or heat blankets. Bend around any curved objects or use a standard pipe bender. Glue fittings are eliminated — no measuring and cutting for fittings. Perfect tool for electricians, plumbers, and datacom techs. Visit James Spring for more details.
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Fast Functional Prototypes from First Cut Prototype
First Cut Prototype
First Cut Prototype CNC machines prototypes as quickly as the next business day. Machined parts overcome the limitations of rapid prototyping: poor material properties, rough surfaces, and dimensional instability. Materials available include: ABS, polycarbonate, acetal, nylon, Ultem, and PEEK. Obtain quotes from your 3D CAD models at http://www.firstcut.com.
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Free Durometer Sample Kit
Vicone High Performance Rubber
Request your free Durometer Sample Kit today! These samples allow designers, engineers, and buyers to "touch & feel" different durometers and compounds. Check out the specifications for a few of our more popular compounds. Use Vicone's handy Material Selection and RFQ Tool to identify the rubber material best suited to your application.
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Custom Spring Washers
MW Industries
MW Industries custom designs and manufactures Belleville washers, disc and curved disc springs, serrated and slotted disc springs, and wave washers, in standard steel and "exotic" materials, both heat and non-heat set. ODs from .236 in. to 14.094 in. in thicknesses from .009 in. to .835 in. We can both press form and machine washers to your requirements.
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Plastic Performance Pointers
When choosing plastic over metal, product designers need to be aware of the complexities that can determine the product's success or failure. While plastics offer many advantages over metals, they require more attention when specifying which material can best suit an application. This article outlines five critical specification factors.
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Attractive Magnetic Innovation
A French engineer saw a unique application of magnetic powder metallurgy to construct an automotive clutch used as a kinetic energy storage system. The soft magnetic composite powder material offers properties to reduce eddy currents and to reduce the size and weight of the device. Could this material be attractive for your application?
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Bright Forecast for Fiber
Leading market research indicates that electronic communication based on fiber optic connectivity is on the rise with the number of physical mechanical connections and splices set to double by 2012. The U.S. leads in connectors, splices, and fiber optic circulators, with European and Japan/Pacific Rim regions following close behind. Demand is expected to remain high.
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Plumbers Turning Green
America's plumbers may become champions of water and energy conservation through an initiative to educate the plumbing community and the general public. This video article explains how the green hardware movement, originating in Australia during a severe drought, could save incredible amounts of water and energy in coming years.
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ID/OD Retaining Ring Lock
Smalley Steel Ring Company
Try a spiral ring in both an internal and external groove at the same time. Install the ring in one groove, then compress the ring with the mating component into the second groove. When the grooves meet the ring snaps into place creating a low-cost, hidden, high strength, tamper-proof rotating joint. Learn more.
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High-quality Diaphragms from Simrit
Simrit-Division of Freudenberg-NOK
Simrit manufactures high-quality and fabric-reinforced diaphragms for small engines, fuel systems, irrigation, gaseous fuels, pneumatic controls, and medical regulators.
Simrit offers the following: coated fabric molded, one side coated fabric reinforced, gasketed, die-cut, metal inserted, over-molded custom, homogenous rubber diaphragms or seals parts, and plastic to metal molded diaphragms.
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Careers & Commentary . . . | |
A Better Job Search by Design
Dice
DiceEngineering.com offers thousands of quality engineering jobs at top technology and engineering companies. Find jobs in your area of expertise. Search now.
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Generating Ideas for Safety
Nobody ever plans to fail, but in many cases they do fail to plan. The result can be potentially catastrophic. Now, you can plan to establish a zero-injury workplace. Coming up with a good plan is never easy, so this article outlines the steps to asking questions to gain insight into problems, in this case a safety management process. There are never any "dumb" questions, so begin identifying your process problems with twenty questions.
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Green Hardware Surprise
Alternative energy hardware is a rapidly growing market in China, and it may put China on the map as the leader in one more area. Already adrift in a sea of its own pollution problems, the country is diving in headlong in to the solar, wind, and battery markets to grab their share of the export market for green energy hardware. They now have 35% of the global photovoltaic market and plan to generate 10 GW of wind power by 2010.
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Share Your Thoughts . . . Join a Conversation About This Month's Topic...
Coming Home to America?
Now, the weak dollar and rising energy costs may fuel a new transformation as manufacturers decide that it makes more sense to build where you sell. What are your thoughts?
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