Sophisticated CAD tools might ask too much of some users. This Machine Design article examines a trend toward use of direct modeling; away from traditional, history-based modelers for editing of solid 3D part files. Engineers are shifting to get more hands-on control and partly to avoid limitations of traditional modelers. These can be nightmarish if you don't start with a good plan, or if multiple users try to edit each others' designs. Direct modelers recognize underlying features, such as rounds or ribs, and allow users to edit models without worrying about constraints, including imported models that have no history.

Dodge MagnaGear XTR reducers deliver rugged power transmission for the most demanding conveying, pumping, and material handling applications. Available for output torque ratings from 100,000-920,000 lb-in. (11.3-104 kNm), this versatile reducer offers right angle or parallel shaft configurations, mounting flexibility, and superb reliability: all bearings exceeding AGMA L10 life standards. More…

Since 1964, MS Bellows has designed and manufactured bellows and assemblies for critical applications in fields ranging from aerospace to medicine. We provide:

• Bellows form and function design
• Assembly techniques design
• Package envelope layout design
• State-of-the-art manufacturing techniques
• Stringent quality control
For information — www.msbellows.com

Beswick's 2009-2010 catalog describes its expanding line of miniature valves, fittings, cylinders, tubing, pressure regulators, orifices, quick disconnects, and other fluid power devices. New products include push-to-connect fittings, dry break quick disconnects, addition of patent-pending series of miniature diaphragm pressure regulators, and award-winning pressure compensated flow control valve.

Prosino, Italy, with diameters ranging from 8 mm to 300 mm, manufactures rings for angular contact bearings and single and double raw cylindrical rollers bearings. Production commences from turning operation performed by CNC and multi-spindle lathes. The rings are then heat treated. Finishing superficial operations are generated with vibrators. More info on www.prosino.com.

Besides lower cost, noise, and wear, arguments favoring thin-section slewing or turntable bearings over ball bearings, in large diameter applications, include higher axial and radial load capacity. Adding a sprocket and teeth to drive the platform, as this new unit does, can tip the selection edge even more toward slewing bearings.

Advantages of radial air bearings for large diameter, spinning rings are highlighted in this short video. Concave and convex porous carbon bearings, in combination, are promoted for serving where no contact, high speed, and excellent velocity control are key objectives — especially when loads are not distributed evenly around the circumference.

Tired of 'making do' with tools designed for other tasks? This portable vacuum could provide relief, as it's engineered for duty in shops employing chip makers — lathes, saws, mills. Compressed air system and cyclonic action sucks metal, wood, and plastic debris into 5 gal container — trapping dust in 0.1 micron filter bag.

Industrial shops might spend more than they realize mixing — mortar, floor leveler, grout, concrete. Using ½ in. drills with special mixing bits adds some improvement. However, a handheld mixer designed for the purpose — including steering-wheel handle — could save the drill's motor, the operator's arms, and overtime hours.

igus has announced the launch of a new E-Chain Configurator program, which enables users to custom build a cable carrier with cables and internal separators online. The user can then generate CAD files and a parts list, or submit a quote request directly to igus. Try the configurator now!

ROLLON's Compact Rail is a precision, linear bearing system that is easy to mount to all surfaces — even non-machined. The high-load capacity Compact Rail will self-align to another rail even if mounting surfaces are not perfectly parallel. It's ideal for applications where the ease of mounting is as important as the quality of movement.

The Sealing Solutions Configurator is the first tool of its kind offered by any seal supplier and allows engineers to identify a proven sealing solution for their specific applications. The solutions provided in the Sealing Solutions Configurator are based on newly created consensus of design. Visit us here for more information!

Equipois's zeroG® arm technologies hold tools and parts as if weightless, but with unmatched freedom of motion. Used by some of the world's top manufacturing companies, zeroG® products can boost productivity, reduce injury costs, and improve quality for a broad range of tools and tasks.

Want super heat resistance without added weight? Try a HIP polymer developed in Melbourne, Australia. Hybrid Inorganic Polymer System coatings contain ceramic-like inorganic resins, and can handle temps beyond 1000 C. That's a big edge over many current building material coatings that break down between 150 C and 250 C.

Graphene had a problem. Properties that make it promising as an ultra-high speed semiconductor were largely theoretical. But the light turned green when recent NIST tests confirmed some predictions and began testing patterns of graphene grown on silicon carbide — a key step in getting the miracle material into an electronic device.

To reduce assembly time for sheet metal enclosures, German inventor Dieter Ramsaeur developed a system of snap-fit hardware to keep things simple. It includes the elimination of mounting screws. This video shows several pairs of metal and glass-reinforced polyimide parts that work on principles similar to spring locks.

The order 'make it smaller, lighter, more efficient' applies most everywhere. Even in miniature proportional valves. One company met demand by abandoning the spring and using shape memory wire technology, to vary flow and provide actuation. The innovation eliminates requirements for magnets, coil wires, and steel armature.

Associated Spring Raymond now offers a proprietary line of mechanical coil spring struts. We designed our struts to meet demanding, maintenance-free applications where conventional gas struts fail. Made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, and unlike gas and pneumatic models, our struts have no internal gases or seals to fail.

Pascal Gas Springs are offered in a variety of sizes and configurations and manufactured for the highest reliability and durability. These Nitrogen Gas Springs are manufactured and tested to exacting standards to ensure repeatable cushioning for your application.

Whether you are new to the field, or have been an engineer for 35 years or more, nearly all of us have a career desire in common. Engineers crave regular feedback to keep them advancing in their careers. Raised in the tech era, they're accustomed to instant feedback, and they expect employers to use automated tools — software and online systems to have supervisors check or self-check their progress on job goals, professional development, or incentive programs.

Does athletic prowess reside in your genes? Researchers at Newcastle University in England will take 54,000 saliva samples from participants in the Great North Run, the world's most popular half marathon, to test whether training hours or genetic makeup has greater impact on race performance and a body's energy production over a long distance. Come to think of it, DNA might also explain why it is so tough for me to lose weight.

If You Were a Tree...

Barbara Walters was lampooned for asking, but the concept seems fair. What symbol represents a person or a people? Can one icon fits mechanical engineers? Are you a hex nut, a wheel, or meshing gears?