Using adhesives to join low surface energy plastics looks better than using mechanical fasteners. It also minimizes the risk of cracking and failure at the attachment points. But most adhesives can't bond low-surface-energy plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or fluoropolymers. A Machine Design article tells what's required to successfully bond these polymers. Pretreatment to boost the plastic's surface energy or decreasing surface energy of the adhesive is often the key. New liquid adhesives, adhesive tapes, and thin-film/foam bonding systems can speed assembly using less skilled labor. Uses include transportation, appliances, electronic, and medical devices.

The PrimeTest 100 is a new hand-held "quality meter" that facilitates reliable electrical integrity checks on almost any electrical device plugged into a wall. It is designed for the fast and effective safety checking of all types of tools and portable electrical equipment used in the workplace. From Seaward Group USA.

Polygon Company is the recognized world leader in the design and production of double insulation tubing for the power tool and appliance industry. With a production capacity beyond 50 million tubes annually, we competitively supply the world with "just in time" and "defect-free" product. Learn more...

One UK company invested 15 years of R&D, and now says it has solved the problem of burned toast. This video shows a see-through toaster that lets hungry users watch their slices of bread turning brown and take them out when they reach their idea of perfection. Long life quartz elements in the corners heat the bread evenly.

To hear the music from portable players on car radios, the players must possess FM broadcast capability. Because the player is relatively inexpensive, you must consider the cost of design verification and test. An Electronic Design article addresses the challenge for players and other hand-held devices, presenting test strategies, justification, and implementation.

Transdermal or through-the-skin delivery of drugs is gaining importance in drug therapy. This active device applies a small electrical current to maintain controlled delivery of the drug. That eliminates needles and skin irritation. Using iontophoresis, the system applies electromotive force to inject high concentrations of a charged medication.

Exhaling large amounts of acetone signals diabetes. A ceramic nanoparticle-based sensor from ETH Zurich, Switzerland, was designed as a breathalyzer to diagnose the disease. The developers envisage applications in emergency rooms to detect diabetic ketoacidosis, or in the home to determine when patients need more insulin.

The Thermal DF Series Thermal Cutoffs are single action devices that open when a preset temperature is reached. They are one shot thermal cutoffs for higher current applications. The DF Series is commonly used for motor, appliance, and transformer over-temperature protection. From Thermtrol.

Schuster Electronics offers the new WPJ Series wire-to-wire and wire-to-board crimp style connector recently introduced by JST Corporation was designed for both extreme moisture and non-submersion applications. Major uses include automotive, appliance, underwater cameras or non-water resistance applications. Learn more...

To comply with IEC 60730-1 standards for appliance safety, use microcontrollers programmed to monitor all features connected to safe operation. Software code can be added to existing application software to reduce the cost of an appliance's bill of materials and accelerate IEC certification. More MCU manufacturers design their hardware with improved on-chip functions to meet compliance requirements.

Commercial coolers, dishwashers, fryers, ovens, and refrigerators use stainless steel because of universal demand for corrosion resistance, durability, and hygiene. But not all stainless is created equal. This Appliance Design article says cladding and coating are gaining acceptance in place of full thickness stainless to save cost without cutting quality.

A Hong Kong based manufacturing giant says it has "the first significant motor innovation in decades" in its Quattro-Pole design. With four magnetic poles and two coils, it delivers more power in a smaller package. And it plans to make millions of them for use in kitchen appliances and portable power equipment.

A leading manufacturer of portable electric power tools is offering a one-stop-shop "combo kit" that includes a hammer drill/driver, one halogen flashlight, a circular saw, and a reciprocating saw. Each of the four rugged 18 V lithium-ion tools comes with extra batteries and a tool bag. Watch the video.

The LS03 Series is a line of compact liquid level sensors for tank fluid monitoring in household appliance, automotive, industrial, and control technology applications. Three new versions have been introduced into the market to meet the wider demands of our customer's more specialized application needs. From MEDER Electronic, Inc.

Cantherm stocks the complete range of RoHS Compliant DFS 15 amp 250 V thermal cutoffs from 66 C to 240 C. The DFS is designed for the thermal protection of appliances and other devices and are UL, cUL, and VDE approved. Learn more...

With all the discussion about green and sustainable products, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) says that sustainability needs to be balanced against other product features and price. In this Op Ed piece, the author cautions appliance manufacturers to avoid "green washing" — making vague or unsupported claims. He also advises to keep performance and value in the equation.

There are appliances, and then there is technology. Sometimes the two mesh in amazing ways. But $300 is a steep price to pay for any fan, right? Well, let's take a closer look. From a technology perspective, some fans are simply way cooler than the others. Case in point: Dyson's new Air Multiplier Fan. You might have to hit the books to understand how it works. But now you can sit back and watch this video as Dyson engineers put it through the paces

Should Cell Phones be Registered for Security?

Cell phones can give criminals a high tech advantage. Some countries want all phone registered. Is this an invasion of privacy, or a needed security measure?