Controls inside industrial cabinets now stay cool efficiently thanks to a combination of a conventional air conditioner and a new take on evaporative cooling. Leland Teschler Executive Editor When industrial controls enclosures and server racks get hot enough to demand their own cooling means, the usual approach is to give the enclosure its own air…
Advanced epoxy adhesives revolutionize structural bonding
by Walter Brenner, PhD, Founder, Master Bond Inc. Structural polymers offer distinct advantages over traditional fastening methods. Here, we explore the cornerstones of successful structural bonding. Structural bonding is defined as the process of joining parts together using an adhesive as opposed to conventional mechanical fasteners or assembly methods such as soldering, brazing or welding.…
Taking the simple O-ring to new levels
Edited by Mary C. Gannon, Senior Editor LSR (liquid silicone rubber) O-rings are growing in use in a variety of high-volume production applications, especially in life sciences. O-rings are the most commonly used seal, featured in applications from aircraft engines to chemical processing lines, the hydraulics in tractors to subsea down-hole tools. They account for…
Key design tips for working with adhesives
by Kevin Balben, Product Specialist, DELO Industrial Adhesives For the latest materials, adhesive bonding is a better way to join. Here are key tips that will ensure a solid, reliable bond. Structural bonding has many advantages over conventional joining technologies. It’s best to consider adhesives early on in the design phase to take full advantage…
Work with stronger joints and lighter materials
by Mary C. Gannon, Senior Editor Enable consistent, strong and more efficient structures with friction stir welding. Traditionally, joining two separate pieces of metal requires a filler material, usually an alloy different from the base metal. For example, MIG and TIG welding is most common in the aluminum extrusion industry, but in some cases, adding…
Turning to captive panel screws
by Leon M. Attarian, Director of Global Marketing, PennEngineering Panel fastener assemblies, like captive panel screws, allow for repeated access to equipment while minimizing loose hardware. Panel fastener assemblies, which integrate captivated screws and mount permanently to an assembly, can securely attach equipment panels, covers, drawers, racks and similar components, while allowing for subsequent and…
Protect circuitry from EM/RFI and ESD with conductive coatings
by Rohit Ramnath, Master Bond Inc. Electrostatic charge discharged through an IC can damage the IC. But protective coatings can deliver needed static protection without adding physical components that do not have any other purpose beyond ESD protection on the chip. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI, so called because the offending source…
The best springs you haven’t tried yet
by Elmar Kampmann, Mechanical Engineer and David Marvuglio, Design Engineer, Rotor Clip Flat-wire wave springs offer a great balance of size and spring force. Here’s what you need to know to design with these alternatives to traditional springs. Even if you routinely use spring elements in your designs, chances are you haven’t tried wave springs…
Boker’s 2015 Scheduling Calendar with Metric Conversion Chart
Boker’s, Inc. announces the release of its 2015 Calendar and Conversion Chart. Designed for quick and convenient scheduling, this complementary calendar also includes an easy-to-use metric conversion chart on the back, which is ideal for use in the field. With more than 95 years of stamping industry experience, Boker’s continues to offer industry professionals…
How to test self-clinching fasteners for reliability
By Ron Dise, Corporate Senior Technology Specialist, PennEngineering Self-clinching fasteners are a good way to attach thin metal assemblies. Here are tips on how to ensure proper installation. Self-clinching fasteners deliver time-tested solutions for attaching thin metal assemblies. Regardless of type, these fasteners install permanently in thin ductile metal sheets when pressed into place in…