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| For design engineers and engineering management
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August 21, 2008
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Top Stories
Lee Teschler's editorial this week takes a look at the current state
of training - and whether or not theory trumps experience. We also get a
look at an up-and-coming alternative energy, compressed air, and how it
could change the way we go about our lives. Then, it looks as though
motion-control applications are finally getting a little clarification
regarding the ever important benchmark of resolution.
Finally, following last week's vein, the featured video revolves around
Microsoft's model of touch-screen tabletop computing. You decide whether
or not it's plausible.
--Kelsey Rubenking
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Lee Teschler's Editorial: What's Tough about
Training
This issue®™s emphasis on motion control prompts some reflection on
how people learn about motion technology. Often theoretical training
isn®™t enough to grasp what®™s really going on when, for example, a
beefy industrial motor couples into a gearbox that weighs more than your
car. The real insights come from hands-on work. Problem is,
opportunities to learn this way have been hard to come by. Lee Teschler
takes a look at the state of training in his editorial.
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3-Axis Beam Control Laser Marker Covers
300mm2 Area
 The KEYENCE
ML-Z9500 Laser Marker features the world's first simultaneous 3-axis (X,
Y and Z) beam control. It marks large numbers of targets distortion-free
in an ultra-large 300mm2 area without indexing the marker or
products. A variable size beam spot maintains a constant spot size
throughout the entire marking area ensuring clear, accurate marking. A
42mm, variable focal length marks different heights, inclined surfaces,
cylinders and circular cones uniformly at production line
speeds.
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Solution to Energy Costs May Be
Underground
Researcher Georgianne Peek thinks a possible solution to high energy
costs lies underground. And it isn®™t coal or oil ®“ it®™s compressed
air energy storage, or CAES. Electric motors drive compressors to trap
air into an underground geologic formation during off-peak hours, like
evenings and weekends. Then, when electricity is most needed in
high-demand hours, the air is used in modified combustion turbines,
producing energy and electricity in a much more efficient process.
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Bring Advanced Control to Your
Application with NI LabVIEW 8.6
 Easily develop
advanced control applications with National Instruments LabVIEW graphical programming. Set up and debug
your control systems, connect through thin client user interfaces,
implement your control logic using new IEC 61131-3 based function
blocks, and go beyond standard PID control with LabVIEW.
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Resolution Resolved
Modern motion-control applications are typically defined by a broad
set of specifications. Most of these performance metrics, like accuracy
and repeatability, are well defined, intuitive, or both. But others are
occasionally misinterpreted or incorrectly specified. Resolution is one
such benchmark. Often assumed (incorrectly) to be the minimum
incremental move, it would perhaps be better to say that resolution is
only the theoretical minimum incremental move.
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Table Top Technology
Microsoft introduces a new kind of technology, built on the touch
screen model of computing. Cameras built in underneath a flat surface
map out what the user is doing, and the computer on the top of the table
reacts with an image. The technology might not be exactly feasible or
realistic for widespread use just yet ®“ but that doesn®™t make it any
less fun to look at.
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Aerospace-grade ball screws
A line of high-precision aerospace ball screws come in a wide range
of sizes, from 3 to 100 mm. Manufactured from certified materials, the
screws offer internal ball return for smooth motion, high speed, and
compact nut bodies. The ball screws are also capable of back
driving.
More Information:
Steinmeyer
Inc.
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Ruby and sapphire orifices
The extreme chemical and wear resistance of ruby and sapphire
orifices ensure dependable control of the harshest liquids and gases.
The laser-drilled, wire-lapped orifices and filters come in a variety of
stainless, brass, and plastic fittings ,connectors, and inserts.
More Information:
Bird
Precision
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Engineering TV is an innovative online video program
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action and looks behind the scenes as today's engineers shape tomorrow's
breakthroughs. Brought to you by the Penton Media Design and Electronics
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View
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Rev up your interdisciplinary design skills
What happens when a microcontroller turns on a power FET, sending a
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And will the signals get through the networks fast enough, without being
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CAD Library offers advanced CAD Resources
The Machine Design CAD
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Sponsored
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UPCOMING IN-PERSON EVENTS
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UPCOMING WEBCASTS
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Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) Gives Designers New Freedom and
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DATE: September 4th, 2008
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT
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ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING
Click Here for a list of archived Machine Design
webcasts.
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INTRODUCING THE NEW DIMENSION 1200es 3D PRINTER: CREATE LARGER,
STRONGER, WORKING MODELS.
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Minco Flexible Heaters Design Guide
Order a FREE Flexible Heaters Design Guide to learn how flexible heaters
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Cut the delay in Rubber or Silicone Prototypes
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Editorial questions: Jessica Shapiro
216-931-9850
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