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    • Fastening & Joining

    Highlights

    iStock
    Submarine istock large

    Pass the Shock Test: a Case Study in Designing a Custom Isolator

    Tim Russell
    A team of engineers leverage custom design and analysis to build a reliable isolator solution for the Navy’s Columbia-class submarine.
    Sergey Lavrentev/Dreamstime
    Water pipes

    Why Tubing Trumps Piping

    MD Staff
    The differences between the two might seem small, but they add up.
    KPixMining/Dreamstime
    Threaded inserts close-up with mirroring in box

    Which are Best: Brass or Steel Threaded Inserts?

    Michael Pasko
    Engineers need to understand the costs and performance of the two materials to get the most economical threaded insert.
    Stepan Popov/Dreamstime
    Plastic parts

    Getting the Right Adhesive to Join Plastic Parts

    Patrick J. Courtney
    Engineers need to match the adhesive to the plastic to get strong, durable bonds. They must also design the joint with the plastic in mind.
    Cornelius20/Dreamstime
    Gears concept

    Shaft Keys 101

    Dennis G. Berg
    A simple mechanical part can reduce manufacturing costs and machine downtime.
    Hermetic wire feedthroughs can use point-to-point wire harnessing to reduce the number of connection points which are associated with voltage drops and degraded signals. The critical design considerations for feedthroughs are good seals, strength to withstand expected mechanical stresses and minimal electrical losses. Typical uses include high-voltage electrical switches, semiconductor wafer-processing equipment, medical imagers, military ordinance controls and space simulation vacuum chambers.

    The Case for Wire Feedthroughs

    Ed Douglas
    Bulkhead connectors may be more popular for passing wires and cables through walls, but for many applications, feedthrough connectors can handle the task more elegantly and more...
    Pop Nukoonrat/Dreamstime
    Engineer controls robotic arms welding

    Weld Them or Braze Them? How Should You Join Metal Parts?

    Steve Marek
    Both joining methods have their place, but it seems few engineers know brazing is an economical method for making strong, permanent metal joints.
    Machine Design
    Axel Fernandes, additive manufacturing solutions lead with CAD/CAM Consulting Services, demonstrates the relationship between software, a Desktop Metal Studio 3D printer and the part he holds in his hand.

    Finger to the Wind: MD&M West 2023 Exhibitors Call the Trends

    Rehana Begg
    Medical device tradeshow exhibitors steer industry toward the path of least resistance.
    Andrei Zakharov/Dreamstime
    A bunch of large and small bolts with different heads

    Bolts, Bolts, Bolts: A Gallery

    Here are a few of the many types of bolts used by consumers and industry.