Mechanical Components

Advanced Thermal Solutions (ATS) has expanded its line of flat and round copper heat pipes for electronics thermal management. More than 350 standard ATS heat pipes provide low cost cooling solutions for cloud and edge computing, electric vehicles, aerospace, agtech, robotics, medical and consumer electronics, data communications, telecommunications, HVAC and more.

Materials with high alloy content, known as super alloys or exotic alloys, offer enhance performance properties including excellent strength and durability, and resistance to oxidation, corrosion and deforming at high temperatures or under extreme pressure. Because of these properties, super alloys make the best spring materials for demanding working conditions, which can be encountered across various industry sectors. 

Lee Spring REDUX wave springs offer a way of performing a spring function in minimal spaces – even perhaps where no other spring could work effectively. Typically, REDUX wave springs occupy just 30-50% of the compressed height space of the conventional round wire springs, yet they offer more deflection with the same load specifications. This not only helps to save space in the applications but also reduces the production costs, as fewer materials are required and often enable devices that would not otherwise be feasible.

Southco has expanded its line of electronic access control solutions with a compact electronic slide bolt that simplifies the upgrade from mechanical to electromechanical latching. The new EM-05 4 Series Slide Bolt integrates an electronic lock with latch bolt position sensing and door sensing, allowing for simple monitoring of door and latch status.

British engineering is known for its inventions and innovations throughout the industrial and modern ages. Despite this heritage, it can still be a long and difficult journey for an engineer trying to navigate their idea from initial concept, through prototyping and into production. Here, Darren Gilligan of WDS Component Parts, has explained how the company has supported one particular inventor.

R+L Hydraulics has presented the LF torsional coupling series, suitable for a wide range of demanding applications in agricultural and construction machinery, fans, compressors, high-pressure pumps, wind turbines and marine industries. The torsional couplings are extremely versatile.

New kinds of laser communication systems in aeronautical applications make it possible to transmit enormous quantities of data. For example, aerial photographs can now be transmitted to a ground station during flight – over such long distances, even space seems almost within reach. By Julia Schneiders, Marketing & Sales Precision Bearings, Rodriguez in Eschweiler, Germany

Bridgestone has announced that it has supplied its seismic isolation bearings for two newly-constructed permanent venues that will host competition during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. The company is proud to provide its advanced earthquake protection technology to the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, where swimming, diving and artistic swimming competitions will be held, and Ariake Arena, where volleyball and wheelchair basketball will be contested for Tokyo 2020.

Design and manufacturer of flexible shafts, S.S. White Technologies, has highlighted their flexible shaft solutions for medical applications. Flexible shafts transmit rotary motion much like a solid shaft, but can be curved over, under, and around areas in ways a solid shaft cannot. 

Fans are a vital element of many electronic systems, designed to keep the device operating within recommended temperatures, while making sure the electronics are working at their optimum level. Attempts have been made to find alternative thermal management methods, with none proving as effective and economical as the fan. By Ryan Smoot, CUI Devices