RS Components brings intuitive 3D design into the world of academia

RS Components has announced that it is to run a series of one-day workshops on its popular 3D design tool DesignSpark Mechanical at universities across Europe. The free workshops are designed for university-based academics and educators of electronics, industrial engineering or mechatronics, enabling them to return to their respective institutions with this newly gained knowledge of 3D design to share with their students. In the UK, the workshops will be held on the 4th and 5th of June at the University of Hertfordshire.

Threaded pins are key on new all-terrain wheelchair

Now in full production, the world's first all-terrain wheelchair relies on a clever fastening system to connect its unique drive levers to the drive train.

Lock pins available in steel and stainless

The new GN214.3 (stainless) and GN214.2 (steel) lock pins just announced by Elesa are said to be ideal for use in situations such as fitment of lighting equipment, temporary stages, gantries and race vehicle bodies for the secure location of equipment. They provide a quick temporary fix of heavy light units and speakers by means of rapid insertion and removal. Security is provided by two end pawls which are released when the push button in the head is operated.

Wave springs add reliability to aero connector

Having previously experienced problems with inconsistent loading and binding in the assembly of a ruggedised mil spec electrical connector used in aerospace and military communications applications, the manufacturer wanted to replace the under performing stamped wave springs with a more reliable alternative. The company turned to TFC, who recommended the use of two Smalley single turn wave springs in conjunction with a snap ring to provide a constant pre-loading force.

Sponsorship for ambitious racer

Talented and ambitious young motorcycle racer Ryan McAdam is being part-sponsored by tesa as he pursues his goal of podium finishes in this year's competitions. Competing in the opening round of the Bridgestone Supertwins and Aprilla RRV450 Challenge at Brands Hatch Ryan showed impressive progress through qualifying and race conditions, despite a spectacular crash at the famous 'Clearways'. Walking away with both rider and bike relatively unscathed was a big bonus as were the weekend's lap times, which improved by a dramatic 2.4 seconds from 54.64 to 52.290.

Bespoke solution for customised cash drawers

Global manufacturer and distributor of industrial fastenings, TR Fastenings has positioned itself as a market leader with one particular product range - sheet metal fasteners. From Hank Self-Clinch, Hank Rivet Bushes, weld nuts and weld studs, to blind rivets, K-nuts, cage and swage nuts, these versatile components form the core of TR's extensive portfolio and are used across numerous sectors, including medical equipment, marine, electronics, automotive, telecommunications and general engineering.

Coarse threads speed assembly

Blind rivet nut stud manufacturer Gesipa says that components with coarse threads create the basis for fast and easy assembly processes with the benefit of being able to be used again and again. Industrial large-scale production requires short process cycles and a high level of efficiency. For fast and easy assembly of plastic parts without tooling equipment, the industry uses special threads in a fir-tree form for fixing. This has the added protection of stopping turning and the benefit of repeatable use.

Working towards lighter more efficient vehicles

With the UK economy strengthening visibly, attention turns inevitably to the automotive market, long held to be a barometer of the manufacturing sector's health and a stimulator of jobs throughout industry. Reports from around the world provide a varied backdrop, with Saab restarting production in Sweden under new ownership and Ford, which recently unveiled a solar-powered car with sun-tracking technology, reporting 2013 as one of its best years ever, with income up $1.49 billion on the previous year.

Winning formula for students in Harness proD from EPLAN

The Formula Student programme fascinates students studying a range of disciplines. The aim of the course is to inspire and develop enterprising and innovative young engineers. This year, the Running Snail Racing Team from Amberg-Weiden University have taken on a new challenge; developing a winning electrically-powered vehicle. EPLAN Harness proD, a new revolutionary wire harness tool, has been with them all the way.

Adhesives add resilience to wing

Araldite adhesives from Huntsman Advanced Materials have been selected by Norma Auto Concept Engineering to bond the components of a rear wing for a prototype sports car. Founded in 1984 by Norbert Santos and Marc Doucet, the French-based business manufactures prototype vehicles for a range of racing, endurance and hill climb sports.