With the ability to turn CAD models into real molded parts in as little as a day, Protomold’s rapid injection molding service is undeniably fast. Still, the service has never been a cure-all for the long lead time blues because Protomold’s automated tooling and molding systems impose size and geometry limitations that rule out some plastic part designs. Earlier today at the Pacific Design & Manufacturing Show in Anaheim, the company literally had some big news about those limitations. According to senior quality engineer Kevin Crystal, Protomold’s rapid injection molding system now accommodates parts with projected areas up to 175 in2, up from 75 in2 in the past. Maximum x-y dimensions have increased to 13.5 x 30.5 inches, subject to that projected area limit. Maximum depth for the large parts is now 3 inches from either side of the parting line, or 6-inches total for parts that can be divided equally between mold halves. Part volume now tops out at 59 in3. Protomold will run the large parts on a newly-acquired 750-ton molding machine. Lead time for the big parts will initially be 15 days.
Safety networks have become more complex, and have actually become simpler and easier to deploy for plant operators. This slideshow highlights developments in plant safety with an emphasis on integrated safety networks.
As the MEMS industry spans a myriad of industries and markets, the future of MEMS in consumer electronics will enable a myriad of functionality, applications, and personalization.
The Nest is a sleek-looking digital thermostat which can actually "learn" its owners' schedule and then continue to regulate temperature to suit the user's preferences and patterns.
Thanks to embedded electronics, medical devices are getting smaller and smarter than ever. Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators are now able to call physicians. MRIs, CT scanners, and ultrasound machines are gaining mobility. And the venerable Band-Aid may soon be able to detect illnesses ranging from fevers to heart arrhythmias. On February 21, join Design News senior editor Charles Murray for a wide-ranging discussion, "Embedded Angles for Medical Products," which will explore the latest developments in medical electronics. The discussion will examine advances in medical device technology and offer an inside look at the embedded electronics behind it.
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