Do your homework
If you haven't checked out a Design News webcast by now, you've got your work cut out for you. Archived online under the webcast button at www.designnews.com, the webcasts cover such pertinent subjects as collaboration, plastic parts development, the next move in CAD, and how to be a productive engineer. And be sure to check out the archived Supply Chain Link Expo section which includes keynote addresses from Alan Mulally, President and CEO of Boeing; Jeff Hawkins, President of Handspring; and Brian Muirhead, a top engineering manager at NASA. Tune into the Design News website on March 18 at 11 am CST for the next webcast, "The Competitive Edge in Engineering."
Build with blocks
At www.lugnet.com, LEGO fans and users exchange ideas and creations centered around the little plastic building blocks. While the site contains some fascinating links to galleries, forums, and new creations, be sure to try Ldraw, the downloadable section that allows users to make LEGO prototypes with a computer. The program takes users from part selection to choosing between MLCad and LeoCAD as a second generation editor.
Make your switch
Having difficulty locating that specific pushbutton switch or hydraulic/magnetic circuit breaker you've been looking for? Check out www.carlingtech.com for Carling Technologies' product selector guide and online product configurator, as well as a rep/distributor locator list. The newly launched website allows users to choose the proper switch or breaker by first indicating necessary features, then comparing and selecting a particular catalog number or building their own catalog number. Visitors to the site may view detailed technical information, compare tables of products, and download pdf files of technical and dimensional specifications.
Be a gearhead
So did you think you finished learning about power transmission when you earned your engineering degree? Think again. Boston Gear (www.bostongear.com) serves as a resource for motion control and power transmission products and parts, helping to match ac drives to your specific applications. But for those eternal students, the site also offers a gearology home study course online. You can download .pdf files of the workbook and submit quizzes online, covering the area of gears, reducers, and clutches.
Sensor central
The International Frequency Sensor Association (IFSA) hosts what it claims to be "the biggest Internet specialized resource devoted to sensors, transducers, and sensor instrumentation." The site (www.sensors-portal.com) serves as a forum for engineers to exchange sensor information. It features links to upcoming industry-related events, information on over 14 sensors, monthly updated news, training courses, links, and a list of sensor manufacturers.
Laser tracking
The invention of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, known as the laser, has revolutionized technology in a number of industries. At www.bell-labs.com/history/laser, visitors can read about the history of the laser and who invented it, what exactly lasers are, and why lasers are important. The site includes a live action diagram showing how lasers excite atoms or molecules, ultimately causing a coherent light beam.
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