Analysis of the applicability of die pressing method for ring-shaped parts fabrication

This paper analyses die pressing method used for fabrication of ring-shaped parts, which assures significant metal economy. Computer simulation results obtained with PAM-STAMP software are compared with experimental data. The research outcome is the established range of applicability of die-pressing method for manufacturing ring-shaped parts.

Hydraulic Jack operated Hose Crimping Machine

The present paper deals with developing of a crimping machine that can crimp hydraulic hoses with its fitting without the use of electricity. Detailed literature review indicates the fabrication of crimping machine that operates with electricity that inspired the authors to develop a hydraulic crimping machine that works without electrical power. Such a crimping machine is very useful when the rig is in movement and suitable for emergency crimping work in order to avoid shutdown time.The author has used Autodesk inventor software for designing critical components of the machine and obtained safety factor more than one for all the critical components. Safety factor less than one leads to the unsafe working condition of the critical parts. Fabrication of the whole assembly has been completed successfully for the required crimping for a hose size of 19.05 mm. The crimping machine has been tested successfully for crimping the required hose size. The design of the machine can be altered so that it can accommodate different die sizes in order to crimp hoses of different sizes.

Major Factors in Rapid Prototyping of Mechanisms

Nowadays, layer based rapid prototyping (RP) technologies have been used not only to make product prototypes but also to manufacture small batch functional parts. For RP parts fabrication, build directions play an important role. There were many reports about optimal build directions for RP part fabrication, yet factors influencing build directions of mechanism joint have not been studied. This paper will look into the factors affecting build directions of mechanisms. A slider-crank mechanism is used as an example as it is the fundamental mechanism for many machine designs. Apart from factors affecting mechanism build directions, guidelines for mechanism joint design are also discussed.

Joining the Pieces

This article focuses on variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s airframe and structure required by the services’ different missions. The Air Force needed a tough, lightweight aircraft that could operate from fields close to combat zones. This is the conventional takeoff and landing variant. The Marines needed a plane with short takeoff and vertical landing. This aircraft, which has a 50-inch-diameter lift-fan behind its cockpit powered by the F-35’s turbine engine, has also been ordered by Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Assembly of the F-35 at Fort Worth has been highly automated and centers around three assembly systems. The biggest of them assembles three variants of wings. Standing about 30 feet high, the assembly systems automatically accommodate different components. Subcontractors and other Lockheed Martin plants are handling most of the detailed parts fabrication and subassembly.