Standard catalog hardware, also known as Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) parts, are convenient definitions regulated by procurement specifications set by the industry.  Being pre-defined in engineering drawings for call out by a designer makes COTS appear to be quick and easily accessible solutions, mitigating the need for smaller design and development activities. However, if diligence is not observed during their selection, such parts may not offer the performance the engineer may assume in the service environment. Let's take a close look at a PH 13-8Mo stainless steel Rod End Bearing to highlight the importance of understanding and interpreting COTS definitions and how they play when considering their use in a spacefaring vehicle application.

Design values are important numbers used in structural analysis.  They are central in assessing the likelihood of success or failure of designs when deployed in an application.   Sourcing these values is typical for a materials engineer when supporting a design team.  While standard handbooks are useful in determining what these values should be, other techniques become necessary depending on available information to generate datasets for subsequent calculations.  In this article, let us review different available methodologies when it comes to determining design values for strength material properties. 

Materials selection is a typical problem encountered in the design and development of new products.  Coatings are a special subgroup of materials and are enabling technologies that provide added capabilities but only when used correctly.  While the selection of materials typically follows well-known trading points, including cost, schedule, and mechanical performance, certain assessments and accommodations are key when it comes to the selection of coatings for engineering applications to prevent issues during production and service.  In this article, we visit three important considerations when it comes to picking the best coating for a given design.

Stepping from Kuala Lumpur's vibrant streets, I was captivated by the intricate patterns of Batik fabric, a traditional art form that surprisingly mirrors the precision of modern photolithography. A visit to the National Textile Museum unveiled the ancient technique of using wax as a resist, a principle echoed in the UV-light patterning of silicon wafers for computer chips. This revelation highlights a fascinating connection between age-old artistry and cutting-edge technology, where both rely on the controlled application of resist materials to create complex designs. This article delves deeper into these two seemingly disparate processes, one from ancient arts and the other from modern manufacturing, revealing their striking similarities.

A vibrant green tote filled with unexpected treats arrived as a thank you, sparking a story I had to share. It all started with a simple request: a tour of the rocket company where I work for a bright, young engineering student. What began as a casual visit turned into a meaningful connection, revealing the surprising impact of sharing your passion. Could this small act of guidance also open doors I never imagined for my own small business?