Design World

Hosted by Design World

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189

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Apr 2025

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About the show

The Design World podcast series features the latest in design engineering innovation from circuit design & 3D printing to automation & robotics.

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60 recent

April 29, 202526 min

Why Off-Highway is the sweet spot for AC technology in vehicle electrification

Electrification is the hottest segment of engineering in the transportation sector right now. And it's impossible to talk about the automotive industry without discussing electric cars. But there are many in industry who feel that commercial and off the highway applications are the real sweet spot for electrification. This segment is a place where real reductions in operating costs, improvements in overall equipment efficiency and reductions in pollution can all be had at the same time. From an engineering perspective, there are several ways to generate horsepower and torque, and the energy comes from a battery as a DC source. But this doesn't mean that engineers are restricted to DC motors. Advancements in power semiconductor technology, combined with sophisticated control algorithms allow modern electric propulsion designers to enjoy the multiple control and efficiency benefits of alternating current, offering better efficiency in this battery dependent segment. Jim Anderton was joined in conversation by an expert in the field, Jonah Leason, electrification product manager with Parker-Hannifin.

September 16, 202428 min

Why frameless makes sense for critical motor applications

Modern machine design is all about delivering higher performance at a lower cost with higher reliability. Delivering these often-conflicting performance characteristics is the mark of a great designer, and for the most common form of industrial motion, rotation, newer applications such as SCARA robots and their end effectors need torque with low mass in the smallest possible footprint. Frameless motors are an ideal choice for applications that are space-limited or must strictly control inertial mass. Kollmorgen frameless motor expert Tom Wood discusses the technology in conversation with Jim Anderton in this podcast.

March 27, 202434 min

How 3D printing optimizes distributed manufacturing

The Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA) published a report on Engineering the Future of Distributed Manufacturing and identifies priorities that can revitalize U.S. manufacturing with sustainability and resilience in mind. In this podcast, Tali Rosman, startup advisor and Entrepreneur-at-Residence at Toronto Metropolitan University, shares how 3D printing plays a role in ERVA’s vision. Tali has worked at Stratasys, led Xerox’s former 3D printing subsidiary, Elem Additive, and now serves as a business advisor with expertise in advanced manufacturing.

January 30, 202421 min

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) within precision additive manufacturing

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) within precision additive manufacturing by Design World

December 18, 202313 min

A look at ultra-precision grinding for micro tool manufacturing

Micro tools play a critical role in the manufacturing of medical devices, microelectronics, semiconductors, and any miniature component where precision is essential. Darren Fox, a product manager at ANCA with over 33 years of experience in the cutting tool industry, discusses ultra-precision grinding and ANCA's FX7 Ultra.

November 14, 202321 min

IDS Imaging Development Systems Inc.’s Philip Freidin on vision systems

In this episode of Design World’s Technology Tuesdays Podcast, VP, Editorial Director Paul J. Heney chats about vision systems with Philip Freidin, an Applications Engineer with IDS Imaging Development Systems Inc. They discuss new and interesting applications, how to select the best industrial camera system, and what the future holds for this important technology area.

May 1, 202324 min

How Sorbothane is protecting lightweight devices from shock and vibration

In our latest Technology Tuesdays podcast, Design World’s Michelle Froese speaks with David Church, president of Sorbothane, about innovative shock and vibration solutions. Sorbothane has been developing materials and components that isolate vibration, attenuate shock, and damp unwanted noise for more than 40 years.

December 13, 202218 min

Mitsubishi's Patrick Varley on how robots can ease labor shortages

In our latest Technology Tuesdays podcast, Design World’s Michelle Froese speaks with Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s product marketing manager for mechatronics and robotics, Patrick Varley. In this discussion, we delve into the topic of robotic automation and software provider solutions — and, specifically, how this combination can help ease labor shortages. Patrick explains the significance of consumer personalization and how advanced technology from leading innovators can address the contemporary issues facing today’s manufacturers.

November 21, 202215 min

Tips on working with copper in additive manufacturing

Copper is viewed as a material that will accelerate future aerospace production. For example, the privately funded company Ursa Major delivered a copper-based 3D-printed rocket engine combustion chamber from its additive manufacturing lab in Youngstown, Ohio. A challenge, however, is that the existing supply chain for high temperature metal alloy components is limited. However, development continues.

November 2, 202219 min

How Additive can help reduce CO2 emissions from industry

Several engineering companies say we have the technology to reverse climate change, one of which is using direct air capture. Interestingly, additive manufacturing has the potential to play a major role here.