Designing the right servo drive for camera motion in deep sea explorations meant the drive had to experience extreme pressures up to 8,800 psi. How a Deep Sea Camera Servo Drive Endures Extreme Pressures Designing the right servo drive for camera motion in deep sea explorations meant the drive had to experience extreme pressures up to 8,800 psi. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Dec 2, 2025 At 6,000 meters below the surface of the sea, pressures can reach 8,800psi. The Titanic is only 3,800 meters below the surface. Equipment, such as the camera motion device, used at that depth often has to be encased inside a thick sealed container. When the customer approached ADVANCED Motion Controls (AMC) about using their servo drives without a sealed container, the customer suggested an alternative approach—submerging the electronics in a non-conducting oil bath. After speaking with AMC’s applications engineers the customer was encouraged to “give it a try” even though AMC had never tested their devices at the required depths. The customer purchased a standard DigiFlex servo drive and performed high-pressure testing of the device while submerged in the oil bath. The drive held up considerably well except that the standard electrolytic capacitors (shaped like small cans) were being crushed by the pressure. The customer’s solution during the testing process was to drill a small hole in the capacitor housing and allow the oil to equalize the pressure. This worked perfectly for the prototype but as a manual modification would be costly and inefficient in a production setting. Images courtesy of ADVANCED Motion Controls. After some design considerations, the AMC applications engineering team provided a custom solution using high-pressure tolerant, solid-state capacitors, which could easily handle the pressure naturally and without needing additional modification. For feedback, the customer proposed incorporating a magnetic encoder chip, which required a magnet on the rotating shaft and a sensor chip positioned precisely above it. The AMC team chose to design a custom daughterboard that the drive could plug into. The daughterboard held the sensor chip in perfect alignment with the motor shaft magnet—solving the mechanical difficulty of alignment and saving the customer from having to build their own brackets—reducing the mounting footprint. The customer required that the main communications between the drive and the host was set up using standard RS-232. Images courtesy of ADVANCED Motion Controls. Through a committed approach to make the design work, and by overcoming multiple challenges, AMC was able to work with their customer to produce the perfect solution to a difficult project. The underwater camera became a successful and integral product for undersea explorations. Cross industry applications for AMC technologies are explained in this video: For more information: ADVANCED Motion Controls DigiFlex Drive Servo Drive Selector Other underwater applications >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The "Leap of Faith" water slide sends riders down an almost vertical 60-foot drop and into a transparent underwater tube that runs through a lagoon containing sharks and fish. A Water Slide with Sharks? Here's How It Was Engineered The "Leap of Faith" water slide sends riders down an almost vertical 60-foot drop and into a transparent underwater tube that runs through a lagoon containing sharks and fish. Edited by EE Staff Theme Parks Aug 31, 2026 When Atlantis Paradise Island opened the first phase of its development, it was already being conceived as something substantially different from a conventional Caribbean resort. The vision of developer Sol Kerzner was not simply to build another luxury hotel surrounded by swimming pools. Atlantis was intended to immerse visitors in a fictional lost civilization, combining architecture, water, marine life, mythology, and entertainment into a single environment. The property's eventual aquatic environment would encompass swimming pools, waterfalls, fountains, lagoons, marine habitats, and waterpark attractions on an enormous scale. In subsequent phases they eventually created the Mayan Temple and its five water slides alongside enormous marine exhibits. Among those slides was an attraction that would become almost synonymous with Atlantis itself. Leap of Faith takes riders to the top of a giant stepped pyramid, drops them 60 feet in an almost-vertical water slide, then sends them through a transparent tube running directly through a lagoon containing sharks. Making that idea work was anything but simple. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. The Phase II development was a deliberate effort to make guests feel as though they were exploring a lost civilization. This included the Mayan Temple, the centerpiece housing the Leap of Faith water slide. The design team faced a familiar problem in waterpark construction: water slides generally require large amounts of structural steel, stairs, platforms, and support infrastructure. Those elements can become visually dominant. Rather than disguise those elements, Atlantis turned the structure into part of its architecture. Many water slide structures assume a pyramidal form as a support system. Incorporating this geometry, the team was able to transform the structure into a Myan pyramid, which added to the Atlantis feel. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Placing the water slide through the shark tank was the conceptual leap that changed the project. The Leap of Faith and Serpent Slide were attractions that had never been attempted before. According to Allen Clawson of Cloward H2O, the idea originated as a “napkin sketch” during a meeting and ultimately became one of the world’s most recognizable projects. A rider would actually travel through the middle of the shark’s habitat. The rider travels inside a transparent slide/tunnel, while the sharks swim in the surrounding lagoon. The Ride Maximum speed of the rider is approximately 30 miles per hour with roughly 50 feet of the attraction traveling through the shark habitat, inside a transparent tube positioned approximately six feet above the bottom of the lagoon. The vertical descent is one of the attraction's defining characteristics. It is a 60-foot near-vertical, 85 degree, drop. That geometry creates a powerful acceleration under gravity. The rider remains in contact with the slide, with water flowing along the riding surface to reduce friction and provide the hydraulic conditions necessary for controlled movement. The team needed to convert the gravitational drop into a fast but controlled water slide trajectory, then safely redirect that trajectory into an underwater transparent structure. To do this, the direction of travel had to change progressively, which took carefully controlled geometry that also managed the resulting forces. The shark lagoon itself holds about half a million gallons of water. It’s about 21 feet deep, has a 90 foot long and 45-foot-wide L-shaped configuration. Functioning as a marine habitat, it contains a number of marine animals as well as multiple species of sharks, including Pacific blacktip, Caribbean reef, silky, blacknose, and nurse. Considerations for creating the ride included more than simply the physical structure and supports. The team had to think about the movement of the riders, water circulation, visibility, access for aquarium staff, cleaning and filtration, and long-term reliability of the submerged structure. These considerations were necessary for the slide as well as the aquarium. The most visually spectacular component of Leap of Faith is the transparent submerged tunnel where about 50 feet of the Leap of Faith’s route passed through the lagoon. The tube is approximately six feet above the tank bottom so that sharks can swim below the rider. The challenge was that the transparent material was buoyant. A submerged hollow structure containing air naturally experiences an upward buoyant force. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Water pushes upward on a submerged object with a force approximately equal to the weight of the water displaced by that object. A large hollow tunnel displaces a large volume of water and wants to float. It also needed to stay where it was without shifting. The solution was to fabricate three columns extending upward from the floor of the tank to support and stabilize the tube. The support columns help restrain its buoyancy and maintain its position underwater. The engineering team had to consider both the slide and aquarium as two different hydraulic systems. In addition, Leap of Faith wasn’t the only Mayan Temple attraction to enter the shark habitat. The Serpent Slide, mentioned above, was designed as a slower, inner-tube experience where the rider begins inside a winding dark tunnel within the pyramid and eventually enters a transparent acrylic section about 90 feet long that passes through the center of the shark tank. While Leap of Faith provided an experience that included speed, fear, and sudden exposure, the Serpent Slide was more about immersion, observation, and marine life in general. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Architecturally, the pyramid concealed and organized the structural components while simultaneously becoming one of the resort's most recognizable landmarks. The Mayan Temple allowed the team to build a single slide-and-stair structure accommodating five slides, rather than five separate structures. This was therefore an engineering and economic decision as well as a thematic one. One monumental architectural structure could contain the circulation systems, stairs and slides while simultaneously hiding the infrastructure that normally makes a waterpark look like a waterpark. The result was much closer to a theme-park attraction than a conventional recreational slide tower. Cloward H2O's role is particularly significant here. The company was responsible for the piping and hydraulics associated with the Atlantis aquatic systems. The broader Atlantis marine facilities used extensive filtration and water-treatment infrastructure. The original installation used 32 large sand filters serving the marine exhibits, with a combined filtration capacity of approximately three million gallons per hour. The resort also maintained a dedicated water laboratory and performed regular chemical and biological testing. The aquarium had to stay healthy while the ride operated. Cloward H2O’s approaches aquatic projects without a rigid “cookbook.” Different aquatic environments have different engineering requirements, and the firm instead tries to understand what the client is actually trying to accomplish. That philosophy is visible in Leap of Faith. For information: Cloward H2O Atlantis Read more about water parks >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Blending creativity, innovation, and technology helped make this Comic-Con event light up. Wicked Technology on Stage at Comic-Con Blending creativity, innovation, and technology helped make this Comic-Con event light up. Edited by EE Staff Stage Events Nov 25, 2025 Held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt’s Seaport Ballroom, the audience members for the Her Universe Fashion Show experienced a Wicked -themed immersive lobby featuring pop ups such as a KISS nail booth, photo ops, film props and costumes, and LEGO big builds. From elaborate couture fashion and musical performances to a technology enhanced magical runway entrance by Eckstein herself, the event was designed to captivate and inspire. Her Universe images courtesy of Mark Edwards Photography. The runway serves as the stage for a group of selected designers who created and showcased their designs—some of which were inspired by the Wicked fandom—during the 2025 Her Universe Fashion Show. At the end of the night, Lynleigh Sato and Caitlin Beards were chosen by both the audience and an expert panel of judges as the winning designers. They were awarded a cash prize of $2,000 USD each and have been offered the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe. Central to this vision was the transformation of the stage into the World of Oz, a feat made possible by ALTRD Projections and Barco’s state-of-the-art projectors. Delivering Impactful Visuals This year’s production presented a unique spatial and creative challenge: how to deliver high-impact visuals across four separate projection surfaces. The team needed a solution that delivered consistent brightness, sharp resolution, and vibrant color across each of the four side screens—two on each side of the stage—while maintaining visual cohesion with the central LED display. For the immersive experience of the show, it was critical to attain seamless integration and high performance across all of these distinct surfaces. Four high-performance Barco UDX-4K40 projectors, known for their unmatched brightness, 4K resolution, and color fidelity, were instrumental in creating a cohesive, large-scale projection canvas of the four side screens that framed the runway. The UDX’ ability to deliver consistent, vibrant imagery across wide surfaces allowed the creative team at ALTRD Projections to design and execute a fully immersive runway backdrop. The visuals were crisp, dynamic, and emotionally resonant, bringing the magical world of Oz to life. Product image courtesy of Barco. The projectors handled complex motion graphics and color-rich content with ease, ensuring that every detail was rendered with cinematic precision. Barco’s technology didn’t just support the show’s visuals, it elevated them, enabling a level of storytelling and spectacle that matched the ambition of the designers and performers. The result was a flawless fusion of fashion and technology. Her Universe images courtesy of Mark Edwards Photography. The visuals created by the Barco projectors were meant to provide a wickedly memorable evening for attendees by elevating the entire production and immersing the audience in a fantastical experience that matched the creativity of the designs on the runway. The show drew record attendance and rave reviews, with fans and judges alike praising the visual storytelling and technical excellence. By blending creativity and innovation, Barco was a committed technology partner enabling Her Universe to push the boundaries of fashion and fandom once again. The Her Universe Fashion Show, now in its 11th year, has become a cornerstone of San Diego Comic-Con, celebrating fandom through fashion. Presented by Universal and hosted by Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, the 2025 edition was themed “Defying Fashion: Fashion That Defies Expectations” inspired by the popular Wicked franchise. This year’s show reached new heights in creativity, inclusivity, and visual spectacle. For more information: Barco UDX-4K40 FLEX Her Universe See other theatre and stage case studies >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

A Swiss startup — known for its process that makes glass permeable to telecommunication frequencies — requires the right components to create their revolutionary technology. Window Glass on Public Transportation Hinders Cell Service — Until Now A Swiss startup — known for its process that makes glass permeable to telecommunication frequencies — requires the right components to create their revolutionary technology. Edited by EE Staff Cool Stuff Apr 27, 2026 As the world becomes increasingly more reliant on wireless technology in both professional and personal applications, wireless users continue to face certain unique challenges. Making calls or using data indoors can still be a hassle in many locations. This is especially true for those using public transportation like trains, where window glass greatly impacts wireless signals. While wireless signals have become stronger and more efficient in recent years, they still struggle to penetrate building materials, including insulated glass. This makes it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to get service. Everyday clear glass can reduce wireless signals by up to 4 decibels (dB), while coated glass can reduce signals by as many as 30 dB (x1000). This is especially a problem in public transportation vehicles like trains, where passengers may struggle to receive wireless signals at all. It is an issue faced by commuters worldwide, for which Swiss startup nu glass has developed a cutting-edge solution. nu glass’s revolutionary glass cutting pattern allows wireless signals to better penetrate windows. The engraving can be completed on-site without having to remove windows. Unique Glass Cutting Pattern Most glass is insulated with a thin metal layer invisible to the naked eye. nu glass uses a patented laser technology to engrave a pattern on this layer, allowing for wireless frequencies to penetrate the glass. This treatment can increase indoor signal by up to 1000 times. The etching is nearly invisible, and it has no detrimental impact on the glass, which keeps its original protective properties. nu glass uses a portable system to complete the engraving process, allowing them to visit customers on site. The system can engrave glass while it’s in place, preventing the costly and time-consuming process of removing and reinstalling individual panes of glass. The process is fast and efficient and can be applied parallel to standard maintenance, allowing for trains to keep on their schedule and return to service on time with enhanced connectivity. nu glass’s system is currently used exclusively on trains but could potentially be used on glass installed in buildings or other structures. KNF diaphragm pumps play an integral role in nu glass’s cutting process. Multiple N 838 pumps are used in suction plates, which help adhere the system to the window during the engraving process. The pumps allow for the precision process to take place with minimal vibration. The N 838 is an outstanding gas transfer pump option. It offers a maximum flow rate of 34 l/min with an ultimate vacuum down to 100 mbar (abs.). Also available are a variety of motor options, including brushless DC motors for energy efficiency. The N 838 has excellent reliability and operates oil free, preventing media contamination. KNF’s N 838 diaphragm gas pump plays a vital role in nu glass’ engraving system, holding it in place during the precision etching process. While finding the ideal pump for their system was important, nu glass wanted to make sure they were working with a partner that shared their values. A focus on quality and sustainability were key components of those values. It was also important for nu glass, which began its life at the EPFL Lausanne, to work with a local company. This made working with KNF, with multiple facilities in nearby cities and a strong presence in the community, a natural choice. KNF has locations in 24 countries and a commitment to collaborative pump design, which allows each location to serve their communities directly. * Images courtesy of KNF. For more information: KNF nu Glass N838 Order a Sample Pump Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The company saved tens of thousands of dollars in only two months after installing new equipment meant to reduce prototyping lead times and help speed up product development. How an ATV Manufacturer Leveraged Industrial 3D Printing to Accelerate Product Development The company saved tens of thousands of dollars in only two months after installing new equipment meant to reduce prototyping lead times and help speed up product development. Edited by EE Staff Sports Sep 15, 2026 Cool Stuff Design freedom is an important advantage to Super ATV, a leading manufacturer of aftermarket UTV and ATV parts and accessories. The company designs and produces literally thousands of products that enhance vehicle performance, durability, and rider experience. From its early days operating out of a garage, Super ATV has grown into a major innovator with almost a half million square foot manufacturing and warehouse space and over 600 acres of dedicated testing ground. The company boasts having a vertically integrated engineering, manufacturing, and distribution operation where every product they produce is designed, prototyped, tested, and validated in-house to ensure quality, fitment, and reliability before even reaching a customer. Images courtesy of Raise3D and SuperATV. The company’s 3D Printing lab leverages additive manufacturing for product development, rapid prototyping, tooling, fixtures, and low-volume production parts. By integrating industrial 3D printing into its engineering workflow, SuperATV accelerates design validation, shortens development cycles, and enables faster delivery of durable, high-performance UTV and ATV vehicle aftermarket products that are built to withstand the toughest off-road environments. Aftermarket Challenges In order to compete in the highly competitive powersports aftermarket business, SuperATV must rapidly develop products for newly released UTV and ATV models while ensuring every component meets extremely demanding performance requirements. This means high part strength, dimensional stability, impact resistance, and temperature resistance. The ability to customize these parts is important as they must accommodate different vehicle platforms and performance requirements. Engineered parts undergo multiple design iterations before production, making development speed a critical aspect of the design cycle. Images courtesy of Raise3D and SuperATV. When using traditional machining methods each design revision increased machining costs and slowed the design cycle process. This meant that producing multiple prototype variations proved to be expensive and time-consuming. Plus, complex geometry optimization was often either difficult or cost-prohibitive altogether, reducing the design flexibility the company wanted. The alternative was often using outside sources while the company really wanted an in-house solution. To accelerate product development, SuperATV integrated the Raise3D RMS220 SLS 3D printing system into their engineering workflow. The RMS220 printer features a 75W fiber laser at 1064nm, paired with a galvanometer scanner, and F-theta optics. This configuration allows scanning speeds of up to 30,000mm/s, where competitive machines run at 12,000-20,000mm/s. The combination of higher power and faster scanning means that the RMS220 is geared toward productivity—just what SuperATV was looking for. Add to this the system’s 220x220x350mm build volume, integrated nitrogen generator, and detachable build units, and SuperATV ended up with a unit that balanced power, compactness, and workflow integration to provide a full workflow ecosystem. SuperATV uses a nylon PA12 powder to manufacture functional prototypes and production-ready engineered components. This material is not only strong but heat-resistant. It’s often used to print functional components rather than simply prototypes. As a quality all-around material, PA12 adapts easily to high-precision parts production. Very flexible, the material, when thin, can be used for springs and, when thick, can provide structurally strong functional parts. PA12 is available in a variety of colors but can also be polished and dyed depending on the needs of the customer. Unlike conventional machining, the RMS220 enabled engineers to move directly from CAD models to physical parts within hours, dramatically shortening the design and validation cycles. Typical builds required approximately 12 hours while producing up to 16 functional parts in a single print, allowing multiple design concepts to be evaluated simultaneously rather than sequentially. Images courtesy of Raise3D and SuperATV. The mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy of SLS-printed PA12 provide SuperATV engineers with durable, functional parts suitable for fitment checks, assembly validation, and performance testing. The powder-bed fusion process enables complex internal geometries, lightweight structures, and integrated features that can be difficult or costly to manufacture using conventional machining. This allows engineers to optimize components specifically for additive manufacturing while consolidating multiple features or components into a single part. By combining PA12’s functional performance with the RMS220’s design flexibility, SuperATV can move beyond basic visual prototypes and produce parts that more closely represent their intended application. Engineers can rapidly modify, print, and validate customized UTV and ATV components in-house, reducing traditional manufacturing’s machining, tooling, and assembly requirements. The ability to produce multiple design variations within a single build streamlines fitment and functional testing, allowing engineers to evaluate and refine designs more efficiently. Images courtesy of Raise3D and SuperATV. Following the implementation of the Raise3D RMS220, updated capabilities have translated into measurable improvements across SuperATV’s engineering and product development workflow. Bringing SLS production in-house has reduced reliance on conventional machining and external manufacturing, providing faster access to functional prototypes, tooling, fixtures, and low-volume production parts. Key results included reducing lead times by up to 30 days; saving over $40,000 in the first two months of operation; reducing tooling investment, inventory, and other prototyping costs; accelerating validation; and greater engineering freedom. As SuperATV continues expanding its engineering and manufacturing capabilities, industrial SLS printing has become an important component of its product development strategy. The company will continue to leverage additive manufacturing for functional tooling, production fixtures, end-use specialty components, and low-volume manufacturing applications. For information: Raise3D SuperATV Read more about 3DP used for vehicles >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

An automation system integral to successful precious metals recovery technology is now set for global rollout. Electronic Waste is On the Rise — This Metal Recovery Technology is a Golden Solution An automation system integral to successful precious metals recovery technology is now set for global rollout. Cool Stuff Aug 29, 2025 Electronic waste is one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams, according to Statista market research. With e-waste generation forecast to exceed 80 million metric tons by 2030, improved recycling and recovery infrastructure is critical. One company on a mission to help offset this trend is The Royal Mint, UK’s oldest company. With a contemporary sustainability ethic at the heart of a long-term strategy, the company has invested in, enhanced, and scaled a hugely promising technology used for the recovery of precious metals and other materials from e-waste. At the start of the project, the extraction technology, developed by Canadian company Excir only existed in a prototype form. It required further development and scaling to hit The Royal Mint’s target of 4,000 metric tons per annum. Additional technological and processing hurdles included a tightly controlled scheduling and investment. All photos courtesy of Rockwell Automation and The Royal Mint. According to Rockwell Automation UK managing director Phil Dadfield, “This was never going to be a straightforward project. We knew there were multiple challenges, some of which we could not influence, but we also knew that our highly experienced process technical team and our family of tightly integrated technologies would bring the extraction process under tighter control. Once that was established, further evolution and eventual scaling would be a little more straightforward.” In The Royal Mint’s Precious Metal Recovery facility, circuit boards are fed via a conveyor system into a reactor and the resulting sludge then undergoes separation, sorting, and filtering using specialized chemical processes to extract molten gold and other precious metals from mixed materials, in a tightly controlled precipitation process. The unique chemistry extracts 99% of the gold in e-waste and, more importantly, this process takes place at room temperature, rather than high-temperature smelting. The system separates out more than just precious metals. Every part of a printed circuit board can be accounted for, even the fiberglass bi-product is “de-brominated—where hazardous bromide is removed—as an integral part of the Mint’s circular economy and related net-zero plans. All photos courtesy of Rockwell Automation and The Royal Mint. Rockwell Automation’s Lifecycle Services team delivered a complete process control solution based on the company’s PlantPAx® DCS system, which included operator workstations as well as engineer workstations. The overall system allows integration from plant floor instrumentation up to the boardroom, with contextualized reporting providing insights to drive actions for optimizing production. PlantPAx proved ideal for this project due to its ability to scale in line with the growth and evolution of the process. It also connects disparate pieces of equipment in the complex plant and controls them in one place, using an interface familiar to the Mint’s engineers, who have worked with Rockwell Automation before. Hadfield explains, “The system architecture enables different vendors to manufacture different parts of the plant and then easily plug it all together and give one, plant-wide infrastructure control when it's up and running. This approach eliminates disparate control systems that you often have in projects like this and provides optimization improvements, such as common log-ons, change management, alarm management, data logging and more.” All photos courtesy of Rockwell Automation and The Royal Mint. Even with the initial uncertainty and multiple process variables, engineers from all parties were delighted when the system delivered gold on the first run, at scale, and without insights from an intermediate pilot stage. According to Tony Baker, Director of Manufacturing Innovation at The Royal Mint: “After so many early challenges, we are pleased that it is all going to plan. In fact, we have already surpassed our 2024/25 target of 400 metric tons, when we hit 500 metric tons earlier this year. For more information: Rockwell Automation PlantPAx® The Royal Mint Precious Metal Recovery Factory Excir Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Data centers handle vast amounts of information and depend on reliable power and efficient cooling. Industrial Pumps Power and Cool the Internet Data centers handle vast amounts of information and depend on reliable power and efficient cooling. Cool Stuff Aug 5, 2025 Data centers serve as the foundation of the internet, managing massive amounts of information. To maintain continuous and uninterrupted operations, modern data centers depend on state-of-the-art technologies that provide both emergency power and sustainable cooling technologies. Industrial grade vacuum pumps from KNF are customized to these specific requirements. Emergency Power with Flywheel Technology When it comes to critical infrastructure, such as data centers, effective and reliable emergency power solutions are essential. One innovative technology used to bridge power fluctuations is flywheel kinetic energy storage. Unlike rechargeable battery-based systems, flywheel systems do not degrade with use, so they last much longer and are less expensive to maintain. They are also more compact, more efficient, and use more environmentally friendly and recyclable materials. Flywheel technology uses the kinetic energy of a rotating mass to store and release energy as needed. It consists of a high-speed rotating flywheel connected to a combined motor-generator. During normal power conditions, the motor uses electrical power to accelerate the flywheel to a high rotational speed. In the event of a power outage, the kinetic energy stored by the spinning flywheel is converted back to electricity to power critical equipment until slower starting systems such as diesel generators can take over. Advanced flywheel systems have rotors made of high-strength carbon fiber composites suspended by magnetic bearings that rotate in a vacuum enclosure. A KNF multi-stage diaphragm vacuum pump with a long-life BLDC motor can remove more than 99.5% of the air from the enclosure to create a very low friction environment, ideal for this application. This increases efficiency and minimizes drag, allowing some flywheel systems to reach speeds of more than 50,000 rpm. Sustainable Water-Based Cooling Systems As important as emergency power is to the reliable operation of any data center, efficient cooling is critical to maintaining optimal operating temperatures for servers and other components. Inefficient cooling and overheating can lead to performance degradation, hardware damage, and costly downtime. Moreover, when this cooling is done efficiently, it not only keeps the data center running reliably, but also reduces the need for a number of potentially harmful substances. Traditional cooling systems using conventional refrigerants often rely on substances such as fluorinated gases (F-gases), ammonia, or propane. However, these refrigerants can pose environmental risks by contributing to ozone depletion and global warming as well as safety and health risks. In response to these challenges, emerging technologies have turned to water as an energy-efficient refrigerant in closed-loop systems. Water-based cooling systems offer remarkable efficiency and sustainability, delivering energy savings of up to 80% compared to conventional cooling systems, while producing minimal CO 2 emissions. In addition, using water as a refrigerant poses no risk to the environment, making it a safe and clean alternative. The KNF N 952 diaphragm pump can be customized to meet the high demands of water-based cooling systems. Using water as an effective refrigerant requires precise, constant, and reliable vacuum conditions for the phase changes necessary for refrigeration. This places high demands on the vacuum pump, which must operate completely oil-free, within a range of 10 to 100 mbar abs. and a temperature range of 5° C to 45° C. In addition, compact size and overall robustness are critical factors in selecting the right vacuum pump for these systems. Thanks to its unique modular design, which allows for the optimal selection of materials for each application, diaphragm pump technology such as a customized KNF N 952 provides an ideal solution for handling demanding vapor environments and maintaining the required vacuum conditions. For more information, visit KNF . Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

The power system chosen for the film's base camp ran the entire production compound, including electrical equipment, trailers, kitchens, and other onsite facilities. Netflix Australia's APEX Movie Used Zero-Emission Power On Set The power system chosen for the film's base camp ran the entire production compound, including electrical equipment, trailers, kitchens, and other onsite facilities. Edited by Terry Persun Film and TV May 4, 2026 Produced by Netflix Australia and starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton, APEX reflects the film industry's growing commitment to deploying low-carbon energy solutions on set as alternatives to conventional diesel generators. Following a first notable deployment during the filming of Season 2 of Lupin, EODev is once again supporting a major audiovisual production in its energy transition, working alongside local partner Blue Diamond Machinery in Australia. EODev (Energy Observer Developments), the French specialist in zero-emission power generation and energy storage solutions provided their GEH2 hydrogen generator to power the APEX base camp. The GEH2’s performance was particularly well suited to the operational constraints of film sets. Designed and manufactured in France, the fuel cell generator converts hydrogen into electricity with no direct emissions at point of use, producing only water and vapor, while operating at just 65 decibels at full load—equivalent to the noise level of a conversation. Deployed over a two-month period, the GEH2 powered the entire production compound supporting the film crews, including electrical equipment, trailers, kitchens, and other onsite facilities. In total, nearly 5 MWh of electricity were generated, avoiding 21.5 tons of CO₂ emissions and saving 5,200 liters of diesel compared with an equivalent conventional generator. Photo courtesy of EODev. As the first film production in Australia to deploy a hydrogen solution of this kind, the project demonstrates the ability of zero-emission technologies to meet the operational demands of large-scale productions. It also reflects the growing adoption of alternative energy solutions in the audiovisual sector, where noise reduction and decarbonization are becoming increasingly important. From the movie, APEX, courtesy of Netflix Australia. With more than 150 zero-emission generators deployed worldwide, EODev continues to strengthen its position as a leading provider of clean mobile power solutions, delivering decarbonization without compromising operational performance. In Australia, this momentum is further supported by a local licensed assembly line operated by Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, reinforcing EODev´s ability to serve the regional market. For more information: EODEV APEX Read more about movie technology >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

It takes technological sophistication to create controlled chaos that mirrors the unpredictability of real-world emergency response, while maintaining uncompromising safety and reliability. The Precise Engineering Behind an Emergency Training Center for First Responders It takes technological sophistication to create controlled chaos that mirrors the unpredictability of real-world emergency response, while maintaining uncompromising safety and reliability. Braden Steiner, Associate Principal Cool Stuff May 26, 2026 Standing at the edge of the river channel at the North Carolina Emergency Training Center (NCETC), with live aircraft fire testing unfolding in the distance, the gravity of the mission becomes immediately clear. This is not a themed environment designed to simulate danger—it is a purpose-built landscape where realism is essential, stakes are high, and engineering precision directly supports life-saving training. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Located at the Stanly County Airport in New London, North Carolina, the NCETC is envisioned as one of the nation’s most advanced first-responder training campuses. The facility supports Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), swift water rescue, urban search and rescue, hazardous materials response, and fire investigation, all within a fully integrated environment. Under the authority of the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal, the project brought together a multidisciplinary team including Calibre Engineering, BNA Consulting (now Resolut), AE Urbia, Timmons Group, and Cloward H2O which was the aquatic and hydraulic systems specialist. Since its initial announcement in 2017, the project has grown substantially, expanding from an original $28 million allocation to a total investment of approximately $87 million, with construction accelerating in 2023 and full operational readiness achieved by the end of 2025. Engineering the Water Systems From an engineering standpoint, the water systems presented both the defining challenge and the defining opportunity of the project. The facility required swift-water environments capable of producing variable currents, turbulence, eddies, standing waves, and downstream recovery zones—conditions that could be carefully tuned for novice instruction or intensified to replicate the force and volatility of real flood and river rescues. These aquatic environments had to coexist seamlessly with aviation fire trainers, burn pits, aircraft mockups, smoke systems, and structural collapse props, all while conforming to strict safety, environmental, and permitting requirements. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Achieving this level of realism began with extensive hydraulic modeling. Advanced computational fluid dynamics and three-dimensional flow simulations were used to study current behavior, turbulence zones, and velocity profiles long before concrete was poured, or pumps were specified. These models informed the shaping of banks, placement of baffles and weirs, nozzle configurations, and interaction with training obstacles such as rockwork and debris elements. Just as critically, the system was designed with adjustability in mind—recognizing that no simulation perfectly predicts real-world behavior once water begins moving through a physical environment. Flow control across the campus is achieved through a coordinated network of variable nozzles, spill weirs, control gates, and valve banks that allow instructors to fine-tune conditions in real time. High-flow primary pumps deliver the volume needed for aggressive rescue scenarios, while mid-range pumps and variable frequency drives allow efficient operation during lower-intensity training. Redundancy is built into every critical system, ensuring that no single mechanical failure can compromise operations. Soft-start sequencing, surge control, and bypass loops protect both infrastructure and trainees as the system transitions between idle and full-throttle states. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Equally critical is water quality management. Because trainees are immersed in these environments, the systems were engineered to maintain consistent clarity, chemistry, and sanitation while tolerating heavy turbulence, sediment loads, and debris. Filtration trains, disinfection systems, pH control, sediment settling zones, and controlled make-up and bleed-off strategies work together to protect both human health and long-term equipment performance. These systems are designed not only for peak performance, but for decades of reliable operation under demanding conditions. Automated Systems At the heart of the facility is a robust automation and control architecture. A PLC- and SCADA-based backbone monitors flows, pressures, water levels, pump status, valve positions, and water quality metrics across multiple zones. Training supervisors can adjust scenarios through intuitive human-machine interfaces, while layered interlocks ensure that unsafe conditions trigger immediate, coordinated shutdowns. Redundant sensors, communication pathways, and data logging provide both real-time situational awareness and long-term performance insight, allowing operators to adapt scenarios dynamically while maintaining strict safety margins. Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. Integration with the broader site was a constant focus throughout design and construction. The water systems are inseparable from the surrounding civil, landscape, and architectural elements, and subtle changes in grading, embankments, or drainage can significantly influence hydraulic behavior. Close coordination ensured that aquatic zones blended naturally into the campus while remaining highly engineered beneath the surface. Maintenance access, stormwater management, structural supports, and visual cohesion were all addressed as part of a unified master plan. Sustainability and operational efficiency were embedded into the design from the outset. Energy efficiency is achieved through precise pump modulation and demand buffering, while durable materials and protective coatings reduce long-term maintenance requirements. The system is designed to accommodate future upgrades, allowing new technologies or expanded training capabilities to be integrated without wholesale reconstruction. Continuous monitoring and feedback loops further support efficient operation and long-term resilience. Like any project of this scale, NCETC presented risks ranging from hydraulic uncertainty to mechanical reliability, environmental compliance, and schedule constraints. These were mitigated through conservative design margins, physical mockups, phased commissioning, and early coordination across disciplines. The result is a facility that includes a full-scale 737 and C-130 ARFF trainer, a 3,500-gallon Jet-A hydrocarbon burn pit, and one of the most sophisticated integrated training environments in the country. Now fully operational, the North Carolina Emergency Training Center stands as a benchmark for how engineering, technology, and realism can converge to support first responders in the safest possible way. For Cloward H2O, the project reinforced essential lessons: model early but design for adjustment, prioritize maintainability alongside performance, integrate deeply across disciplines, and never underestimate the importance of commissioning and real-world tuning. Above all, the work underscores the responsibility inherent in engineering environments where realism is not entertainment—it is preparation for moments that truly matter. For information: Cloward H2O North Carolina Emergency Training Center Read more about water technology >>> Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

Creating projects that immerse audiences into another world takes the right software tools and a sophisticated process. How VFX Motion Designer Mehdi Hadi Creates Cinematic Realism in Dystopian Scifi Worlds Creating projects that immerse audiences into another world takes the right software tools and a sophisticated process. Nadia Yangin Film and TV Aug 18, 2026 Games What remains in the rubble of a technology-driven world run by robots? Mehdi Hadi’s most recent project, “Memories,” created for the Motion Plus Design event in Paris, explores themes of loss, destruction, and the human experience in a distinctly inhuman setting. Mehdi “Mhad” Hadi is an award-winning director, concept artist, and VFX motion designer. He crafts game cinematics, designing captivating title sequences, and spearheading innovative motion design projects. He collaborates with agencies and studios to contribute to a diverse range of projects that push the boundaries of creativity. Images courtesy of Mehdi Hadi and ZBrush. Hadi creates projects that immerse audiences and spark intrigue. From detailed scenes to intricate characters, Hadi translates his imaginative ideas into captivating visual experiences. Recently, he has transitioned from motion designer to director. “As a motion designer, I’ve always been able to adapt. I’ve learned to work with all kinds of briefs and styles, which helped me develop my workflow and strong visual identity. That versatility is still at the core of what I do today,” he said. Because Hadi tended to manage every step of a project himself, over time, people started calling him a “director” simply because he was already creating entire films on his own. Images courtesy of Mehdi Hadi and ZBrush. Most of Hadi’s work is in-game cinematics, high-end commercial visuals, and projects with a strong sci-fi or futuristic aesthetic. This includes creating large-scale visual content for live shows and international DJs, designing concert visuals that blend narrative, energy, and immersive world-building. Hadi started studying how films were lit, framed, and paced, which reshaped the way he eventually built images. Now he spends time analyzing shots, breaking down color, lenses, mood, rhythm, and then translating that into digital work. Images courtesy of Mehdi Hadi and ZBrush. This creative exploration had him experimenting with different pipelines, tools, and visual languages. Hadi said, “Over the years, I’ve experimented with different pipelines, tools, and visual languages. At some point, all those tests, failures, and obsessions blended into something that felt like my style: a mix of cinematic realism, sci-fi atmosphere, and a slight dystopian tone.” Images courtesy of Mehdi Hadi and ZBrush. When speaking of the inspiration behind “Memories,” Hadi explains, “It started with the title. I wanted to explore the idea of memory, not just as data, but as something emotional, fragile, and fragmented. From there, the narrative naturally shaped itself around the things I’m most drawn to: post-apocalyptic sci-fi, robots, and dark, high-contrast worlds. I wanted the film to feel like a memory itself: detailed but incomplete, beautiful but damaged.” Character design process using ZBrush Hadi relies on several tools in ZBrush to add detail to characters, mainly VDM tools and alpha brushes. “ZBrush is an amazing tool for design exploration and ideation.” Because he feels as though he’s only using about ten percent of the tool’s potential, he claims that “there’s always more to learn and experiment with.” Images courtesy of Mehdi Hadi and ZBrush. For background and secondary objects, Hadi relies on procedural textures and object-based shaders that are available directly inside Cinema 4D with Redshift. Since he he doesn’t always have time to unwrap everything manually, he incorporates procedural workflows to help him keep good visual quality without slowing down production. For key elements and characters, he uses Substance Painter, starting with smart materials and then refining them with some hand-painting to add custom details, storyline wear, and unique surface imperfections. Images courtesy of Mehdi Hadi and ZBrush. Other ways Hadi works incudes Kitbashing, which he does daily. “Over the years, I’ve built a substantial collection of 3D assets. I have my go-to libraries like Big Medium Small and Kitbash3D, plus many smaller packs from different 3D marketplaces. However, lately I’ve been relying more on my own custom-built kit assets to match my style, workflow, and design language,” he said. His process is to start by placing simple shapes to explore silhouettes, compositions, and proportions. Then he can refine the elements to create a cohesive final design. When it comes to mood, Hadi relies heavily on color grading and LUTs, which can push the atmosphere and emotional tone further. “I apply color grading very early in the 3D process—not just at the end. This way, when I render a sequence, it already carries a specific tone and visual identity. The final color grade is then lighter and faster because ninety percent of the mood was already built into the renders. Images courtesy of Mehdi Hadi and ZBrush. According to Hadi, “The most difficult part was capturing the essence of what the world was like. Deciding on the artistic direction is always difficult.” He also understood that render time would be an issue because of the number of objects in each scene. So, he used PNG plates to lighten rendering in many of the shots. “For me, a true cinematic experience happens when the audience feels fully immersed in the world and emotionally connected to what they see, even if the story isn’t fully explained. And if they’re still thinking about it after the film ends, then I’ve succeeded.” For information: Mehdi Hadi Maxon ZBrush Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next

About Us Our Core Values We believe that design engineers are an investment in our futures. That engineers are interesting people who are motivated to produce something from nothing, or to produce something better from what we already have available. We believe that engineers deserve to have fun at their jobs, to enjoy technology, and to express their creativity in ways many people never get the chance to. Entertainment Engineering magazine was created as a magazine for engineers. Our goal is to provide technological pieces that provide ideas for tech transfer across all vertical markets from aerospace to semiconductor and from off highway to medical. While providing interesting information, we want engineers to ‘enjoy the ride’, to feel good about their jobs and themselves. And to enjoyably educate themselves along the way. Our Team Co-Founder Terry Persun For over thirty-five years, Terry Persun has been working in the B2B world in senior marketing and editorial positions. He has also taught physics and electronics at the college level. He has written and published literally hundreds of technical articles in over thirty different vertical markets for design engineers of various disciplines including electrical/ electronics, mechanical engineering, fluid power, machine tools, 3D printing, and more. Terry holds a BS and MA and applies his learning to everything he does. Co-Founder Bruce Wiebusch Bruce Wiebusch grew up in a family that was involved with B2B marketing, from strategic planning to sales, to editorial. Bruce has worked in senior marketing and editorial positions for over thirty years. He uses his business degree to enhance every aspect of his work life, including with Entertainment Engineering magazine. He has worked with several marketing agencies and has written and edited hundreds of technical articles for all of the major OEM publications in the B2B market. Bruce is also the author of a book on maximizing your PR. Senior Editor & Content Production Manager Nicole Persun Nicole Persun has over a decade of experience in editorial content production and digital marketing for magazines, nonprofits, and B2C enterprises. She believes the secret-sauce to a great editorial lineup and a competitive digital marketing strategy is storytelling, and she brings this ethos to everything she crafts — from quality content to a compelling editorial calendar to well-positioned campaigns and strategic marketing plans. Nicole's holistic, story-forward approach to content has proven to capture readers' interest in an increasingly challenging digital landscape. Partnerships Joe Gillard After serving as Editor-in-Chief for several major business-to-business magazine brands, Joe Gillard brings a high-integrity approach to the editorial and content requirements for every brand and multi-channel audience engagement. Joe’s skills in the marketing agency business leverages a strong foundation, handling large online and digital accounts for numerous companies. His approach to business and market development is a big plus for EE’s push into new markets and audience development. Joe's experience is key to our growth plans. Business Development Manager Christopher McClure Christopher McClure brings more than 20 years of experience in business development and marketing across book and magazine publishing, SaaS, and retail. An entrepreneur, writer, editor, planner, and strategist, he combines a consultative approach with research and data to understand market needs, identify opportunities, and develop practical solutions. His experience spans audience development, marketing strategy, sales, and relationship building, with a focus on creating meaningful connections between organizations and the audiences they serve. At Entertainment Engineering Magazine, Christopher works with advertisers and industry partners to develop opportunities that advance their objectives while delivering value to the publication’s engineering audience. Our History An idea is a funny thing. If talked about, it gains momentum; if researched, it gains structure; and if acted upon, it manifests. When first created, Entertainment Engineering was the very first online-only B2B publication. We were ahead of our time and competing with traditional print magazines that were not ready to change to meet the times. We even considered moving to print to better compete directly. For years, we interviewed hundreds of design engineers in multiple disciplines in the OEM and MRO markets. Those engineers were adamant about what they were looking for in a magazine. We listened! Every month, these same engineers and more returned to Entertainment Engineering because the magazine was interesting and fun to read. We also learned that whenever engineering professionals read about a product or service, they instantly consider how that product or service relates to the projects they are presently working on. Our articles might be of general interest, but they have wide engineering applicability. We call that technology transfer, and it is how engineers learn about new technologies. What better place to learn than in fun and interesting entertainment applications, which provide an emotional component to their experience. Entertainment Engineering grabs their attention emotionally and feeds their curiosity with new technologies. Our readers are from over 24 different industries from aerospace to machine tool and from construction to semiconductor and from broadcast to medical. These engineers purchase a broad range of products in the OEM world. In fact, we reach engineers who decide and influence the purchase of products and services in most component- and device-level categories. The right magazine with the right articles and stories brings a targeted audience to its pages. And the best magazines bring readers back again and again, delivering motivated purchasers to you.

Integrated electronic fuse technology helps console designers protect critical power rails while reducing system complexity. Modern Gaming Consoles Require Reliable Power Protection Integrated electronic fuse technology helps console designers protect critical power rails while reducing system complexity. Edited by EE Staff Games Apr 28, 2026 From esports arenas and streaming studios to home gaming systems and immersive XR platforms, modern gaming hardware powers some of the most demanding interactive entertainment experiences ever created. These systems rely on high-performance processors, graphics engines, and high-speed connectivity to deliver real-time gameplay with cinematic realism. Behind these experiences lies a complex power distribution network that must support rapidly changing electrical loads while protecting sensitive electronics. When subsystems ramp up simultaneously—such as during graphics-intensive gameplay—overcurrent conditions can occur. Preventing these electrical faults is critical to maintaining system reliability and uninterrupted gameplay. Figure 1 shows the circuit blocks in an example gaming console. All circuit blocks require protection from overcurrent conditions. Figure 1: An example block diagram of a gaming console. In a recent console design, engineers addressed this challenge by implementing integrated electronic fuse (eFuse) protection within the system’s power management architecture. The Challenge of Dynamic Power Loads Gaming consoles operate under highly variable electrical loads. A sudden graphics-intensive scene or network activity spike can cause several subsystems—including processors, memory, graphics engines, and networking hardware—to increase current consumption simultaneously. External peripherals introduce additional risk. Controllers, charging accessories, and other connected devices can create short circuits or draw excessive current through high-speed interfaces, including USB and ethernet. If these conditions are not quickly detected and controlled, they can lead to: Overheating of system components Damage to printed circuit board (PCB) traces Unstable system behavior or unexpected shutdowns Permanent failure of critical integrated circuits Traditional protection approaches rely on discrete components such as fuses, MOSFET switches, and current-sense circuitry. While effective, these designs increase component count and consume valuable PCB space. As gaming consoles become more compact and complex, designers are increasingly adopting integrated protection solutions that combine multiple safeguards in a single device. Integrated Power Protection In the console design, engineers implemented an electronic fuse (eFuse) device to protect a key 5-V power rail that supplies several internal subsystems and external interfaces. Figure 2 presents a block diagram of an eFuse and a sample application circuit, requiring only three external components. Two capacitors filter noise on the DC line, and the resistor programs the current limit. Figure 2: Example eFuse functional block diagram (left) and typical application (right), providing overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, and overtemperature protection, as well as other safety features. An eFuse operates as an intelligent load switch that continuously monitors multiple conditions. When abnormal events occur—such as excessive current draw, overvoltage conditions, or overheating—the device quickly disconnects the load to prevent damage. Unlike conventional fuses that permanently open after a fault, an eFuse can electronically shut down and automatically restore operation once the abnormal condition has cleared. This capability is particularly valuable in gaming systems, where temporary disturbances such as peripheral faults or transient electrical events can occur. Monitoring and Fault Isolation At the heart of the protection device is a low-resistance power MOSFET that connects the input supply to the protected circuit. Internal monitoring circuitry measures current, voltage, and temperature in real time. If any single parameter exceeds safe operating limits, control logic rapidly disables the MOSFET, isolating the fault before damage to the system occurs. In the console implementation, the protection device supports load currents up to approximately 5 A on a 5-V supply rail. Engineers can program the current limit using an external resistor, allowing the protection threshold to match the requirements of the specific subsystem. Additional integrated features include: Soft-start control to limit inrush current during power-up Thermal shutdown protection Undervoltage lockout to ensure stable system startup Together, these features allow the device to act as a centralized protection controller for the console’s power path. Efficiency and Thermal Management Thermal management is already a major design consideration in high-performance gaming hardware. Protection components must therefore operate efficiently to avoid adding unnecessary heat. An eFuse protection device features a low on-resistance of roughly 50 milliohms, minimizing power dissipation during normal operation. The device also consumes only about 200 microamps of operating current, allowing it to support power-sensitive subsystems without significantly impacting system efficiency. These characteristics help maintain the thermal balance of the console while still providing robust fault protection. Reducing System Complexity Another advantage of integrated protection devices is the ability to reduce component count. Traditional protection circuits may require multiple discrete components—including fuses, switches, and sensing circuitry—to implement the same functionality. By integrating these functions into a single device, engineers can simplify power-management design while conserving PCB space. In the console application, the eFuse protection device is housed in a compact 2 mm × 2 mm surface-mount package, allowing it to be placed close to sensitive subsystems without increasing board area requirements (see Figure 3). Figure 3: An eFuse LS0505EVD22L housed in a compact DFN2x2_8L package with pinout diagram. This compact footprint is particularly important in gaming consoles, where multilayer PCBs must accommodate processors, memory devices, wireless radios, and high-speed interfaces within a limited space. Preparing for Future Gaming Platforms As gaming technology continues to evolve toward virtual reality, augmented reality, and increasingly powerful graphics hardware, electrical power demands will continue to grow. Ensuring reliable power distribution in these systems will remain a critical engineering priority. Integrated protection technologies such as eFuses provide console designers with a practical way to safeguard complex electronics while maintaining compact designs and efficient operation. By combining fast fault detection, intelligent power control, and small form factors, these solutions help ensure that next-generation gaming platforms remain both powerful and reliable—keeping players immersed in their experiences rather than interrupted by hardware failures. *Images courtesy of Littelfuse. For information: Littelfuse eFuse Previous Facebook LinkedIn Copy link Next