We have all seen the Q4 2025 headlines around electric vehicle (EV) sales and they were not good. Ford recorded a $19.5B loss in EV pullbacks (Ref. 1). General Motors posted $6B in EV debt (Ref. 2). Stellantis took a $26B hit which was compounded by underperforming EV sales and recovery from the previous CEO’s disastrous cost-cutting strategy (Ref. 3). Also, notably, was the laundry list of not-long-ago hailed startups that have went bankrupt, often leaving investors, suppliers and employees holding the bag: Bollinger, Canoo, Nikola, ELMS, Lordstown, Fisker, Arrival, Proterra, Volta just to name a few. Many more are on the brink along with dozens of startup suppliers that enticed investors with untold wealth to be gained in the automotive revolution 2.0 (Ref. 6,13,14).
The call came into Atlanta Gear Works like any other—a vertical mill drive used for a crusher application in cement needed a gearbox upgrade. The difference this time was the sheer size and scope of the gearbox in question. Similarly-sized gearbox rebuilds could take a month or more to complete, but Atlanta Gear Works had 14 days to complete this rebuild—counting weekends—with a tight schedule leaving no room for error.
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Bosch Rexroth continues to expand the ctrlX platform with new capabilities and automation enhancements. The control platform ctrlX COREplus is now available with AI functions on all performance levels. In the area of motion and drives, Bosch Rexroth is presenting compact, energy-efficient, and cabinet-free drives from the ctrlX DRIVE portfolio, which cover virtually all performance ranges. These are complemented by the Motion, CNC, and Robotics software ctrlX MOTION, which is ideal solution for automating production machines and systems. PTE recently had a great conversation with Garrett Wagg, product manager, controls at Bosch Rexroth on new developments in mobile robotics.
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The load limit diagram of a motor spindle serves to graphically represent the permissible operating range as a function of parameters such as rotational speed. It enables a quick assessment of the conditions under which the spindle can be operated safely and reliably without exceeding mechanical, thermal or dynamic limits. Such a diagram is a key tool for the design, selection and evaluation of spindle systems in mechanical engineering particularly in the field of machining where high demands are placed on precision, performance and service life.
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Mechanical engineering develops the scientific and mathematical principles behind physical machines, but you can’t help feeling a little real-world magic taking place in the manufacture of components needed for large, heavy industrial applications. Cement production, for example, relies on gigantic equipment to grind raw materials using rotary kilns, ball mills, vertical mills and crushers.
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The earliest example of a gear train dates to at least 2,000 B.C. when Chinese engineers built a chariot that used a complex planetary mechanism made of wooden gears to let a dragon head continuously point south when driven around (Ref. 1). In Greece, a surprisingly advanced Antikythera gearbox mechanism, incorporating at least 37 precisely crafted bronze gears, was built years later, between 205–60 B.C. (Ref. 2).
The Houston Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia (TPS), still organized by the Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University, will gather for the 52nd Turbomachinery and 39th Pump Symposium annual event from September 26–28, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
Rolling bearings possess especially low friction characteristics. They make it possible to reduce bearing friction by half, offering the construction machinery sector the opportunity to achieve significant carbon dioxide savings without imposing high development costs. This article will examine the current solutions from Schaeffler.
Automation has become a key driver of efficiency and productivity, regardless of industry. Among the most popular automation solutions are automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). While both technologies automate and enhance material handling and reduce manual labor, there are key differences in their functionality, flexibility, and areas of application that set them apart.
Spiroid Gearing delivers precision gearing for advanced mechanical systems, engineered to handle extreme torque and complex motion requirements. With unique right-angle gear solutions, our technology enhances efficiency, reliability, and design flexibility - empowering engineers to push boundaries in aerospace, defense, robotics, and industrial applications where performance and durability are non-negotiable.
The drive system choice is dependent on key motion features of your application. Lead screws offer self-locking capabilities, while ball screws require brakes to prevent back-driving. The choice between them hinges on efficiency, cost, precision, and speed, with the screw drives themselves paired with a linear guide for optimal performance.
Bellows couplings are commonly used in applications requiring precise rotation, high speeds, and dynamic motion transmission. With zero backlash and a high level of torsional stiffness, they offer clear performance advantages in many servo-driven systems.
The Simplicity self-lubricating linear plain bearings are built to last, and they will often out-perform and last longer than a traditional linear ball bearing. Called the “little red bearing” by loyal customers, they have been a popular replacement for failing ball bearings. Simplicity plain bearings will not catastrophically fail.
The difference between a smooth-running drive and constant headaches? The right timing belt and pulley plus a whole lot more. Discover what works, what doesn’t, and put your design skills to the test—engineer your best system yet!
Linear Slide Guides with a tall profile linear rail resist bending under load, thus enhancing rigidity. Their angled rail surfaces prevent debris accumulation, making them ideal for contaminated environments and cleanrooms
Apr 9, 2026
As part of the ongoing separation of its Automotive business, SKF is consolidating its manufacturing footprint in Americas to strengthen the long-term efficiency and competitiveness. The factory in Monterrey, Mexico, will become redundant and manufacturing capacity will be relocated to strengthen SKF’s Automotive operation in Puebla as well as its Industrial operation in La Silla, also located in the Monterrey area.
Mass-Vac Inc. has introduced a line of oil mist eliminators that prevent microscopic droplets of lubricating oil in the exhaust stream from escaping into the surrounding environment.
Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
Rapid + TCT is North America’s premier additive manufacturing (3D printing) event. The show includes an AeroDef Manufacturing showcase for aerospace and defense. Rapid examines how machine shops integrate additive manufacturing to reduce lead times, produce complex geometries and manufacture tooling in-house. The show provides insights into how additive complements traditional machining. The show takes place at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA.
Jul 15, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026
Jun 9, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026
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Power Transmission Engineering is THE magazine of mechanical components. PTE is written for engineers and maintenance pros who specify, purchase and use gears, gear drives, bearings, motors, couplings, clutches, lubrication, seals and all other types of mechanical power transmission and motion control components.
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