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The Right Linear Drive Starts With the Right Questions

Thomson Industries deconstructs drive technology selection

Engineers rarely approach a linear motion project without some idea of the drive technology they expect to use. Previous experience may suggest a ball screw for an application requiring high precision, a lead screw where simplicity and low maintenance are priorities, or a belt-driven system for a long, high-speed axis. Motion designers therefore often begin discussions with manufacturers by requesting a particular solution. The questions that follow, however, are largely the same regardless of the technology specified. Instead of confirming the requested product, the focus tends to be more on understanding what the machine is expected to accomplish.

Systematic Solutions

Schaeffler Showcases Motion Technology at Automotive Symposium 2026

The Search for Flexible and Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Pack Expo International 2026 aims to tackle operational challenges

The Predictive Maintenance Playbook

How HECO keeps critical components one step ahead of failure

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Feature Articles

Industrial Strength Reliability

SEW-Eurodrive is helping power one of the most ambitious bulk material handling projects in North America through its contribution to the Dune Express conveyor system, a record-setting 42-mile single-flight conveyor designed to transport frac sand across the Permian Basin. Developed by Atlas Energy Solutions in collaboration with system integrator Voith Turbo, the Dune Express system is designed to move up to 13 million tons of frac sand annually from Kermit, Texas, to the New Mexico border.

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Building an Automated Community

MotionTech, headquartered in Stockholm, recently announced its entry into the United States market. The launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s international growth strategy, bringing a proven portfolio of automation and packaging technology to North American customers.

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Make it Your Own

Customization may not always be top of mind when machine designers are selecting motion control vendors. The hope is usually that they will find exactly what they need in the catalog and avoid what they believe to be the higher costs, delays and risks associated with custom solutions. But, given that more than 25 percent of motion system projects end up requiring at least some degree of customization, it could be beneficial to prepare for that eventuality from the outset.

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The Big Squeeze

Few things say good morning like a glass of fresh orange juice. Thanks to the rise of in-store juicing machines, you no longer need an orange grove out back, let alone a hand press and strong forearms to enjoy one. Just walk into any Sam’s Club in the country and you’ll find gallons of fresh juice in the cooler, squeezed on-site that same day.

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Gear Drives

This paper examines the selection process, operation, maintenance practices, and state of a Sumitomo gearbox after over 24 years of operation. It is demonstrated that a quality product and careful consideration of all these factors are essential for a longer service life of the gearbox. Detailed information is provided on the operation of the gearbox, as well as the maintenance practices that should be taken to ensure its longevity. Finally, the paper examines the state of the gearbox after over two decades of use and how all these factors result in lowering carbon emissions.

Gears

This study investigates the influence of internal damping within drivetrain components.

Bearings

For over two decades, our Montreal-based engineering simulation consultancy has provided advanced solutions to a diverse range of industries. Our expertise has facilitated the resolution of complex engineering challenges, leveraging the latest technologies in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and heat transfer analysis. Among our recent projects, one particularly notable case involved a company specializing in converting combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles.

Motors

It’s an exciting time in the electric motor industry. In the past two years more truly innovative new technology development has occurred than in the previous two decades. We can thank the e-mobility movement for that. It’s not just cars, trucks, bikes and buses, but just about everything else that moves on wheels as well as on water and in the sky.

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Videos

PBC Linear Examines Linear Slide Guides

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

INDUSTRY NEWS

Oct 8, 2026

CMC, provider of integrated intermodal solutions in the U.S., and WorkforceLinc, workforce development division of Lincoln Educational Services Corp., are expanding their intermodal technician training program to the Port of Baltimore. 

PRODUCT NEWS

Universal Robots (UR), a Teradyne Robotics company, introduced Gen 7, its seventh-generation collaborative robot platform, at IMTS 2026 in Chicago. Gen 7 has a redesigned control box, teach pendant and tool flange and runs on the company's PolyScope X operating system. It is designed to support AI-based applications such as vision guidance and force-sensitive assembly on the production floor.

CALENDAR

MDSM 2027

Feb 17, 2027 - Feb 19, 2027

Motor, Drive Systems and Magnetics (MDSM), Orlando, features the latest technical advancements in motor, drive systems, motion control, magnetic applications, technology,
and rare earth materials. 

Additive Manufacturing Strategies 2027

Feb 23, 2027 - Feb 25, 2027

AIoT World Expo

Feb 9, 2027 - Feb 11, 2027

CES 2027

Jan 6, 2027 - Jan 9, 2027

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Power Transmission Engineering magazinePower 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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