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.
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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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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Testing is a powerful tool for improving equipment reliability and reducing the risk of costly, unplanned downtime. When a bearing fails, it’s important to figure out why. Without an investigation or testing to determine the cause, there is a greater likelihood that the same problem will happen again. That’s why SKF Global Labs and Testing plays such a critical role in helping customers maximize the performance and service life of their rotating equipment.
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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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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).
An innovative technology for the next generation of high-speed, high power density traction and propulsion systems has been jointly developed by Drive System Design (DSD) and Transense Technologies. David Hind, principal engineer, DSD, presented “Unlocking Powertrain Power Density with Innovative Motor Control,” earlier this year at the CTI USA Symposium 2025 in Novi, MI. The presentation built on initial simulation studies performed in MATLAB Simulink; a software tool used to design and simulate systems before moving to hardware. While simulation trials proved successful, achieving quality experimental results proved far more challenging. Hind examined these challenges and potential solutions at CTI.
The SKF Lincoln SL-6 metering device is a single-line automatic lubrication system injector. Its proven design is thoroughly updated to meet new demands on maintainability, leakage-protection and long-lasting performance even with harsh extreme pressure greases. Today’s manufacturing environment demands less maintenance time, higher productivity demands and little to no tolerance for unplanned production stops.
Curious about the state of robotics and automation? A day or two at Huntington Place in Detroit this spring should clear everything up. Automate 2025 attendees might see robots serving coffee, robots maintaining shop floors, robots building other robots. We have officially crossed the threshold from future possibility to practical application.
In this white paper from Dunkermotoren, readers will learn how a modular motion platform helps an OEM develop its machine by providing a coordinated combination of motor, gearbox, brake, encoder, electronics, communication and software. The OEM starts with documented compatibility and defined interfaces instead of having to reconcile independent components from multiple suppliers.
Dunkermotoren explores the concept of EtherNet/IP, its history, key components, and its impact on modern manufacturing. As industries increasingly adopt automation and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions, EtherNet/IP emerges as a vital communication protocol, seamlessly connecting factory devices and equipment to Ethernet network.
Discover how R+W bellows, elastomer, disc pack and safety couplings support demanding motion control and industrial applications. Explore the defining characteristics, performance capabilities and design advantages of each coupling type and find the right solution for your requirements. Learn more about precision coupling solutions engineered for reliability, accuracy and performance.
See how SEW-EURODRIVE engineering and X.e Series industrial gear units helped power the 42-mile Dune Express conveyor. Discover how application-specific drive technology, thermal engineering, condition monitoring, and support from design through commissioning helped meet the demands of this record-breaking application.
This white paper explores the often-overlooked role of a critical, yet underestimated component in industrial automation systems. It highlights how this element impacts performance, reliability, and efficiency, and provides insights into optimizing its use. The paper emphasizes its strategic importance in designing resilient, precise systems.
The robust performance of the robot welder at Centerline Brackets led the Florida-based manufacturer to an exceptionally rapid return on investment, achieved in less than three months. The Universal Robots' collaborative robot dramatically cut production time and addressed labor shortages while ensuring consistent weld quality for heavy-duty brackets.
Oct 23, 2026
Schneider Electric has announced a strategic collaboration with NVIDIA and HPE to accelerate the adoption of Physical AI across process and heavy industries.
Bison is bringing MAE stepper motors to customers worldwide, expanding access to proven motion-control solutions for OEMs and equipment designers.
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.
Feb 23, 2027 - Feb 25, 2027
Feb 9, 2027 - Feb 11, 2027
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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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