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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When Australian steelmaker InfraBuild needed two new circuit breakers to provide backup for its main electric arc furnace, ABB had the solution—its VD4-AF vacuum circuit breaker with an innovative servomotor actuation system that delivers more than five times the operations of a standard breaker, supporting greater reliability and safety as well as lower operational costs.
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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 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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The following article is a collection of products and technologies featured at IFPE and CONExpo/CONAGG 2023.
The spectrum of machinery and equipment used in industrial automation includes everything from electric motors to robotics and each has its own unique attributes and sealing requirements. David Kaley, Trelleborg global segment manager for industrial automation, shares his expertise on speed reducers covering what they are, how they work and key considerations for correct sealing in this article.
As industries adopt more automation, the demand for reliable and efficient pneumatic systems, which power everything from robotic arms to air-powered tools, continues to rise. However, despite their widespread
use, these systems often suffer from hidden inefficiencies. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings—Oxfordshire, U.K.) explores how an overlooked component, industrial bearings, can improve the
efficiency of pneumatic technologies.
Selecting a drive, whether for a new application or to replace an existing one, doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience. The key to success lies in asking a logical sequence of thoughtful questions.
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!
With the goal of building a full lineup of actuators for every joint required in robot construction, Bonsystems has been developing robotic actuators and introducing the BCSA V4 Series. The BCSA Micro Series is a Cycloidal Micro Actuator designed specifically for robotic hands.
Apr 6, 2026
When Trent Maynard joined Global Shop Solutions in 2016, he brought with him an instinct for what manufacturers need, built from working alongside them. Ten years and four roles later, he's now director of product and engineering at the family-owned ERP provider, leading its AI initiatives and helping redefine what modern manufacturing software looks like.
ABB expanded the availability of Vertical Hollow Shaft (VHS) motors to meet Mexico’s growing water industry needs by obtaining its NOM/ANCE certification. Designed for vertical pumping applications, ABB VHS motors are engineered for critical industries including agriculture, mining, municipal water, wastewater treatment and industrial processing.
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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