Much of the industrial energy being consumed by systems is wasted through inefficiency. For this article, a system will be defined as the following components working together: electrical input power, variable frequency drives, induction motors, gearboxes and transmission elements (chains, belts, etc.).

Robotics and other advanced automation technology systems are viewed as a looming threat to some in the plant maintenance field. Although there is a constant battle for some workers to remain useful while machines are continuously fulfilling more roles on the plant floor, there are those who in turn have found a better use of their newly freed time.

The complete events section from the June 2009 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Rising energy costs and concerns about global warming are at the forefront of today’s news. Turn to local or national TV programming, browse the internet or read the paper and one can find numerous stories about the seemingly irreversible energy costs and the subsequent impact that these costs have on simply doing business. As a result, we as individuals are becoming increasingly aware of the cost of energy and we are being introduced to a variety of methods and/or products that will minimize the impact of these costs.

Entrust enlists Advanced Machine & Engineering for 7-axis, 2-spindle performance.

Today, better fuel economy is a main objective in the automotive development process. It remains top-of-mind with the auto industry and consumers because of costs and environmental impacts. Because the industry’s average fuel-economy standard is required to increase by 40 percent by 2020, manufacturers and engineers are working to develop fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable designs for vehicles.

Baldor bearings make the grade with Sapphire Recovery and Twin City Fan.

Some gear geometries are more practical to produce than others. Since choices made early in the design process aff ect the ease and cost of fabrication, those who design gears would do well to consider molding and how molders operate, especially when they create precision gears.