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Seals

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2025-02-12

Bill Shepard and Sara Zimmerman to Lead PTDA in 2025

The 2025 Board of Directors and Manufacturer Council of the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) have officially begun their leadership terms.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2025-02-12

Trelleborg Shares Insights on Sealing Needs for Electric Motors

As dry running systems, electric motors operate on reduced lubrication versus their gas-powered wet-running counterparts, requiring specific sealing solutions to manage friction and heat generation.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2025-01-22

Timken Appoints Ryan to Board of Directors

The Timken Company recently announced the appointment of Kimberly K. (Kim) Ryan to its Board of Directors. Her election increases The Timken Company Board to 13 members.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2025-01-21

Nord Direct Drive Systems Outperform Belt Drives in Efficiency, Safety and Cost-Effectiveness

Two common types of drive solutions available on the market are direct drive solutions and belt drive solutions. With direct drives, the gearmotor is directly connected to the load being driven and does not require additional connection components. Belt drives, in comparison, are offset from the driven load and require belts and pulleys to connect the two. They also often include a motor mount, sheaves, machine guard, and a torque arm, making them a more complicated set up than the gearbox, NEMA adapter, and motor combination of direct drives. The compact direct drives also provide higher efficiency, reliability, and safety features compared to traditional drive packages.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2025-01-21

Eaton Adds Endurant AMT Parts to its Aftermarket Portfolio

Eaton's Mobility Group is now offering aftermarket Endurant automated manual transmission (AMT) parts and remanufactured units. This new offering expands the existing AMT portfolio of products for Daimler DT12 and Volvo I-Shift transmissions and provides a one-stop shop for all makes of manual and AMT transmissions operating in North America. 

| 2024-12-02

Trelleborg Shares Insights on Sealing Needs for Electric Motors

From electric motors and linear actuators to robots and gearboxes, the range of equipment and machinery used to create automation in industrial applications is diverse. Each has its own set of sealing requirements and understanding these critical components requires many years of experience. In this article David Kaley, Trelleborg’s global segment manager for industrial automation, shares his insights on sealing needs for electric motors. Standard, elastomer-based radial shaft seals as well as high-performing PTFE-based seals are discussed.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2024-10-24

Neugart Offers New Compact, Precision Gearboxes

The increasing demand for compact servo drives in mechanical engineering has led to a corresponding need for smaller gearboxes that are suitable for these drives. In response to this market need, Neugart is introducing three new precision planetary gearboxes in frame size 055: the PSBN055, PSN055, and PSFN055. These new additions extend the proven capabilities of the Precision Line portfolio.

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FEATURE ARTICLES | 2024-10-02

A Backward Glance at TPS 2024

Organized by the Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University, the annual Turbomachinery and Pump Symposia (TPS)—the 53rd Turbomachinery and 40th International Pump Users—event was held August 20–22, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-09-27

Fraunhofer IWM Explores the Impact of a Potential PFAS ban with Freudenberg

The family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is facing intense scrutiny. A reporting rule will take effect in the United States in 2026, while Europe has actually been considering a sweeping, cross-industry ban on these substances since early last year. The implications of such a ban on fluoropolymers would be particularly critical, as a discontinuation of these high-performance materials would drastically impact many industries. But what kinds of challenges would emerge in the search for adequate substitutes? This was the focus of a recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM) in cooperation with materials experts from the Freudenberg Group.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2024-09-13

Pipe Threads: Standards and Compatibility

Have you ever been confused about pipe thread nomenclature? Have you wondered what is the difference between NPT and PT? What about BSPT? If you have asked these questions or similar ones, you’re not alone and this paper is for you! Several different pipe thread designations are used around the world, and some are equivalent or compatible while others are not. 

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-08-26

AD Bearings & Power Transmission North American Meeting Brings Together Suppliers, Innovators and Service Providers

The 2024 AD Bearings & Power Transmission (BPT) North American Meeting, held from August 11-14 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort, brought together industry leaders, supplier partners, service providers, and innovators for a highly successful and impactful event. The meeting featured a series of insightful sessions, strategic discussions, and collaborative opportunities that highlighted the continued growth and dynamism within the Bearings & Power Transmission sector.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2024-08-19

Freudenberg Offers Sealing Solutions for Tire Inflation Systems

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has made significant technological improvements to its seals for central tire inflation systems (CTIS) used by construction and agricultural machinery. These seals automatically adjust the tire pressure of off-highway vehicles to varying ground conditions and vehicle loads. Simply by pressing a button, drivers can now save time, reduce CO2 emissions and simultaneously extend the service life of their tires.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-08-14

Motion Enters into Agreement to Purchase Industrial Products Distributor

Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the operating assets of Canadian-based LSI Supply Inc. and its sister company 273 Ontario (which trades as LSI). The transaction is expected to close later this month, subject to customary closing conditions.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-07-23

STLE Releases Sustainability Report

The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) is pleased to announce the release of its new free digital special report, Sustainability Opportunities for Tribology.

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INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-06-18

STLE Launches Sustainability Committee

The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) — the premier technical society serving the needs of the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector — is pleased to announce the launch of a Sustainability Committee. 

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2024-06-18

SKF Presents Advanced Solutions at Tech & Innovation Summit

SKF is presenting its technologically innovative solutions tailored for customers in focused industrial segments at the virtual SKF Tech & Innovation Summit. The solutions are developed to address the needs of greater reliability, energy efficiency, and high-performance as well as to support customers on their sustainability journey.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-12-22

Timken Acquires Lagersmit

The Timken Company has acquired Lagersmit, a Netherlands-based manufacturer of highly engineered sealing solutions for demanding marine, dredging, water, tidal energy and other industrial applications.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-11-09

Simriz FFKM from Freudenberg Sees Strong Demand in North America

Sales of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ premium Simriz perfluoroelastomeric (FFKM) compounds have increased by more than 100 percent in North America during the past 24 months. Buoyed in large measure by the compounds’ quality, superior performance capabilities, and near-immediate availability at a time when other supplies of FFKM have been unavailable, major companies in the aerospace, fluid handling, agriculture, and construction industries – as well as many of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ Preferred Distributors – now rely on Simriz compounds to fulfill their customers’ FFKM component requirements.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-10-10

Vesconite Utilizes Needle Bearing Kit for Suspension Arm Issues

VesArg, the Argentinian distributor of Vesconite, Vesconite Hilube and Vesconite Superlube low-friction bearing materials, is proud to announce the acceptance of the Vesconite Hilube needle-bearing kit for the Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo, with VesArg having sold 500 kits for these vehicles in the last two years. This innovative solution addresses the recurring problem of suspension arm issues in these popular utility vehicles, which often require replacement needle-roller bearings.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-10-05

PIE Technology Platform Adds Five Product Categories

Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) and the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) announce the introduction of seals, linear bearings profile rail, bushings (hub fixing devices), chains and sprockets to the PIE Technology Platform (PIE). 

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2023-09-05

A Closer Look at TPS

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.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-08-25

NTN America Recognized for Supplier Excellence by Toyota

NTN is pleased to announce that two of its North American manufacturing facilities have been recognized for supplier quality excellence by Toyota Motor North America (Toyota). Toyota has awarded NTN Driveshaft, Inc., and American NTN Bearing Manufacturing Corporation each with a Certificate of Achievement for receiving an “A” grade for supplier quality in 2022.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-07-28

Nord Provides Advantageous Corrosion Protection for Extreme Operating Conditions

Harsh operating conditions are present in many industries such as food and beverage, bakery, automotive parts washing, chemical, water treatment, marine, car wash, and pharmaceutical industries. Applications in these environments are often subjected to intensive cleaning, high-pressure washing, and disinfection processes to meet the highly regulated, hygienic standards. To prevent gear motors from material destruction due to the rigorous cleaning agents and disinfectants, Nord Drivesystems developed nsd tupH – a sealed surface conversion system that ensures easy yet safe cleaning, ultimate surface durability, and wear resistance.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-07-11

Nord IEC and NEMA Adapters Enhance Performance and Flexibility

Nord’s newly improved NEMA and IEC input adapters offer improved mechanical and thermal performance, giving users more flexibility in designing drive systems and allowing for a broader range of application and environment-specific concepts through extended options such as integrated backstops and speed sensors. The redesigned input adapters are available NEMA sizes 250TC – 400TC and from IEC sizes 160 – 315

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-07-10

Emerson Offers Latest Bearings E-Book

Emerson Bearing, a Boston, MA-based bearing company catering to niche markets nationwide and the sister company of Action Bearing which serves the New England market, announces the availability of a complimentary E-Book and other online resources for Type E Mounted Bearings.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-04-25

LM76 Introduces Stand-Off Bearing Flange Blocks with Si3N4 Silicon Nitride Hybrid Bearings

FDA/USDA certified, two, three and four post, stand-off bearing flange blocks are setting a new standard for performance and hygienics. These new stand-off bearing flange blocks now available from LM76 reduce the surface area where mold and bacteria can thrive, even from the most through sanitizing operations. Long life hybrid stainless steel Si3N4 Silicon Nitride ceramic ball bearings in stainless steel bearing blocks are coated with a smooth non-water absorbing polyamide coating certified by EHEDG, USDA, and 3-A.  These FDA/washdown flange bearings employ hybrid stainless steel/ceramic ball bearings that are sealed from contaminates and bacteria via a patented shaft seal system. The seals resist water, cleaning solutions - keeping lubrication from being corrupted and evacuated.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-04-25

Motion Names New Senior Vice President and CFO

Motion Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Patrick Cummings to senior vice president and chief financial officer, effective immediately.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-03-01

Freudenberg Smart Seals Offer Significant Data on Service Life

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies can now validate the superior performance capabilities of the intelligent seals it has under development. In addition to their core function, these seals can handle tasks such as sensor applications and monitoring their own state of wear. As a result, they enhance the reliability of machines and systems they help power by providing data about their state of performance and safety. That in turn helps eliminate mechanical failures and unanticipated downtime. A new feasibility study, conducted by Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, has verified the benefits of these sealing functions.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-02-27

Schaeffler Field Pro Tillage Hub Launches in North America

Responding to the agriculture industry’s growing need to increase farm productivity and harvest yields, global industrial and automotive supplier Schaeffler is launching its all-new Field Pro tillage hub in North America. Precision-engineered for maximum output and reliability, Schaeffler Field Pro is the direct-fit, easy-to-install solution that farmers need to help ensure a successful harvest.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2023-02-09

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies Determines Carbon Footprint of Seals

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed its own “Green Index” to ascertain the greenhouse gas balance of materials.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-12-08

Clark Seals Hires Jeff Thompson as Sales Manager

Clark Seals, a sealing technology company, recently announced that Jeff Thompson has joined the company as territory sales manager. In his new position, Thompson will manage sales operations in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. 

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-12-02

SKF, Heat and Control, Inc. Collaborate on Conveying Technology

SKF entered a unique collaborative partnership with Heat and Control, Inc., an equipment solution manufacturer, to assist in engineering a new horizontal motion conveying technology, FastBack 4.0. 

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2022-12-02

Highlights of Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia 2022

Overall, the Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia saw 3,815 attendees, hosted 94 technical sessions, and had 274 exhibiting companies. Many attendees commented on the value of networking conversation at the show. From 2021 to 2022, TPS saw an increase in international delegates, with just 19 countries represented in 2021, to 44 countries represented in 2022. Below is a taste of the booths we had the chance to visit.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2022-12-02

2022 PTE Buyers Guide

The 2022 Power Transmission Engineering Buyers Guide was compiled to provide you with a handy resource containing the contact information for significant suppliers of power transmission components.

REVOLUTIONS | 2022-11-21

Freudenberg Seals Improve Offshore Wind Turbine Service Life

The European Union aims to expand the capacity for wind power generated at sea to at least 60 gigawatts by 2030. With its sealing solutions for the foundation structures, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies helps ensure that new wind turbines reach a service life of at least 30 years or more despite the rough conditions at sea. 

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-11-17

PTDA Foundation Announces Award Winners

The PTDA Foundation, whose work is funded solely by donations, was founded in 1982. Its core purpose is to champion education, outreach and research initiatives relevant to the PT/MC industry that enhance the knowledge and/or professionalism and productivity of industry stakeholders.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-11-07

Timken Completes Acquisition of GGB Bearings

The Timken Company has completed its previously announced acquisition of GGB Bearings.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-10-26

JW Winco Expands Line of Hydraulic Parts

JW Winco continues to expand its selection of standard parts of AISI 316L (A4) stainless steel – now including threaded plugs, magnetic plugs, and robust oil sight glasses for hydraulics in an entirely new design.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-10-19

Zero-Max Introduces New OHLA Models

Zero-Max did it again – three entirely new Extra-Duty Overhung Load Adaptor (OHLA) models. Based on decades of experience solving overhung load issues in the most demanding applications, the new designs feature a number of carefully chosen upgrades including spherical bearings, enhanced sealing technology, stronger shafts and a longer profile delivering increased operating life, heavy load capacities, and higher speed ratings.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-10-13

SKF Presents New Axlebox Design for Rail Applications

SKF has developed a new design for axleboxes to help customers reduce weight and improve the performance of bogies while reducing the environmental impact. The new Y25 axlebox, designed for trains weighing up to 25 tons, complies with industry standards.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-09-20

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies Recognized as PACE Award Finalist

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has been named a 2022 Automotive News PACE award finalist for its DIAvent Highflow pressure equalization element. Recognized at a black-tie gala on September 19 at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, the honor validates two years of dedicated company research and development to successfully address customers’ needs for a safe, cost-effective solution for thermal runaway in battery-electric vehicles. The Automotive News PACE Awards competition highlights superior innovation, technological advancement, and business performance among automotive suppliers. Judged by an independent panel of technologists, the competition is recognized around the world as the industry benchmark for innovation.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-08-31

SKF Announces Senior Vice President Appointment

SKF announces the appointment of Annika Ölme as CTO and senior vice president, technology development.

REVOLUTIONS | 2022-08-29

Freudenberg Aids High Flying Wind Farm

Wind farms are expanding around the world. This is good for climate change. Wind turbines are being installed on the high seas with nacelle heights of more than 100 meters and rotor diameters of nearly 170 meters. This increases both the electricity yield and economic efficiency. Freudenberg is aiding wind power’s conquest with high performance components and materials.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-08-26

NORD Releases Latest Industrial Gear Units

NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has announced the latest addition to their industrial gear unit family, MAXXDRIVE XD. These new, parallel shaft industrial gear units have extended center distances engineered specifically for reliable operation of cranes and hoists.

REVOLUTIONS | 2022-08-24

SKF Has Professional Skater Covered

We’ve covered SKF in medical, wind turbine, hand tool, solar panel, and compressor applications. We’ve examined SKF bearings utilized in crazy, out-of-this-world, aerospace applications. Nothing, however, tops the seal of approval coming from a professional skater in Europe.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-08-18

David Brown Santasalo Completes Winch Drum Rebuild

David Brown Santasalo Australia recently completed a full strip and rebuild of a Zollern ZHP 4.33 Rope Winch Drum for valued mining industry partner, Zollern. The 7,550 kg Winch Drum powers a coal loader, with an output torque of 400 kNm (Stat Max) and an input torque of 893 Nm. 

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-08-02

Motion Announces Senior Vice President Appointment

Motion Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce that Lisa Solomon has been promoted to senior vice president – corporate accounts. 

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2022-07-28

SKF and Quaker Houghton Collaborate on Industrial Oils

SKF has entered into a collaboration that will combine Quaker Houghton’s industrial oils and application expertise with SKF RecondOil’s Double Separation Technology (DST) to enable the industry to more efficiently utilize its resources by reducing the unsustainable linear of use of oil. The circular use of oil will also help reduce the industry’s environmental footprint through a reduction in CO2 emissions, lessen the amount of neat cutting oil purchased, and reduce handling and disposal costs whilst providing significant performance improvements.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-07-19

Amsted Seals Introduces Wheel Seal for Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket

Amsted Seals has launched the Endurance Series wheel seals for commercial vehicles.
The seals feature a unique rubber bumper design, providing superior service life in the harshest operating conditions. The hand-installable seal is compatible with all standard axle lubes for easy, error-free installation. Plus, the seal comes with a 1-year, unlimited mile warranty.

REVOLUTIONS | 2022-05-09

The Constant Push for Lubrication and Seal Technology Upgrades

The range and flexibility of lubrication and sealing technologies continues to expand as companies look to scale down production times while increasing productivity. The industry is focused on environmental impact, automation and compact systems. Here’s just a few of the latest technologies in the industrial market: 

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-04-14

NORD DRIVESYSTEM’s Sealed Surface Conversion System Provides Optimal Protection for Demanding Environments

NORD’s nsd tupH sealed surface treatment is available as an option with a variety of their modular products and provides an easy to clean surface suited for harsh processing and manufacturing environments.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2022-04-13

SKF Chocks Allow for Easy Mounting and Improve Rotating Equipment Performance

SKF has developed a new range of adjustable chocks with higher load capacity and an increased adjustment range. The chocks can be used in many industries, including food and beverage, pulp and paper, rail, marine, offshore, agriculture and power generation. They are typically found in equipment such as gas, diesel and LNG engines, generators, compressors, electric motors and gearboxes.

REVOLUTIONS | 2022-02-14

Schaeffler TriFinity Wheel Bearing Provides e-Mobility Solution

Schaeffler’s TriFinity wheel bearing is a fully optimized, three-row, angular contact ball bearing that provides higher stiffness and longer servic...
REVOLUTIONS | 2021-06-07

Maximizing Bearing Performance

Carrier and SKF Collaborate on Centrifugal Compressor Technology The opportunity to improve product design separates market lea...
INDUSTRY NEWS | 2021-02-01

Industry News

The complete Industry News section from the February 2021 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.
INDUSTRY NEWS | 2020-12-01

Industry News

The complete Industry News section from the December 2020 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.
| 2020-08-12

I-MAK Examines Causes of Gearbox Failure

In a world of optimization and digitization where factories are trying to reduce costs and downtime, the demand for identification of basic gearbox...
| 2020-08-03

Freudenberg Sealing Develops Thermally Conductive Elastomer for Electric Cars


Wherever a lot of computing is performed or high currents flow, large amounts of waste heat are generated. Freudenberg Sealing Technologi...
INDUSTRY NEWS | 2019-12-01

Industry News

The complete Industry News section from the December 2019 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2019-10-01

High-Performance Plastics

Custom PEEK Compounds have led to the development of transmission seals and thrust washers that offer lower wear, friction and temperature advantages.
| 2019-08-19

Considerations for Choosing the Correct Rolling Element Bearing Characteristics

Daily experience in application engineering has proven that the selection of the correct bearing type can be successfully achieved by customers bas...
| 2019-07-16

A Better Way to Measure High-Performance Plastics Means Better Performance

Caption: Wear and friction data from application testing on two grades of PEEK.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2018-12-01

Industry News

The complete Industry News section from the December 2018 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.
| 2018-10-03

Cooling Tower Components: Pros and Cons

Written by: Jerome Jennings, global product manager, SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. Cooling towers can use several power transmission technologi...
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2018-09-01

Pack Expo: Automation and Education

Ask any exhibitor at Pack Expo International and the co-located Healthcare Packaging Expo (Oct. 14-17 at McCormick Place, Chicago) why they're there, and you'll probably get the same response: end users.
| 2018-07-26

Bearing Sourcing: Investigate Here

Steve Katz, president, Emerson Bearing Boston One significant and challenging issue that MROs and OEMs face is premature bearing failure in equi...
| 2018-07-16

Evolution of Cooling Tower Gearboxes

Written by: Jerome Jennings, global product manager, SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. Industries that require process heat rejection often use fie...
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2018-02-01

Flexibility in Fluid Power

Latest Sealing Technologies Offer Optimum Wear and Frictional Characteristics.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2018-02-01

Understanding the Dynamic Influences of Gear Oils and Radial Shaft Seals

Sustainability is becoming one of the most important aspects within the power transmission business. Users demand low-maintenance drive systems with as little disruption as possible, and expect lifetimes of more than 10,000 hours. Approximately 40 percent of long-term gearbox leakages can be traced back to poor interaction between the radial shaft seal (RSS) and the lubricant. Thus, it becomes essential to analyze the tribological system as a whole, which includes the gear oil, seal grease (if required), elastomer material and design, and the shaft.
| 2017-11-14

Freudenberg Examines Sealing Requirements for Heavy-Duty Equipment

The seals and the hydraulic systems of any piece of mining, construction, agricultural or other heavy industry equipment like
| 2017-05-23

There Must Be 50 Ways to Reduce a Duty Cycle (Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of our duty cycle journey. In the first part, we reviewed how to take a duty cycle or one block of a duty cycle and reduce it to ...
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2017-04-01

Meet Norm Parker - Bearings Blogger

In case you missed them, following are three recent blog postings by our popular PTE bearings blogger - Norm Parker. We also felt that, should you not be a blog follower, this would be a good way to introduce you to Norm's bearings wisdom. Parker is currently the global senior specialist/roller bearings at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2017-04-01

The Science of Radial Shaft Seals

SKF Product Investigation Center Troubleshoots Critical Rotating Equipment Applications with Analysis, Research and Testing Procedures.
| 2017-03-14

Innovations at IFPE 2017

From March 7 -11, suppliers, engineers, manufacturers and service providers representing off-highway, construction, factory automation, power trans...
| 2016-10-10

Klüber Lubrication Offers Specialty Lubricants for Open Drives and Gears Keeping Mineral Processing Plants Up and Running

Authors:  Daniel A. Narnhammer, Head of Global Competence Center Mining at Klüber Lubrication NA LP Justin Koozer, Cement and...
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2016-10-01

Guidelines for Bearing Seals

Equipment downtime and reduced component life are a few of the consequences — and potential costs — of using the wrong seals on many types of industrial equipment including pump bearing frames, electric motors, fans, pillow blocks, gearboxes and more. However, if correctly specified and installed, seals provide effective barriers that both retain lubricants as well as protect against water, corrosion, debris and other contaminants.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2016-10-01

ISO 281:2007 - Caveat Emptor

I was invited by Tom Astrene of TLT to write a response to the July 2010 TLT article (Ref. 1). My rebuttal — “In Search of a Fatigue Limit: A Critique of ISO Standard 281:2007” — was published in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering, TLT, August 2010 edition (Ref. 10). While this article is also available online, I will attempt to summarize the essence of my response.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2016-08-01

IMTS 2016 Booth Preview

A nose-in-the-tent peek at the booths featuring mechanical motion components.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2016-06-01

Closer to the Sun

Without the sun, there would be no Earth and no life. However, our knowledge about our home star is still very limited. This is about to change. In 2018, the European Space Agency (ESA) will send its Solar Orbiter into space, equipped with a thick heat shield.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2016-06-01

Leaky Shaft Seals

conveying system on the varnishing line for a manufacturer of high-end kitchen cabinets were leaking. Oil was dripping on the cabinet parts — ruining the finish. Why were half of the gearboxes leaking?
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2016-02-01

Reducing Food Processing Plant Energy Costs

U.S. manufacturers, such as food processors, face an unprecedented competitive environment and must look for ways to be profitable without negatively affecting the quality of finished products.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2015-12-01

Preventing Roller Bearing Failure

I’m building a custom gearbox with 7075 T-6 spur gears, and I’m concerned that aluminum flakes will enter the races on the roller bearings (SKF 2307) and cause premature failure. So my question is — should I place an oil seal on the shaft first to protect the bearing — or is this an unfounded concern and I should mount the seal in the typical manner outside the bearing? Or both? Or go with a sealed bearing? I’m confused and could use your expertise, please.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2015-06-01

Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Frictional Losses of Radial Shaft Seals for Industrial Gearbox

The improvement of the energy efficiency of industrial gear motors and gearboxes is a common problem for many gear unit manufacturers and end-users. As is typical of other mechanical components, the radial lip seals used in such units generate friction and heat, thus contributing to energy losses of mechanical systems. There exist today simulation tools that are already helping improve the efficiency of mechanical systems — but accurate models for seal frictional losses need to be developed. In this paper SKF presents an engineering model for radial lip seal friction based on a physical approach.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2015-03-01

The Modified Life Rating of Rolling Bearings: A Criterion for Gearbox Design and Reliability Optimization

Engineers typically learn that the bearing L10 life can be estimated using the so called “C/P method” — or the “basic rating life” of the bearing, a method rooted in the 1940s. Major developments have since led to the “modified rating life,” released in ISO 281:2007, which includes the aiso life modification factor. In this paper a succession of equations used for bearing life ratings are reviewed, and current bearing life rating practices are discussed in detail. It is shown that — despite the introduction more than 30 years ago of the adjustment factor of the basic rating life, and the standardization in 2007 of the aiso modification factor — use of these improved calculation methods are not practiced by all engineers. Indeed — many continue referring to the old model as a way of seeking compliance with existing, established practices.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2014-06-01

Lubrication and Seals Product Showcase

The following news items offer the latest on lubrication and seal technology in the power transmission market. From bearing greases to high-performance seals, these products will help extend the service life and manufacturing capabilities for a wide range of industrial sectors.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2014-06-01

Best Practices for Bearing Protection

For either brand-new motors or those already in service, "best practices" means that informed technicians can make use of the latest diagnostic techniques (vibration analysis, thermography, shaft-voltage testing, etc.) to prevent electrical bearing damage -- either at the very beginning or very quickly thereafter. If done correctly, the work need only be done once.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2013-06-01

Alloying Strategy Boosts Powertrain Performance

The development of a new, gas-carburized gear steel, necessitated by a customer-driven specification, has not only increased the power density in an existing gearbox design, but has done so without requiring any significant change to production processes or heat treatment equipment.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2012-06-01

Improved Performance for Hydraulic Seals from Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Seal design engineers and end users are continually seeking improved sealing systems and materials. This paper describes the potential of a new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material to deliver improvements in pressure, speed and temperature capability, which are presented as comparisons to proven industry standard materials. Performance is demonstrated by virtue of test bench results of seals made from MDI-, PPDI- and NDI-based materials.
EVENTS | 2010-12-01

AWEA to Wind Supporters--Do Not Panic

Despite posting its slowest quarter since early 2007, AWEA remains optimistic that the wind industry can and will work successfully with the revolving doors in Washington.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2009-10-01

Improving Equipment Uptime - Composite Seals Meet the Challenge

In an industrial application, equipment uptime is vital for on-time performance and profitability. The rotating members of industrial machines are subject to the highest degree of wear and are more susceptible to failure than non-moving parts. Bearing surfaces are the most critical and often the most expensive portion of the rotary assembly; it is imperative to protect these components. The primary protector of these components is the industrial seal.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2008-12-01

Improved Sealing Technology Extends Equipment Life

Th e primary sources of bearing failure are lack of lubrication and contaminant ingress. Industrial sealing devices are the primary protection against bearing failure. When the sealing device fails, bearing failure is imminent. Th erefore, extending the life of sealing devices extends bearing life and in turn improves equipment uptime.
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