The FVA-Workbench is a manufacturer-neutral solution for modeling, parameterization, and simulation of transmission systems. Version 10 was released on February 17, 2025, to make gearbox design even more efficient. For drive technology professionals, the FVA-Workbench is an indispensable tool for reliable modeling, calculation, and optimization of complex drive systems and transmission elements. The software bundles 50 years of research and development from the FVA expert network into a single platform, making its collected knowledge directly applicable for industrial practice.
GWJ Technology is starting a new seminar schedule in 2025. This year, GWJ is once again offering a wide range of different seminars that can be booked as online seminars or, if desired, as traditional face-to-face events. The online seminars are designed to be interactive and provide a comprehensive insight into the respective topic. Practical exercises deepen the content. Online seminars take place over two or three days and last two hours each.
Tooth contact analysis is an integral part of the gear design process. With the help of these simulation tools, it is possible to calculate the excitation caused by a tooth contact (Ref. 1). Usually, the load-free transmission error or the total transmission error under load is used for this purpose. However, the calculation with the tooth contact analysis ZAKO3D allows only a quasi-static consideration of the excitation. To better evaluate the behavior in the overall system, it is therefore necessary to perform a dynamics simulation. However, the main disadvantage of such dynamics simulations is the much longer computing time compared to quasi-static tooth contact analyses due to the high computational effort.
Verification of a drive system should include all main elements of the system, which are gears, bearings, shafts, and depending on the application other parts such as screws, couplings, and connections. Gears are clearly the most complicated parts for verification, but in many cases, a gearbox failure has its origin in a shaft or bearing failure. The subject of this paper is to explain how verification of a drive system based on measured or simulated torque-speed-time data can be handled.
A new version of the MESYS shaft and rolling bearing analysis software including new functionality is available. The bearing analysis software allows the calculation of the load distribution within the bearing and bearing life according to ISO/TS 16281 and it is integrated in a shaft system calculation with additional possibilities like modal analysis, strength calculation for shafts and interfaces to gear calculations. Currently the software is used by customers in 32 countries on 4 continents.
FVA GmbH has released mechanicus, an intuitive online calculation tool for machine elements and standard calculations. The new web application is available for free now here and marks a significant milestone in the world of drive technology.
The new KISSsoft release 2024 is coming soon! This April will bring you the new system module KISSdesign, accelerating the calculation of complex drive trains and replacing the previous KISSsys software.
With the release of version 9, the FVA-Workbench once again sets new standards in gearbox design, enabling the seamless integration of the latest research results into industrial practice. As a groundbreaking interface between collective research and application, the FVA-Workbench accelerates development and innovation in drive technology. This new release is more powerful than ever, with innovative features for flexible load spectra and improvements in FEM components and shaft-hub connections.
GWJ Technology GmbH introduces an extended version of the calculation module for involute splines within its web-based software solution eAssistant.
A good 20 years have passed since the web-based calculation software eAssistant saw the light of day in the digital world. The software is probably the oldest commercial online solution for the design, recalculation and optimization of machine elements such as shafts, bearings, shaft-hub connections, gears, bolted joints, springs, etc. The calculations are based on internationally accepted standards and guidelines as well as technical literature.
In KISSsoft, 97 (yes, ninety-seven!) plastics are available for calculation of cylindrical and crossed axis helical gears. The materials range from unreinforced POMs and PAs to high performance reinforced and internally lubricated materials.
GWJ Technology GmbH has introduced new versions of its integration modules for Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor and Solid Edge. In addition to comprehensive tooth form output in 2D DXF or 3D STEP/IGES for various gear types, GWJ also offers integration modules for its calculation solutions eAssistant and TBK in various 3D CAD systems.
KISSsoft helped AGH Racing students in Poland develop steering column gears in the RTC7.0 race car powered by an internal combustion engine. Then they used the software to develop a gearbox for their new electric AWD drivetrain in the upcoming RTE3.0 car. Most importantly, they could optimize the micro geometry of the gears and analyze the influence of different factors on the durability of the gear tooth. KISSsoft made it easier to apply quick changes in the project, as it adapts other tooth geometry to the ones they were working on.
In KISSsoft's scheduled trainings until December 2023, attendees will find introductory training courses, advanced training courses and special training courses on selected topics.
KISSsoft has announced that NSK has provided their extensive bearing data “catalogue data” for inclusion in KISSsoft software with release 2023. With this, the engineer can execute static rating, basic and modified life rating based on load capacity numbers in line with ISO 281 and ISO 76 along with thermal rating. The bearing database in KISSsoft gives access to up-to-date NSK bearing data in an easy to use yet detailed manner using the shaft-bearing system modeler.
The Neugart Calculation Program (NCP) configuration tool reliably leads to the most cost- and energy-efficient gearbox-motor combination. In the new NCP 4.3 version the performance of the program has been improved further through enhanced multi-core usage of the processor. Above all, effective immediately the proven software will offer many additional features and optimizations - including better comparisons and rack-and-pinion drives.
With the help of KISSsoft, the user can combine the FE method with analytical models when designing a high-performance gear or drivetrain.
The stiffness matrix of a gear body can be calculated accurately with KISSsoft using its advanced modeling capabilities for gear bodies. The effect of the gear body stiffness can be integrated in different KISSsoft calculations, like flank line modifications and loaded tooth contact analysis.
GWJ Technology GmbH, a calculation specialist from Braunschweig, Germany, added new functions to the gear modules of its eAssistant web-based calculation software, which has been successful for more than 20 years.
Siemens Digital Industries Software and IBM recently announced they are expanding their long-term partnership by collaborating to develop a combined software solution integrating their respective offerings for systems engineering, service lifecycle management and asset management.
In the KISSsoft shaft calculation, the proof of fatigue strength can be performed by generating an equivalent stress verification according to the FKM Guideline.
In an urgent assignment, a gear has to be designed, with the engineer already knowing the required reduction ratio, torque and speed. On the manufacturing side, the preferred materials, possible qualities and the reference profiles are specified. This initial situation represents an everyday task.
NYCU (National Yang Ming Chia Tung University) Vulpes Racing—founded in 2008—is a Formula Student Team that combines mechanical engineering, industrial design, public relations, video production and marketing expertise.
The new KISSsoft release 2023 comes with numerous novelties. Among others, Gear Mesh Frequencies (GMF) can now be calculated for cylindrical and bevel gears. GMF results are visualized in two different diagrams, i.e. GMF versus rotational frequency of the reference gear, and GMF versus amplitude.
This study presents a simulation method for considering complex wheel bodies in an analytical tooth contact model. The wheel body is considered using reduced FE stiffness. Reduction points are defined over the width and linked with the analytical gear.
For cylindrical wheel bodies, comparative calculations show fewer deviations from the expected results with the new method. This is due to the additional degrees of freedom in the FEM model. In the calculation with cylindrical wheel bodies, bending due to axial force in tooth contact could also be verified in addition to the deformation in tooth contact and the influence of the shaft-bearing system.
I think I spend more time talking about ball bearings today than at any other time in my career. Ball bearings have always had a large place in automotive, but not typically in high demand positions—other than a few niche areas. High demand positions, such as axles and planetaries, were typically reserved for tapers, needles and cylindricals. The landscape is changing quickly.
KISSsoft offers the calculation of geometry and contact stresses of Hirth couplings. Hirth couplings allow for the transmission of high torque between shafts. In KISSsoft, users can select a standard Hirth coupling offered by Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA or enter their own custom geometry for the calculation.
The Faulhaber Drive Calculator is the perfect tool for developers to find a suitable drive system for a specific application in record time. It is easy to use and functional: the modern, clear user interface was designed with optimal usability in mind, and helpful tool tips provide valuable detailed information.
Manufacturer-independent engineering tools, such as KISSsoft, basically offer users the opportunity to offer more flexibility in selecting suppliers and procuring components. On the other hand, in some cases there is no access to exclusive product data from the manufacturer in order to be able to perform the calculation with the greatest possible accuracy and reliability.
GWJ Technology GmbH has extended the output option of tooth forms of involute gears. GWJ has extended the output of tooth forms in 2D DXF format in its calculation modules single cylindrical gears, cylindrical gear pairs, planetary gear trains, three- and four-gear train systems, gear racks and involute splines as part of the new versions of its calculation solutions eAssistant and TBK.
Stöber Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG rely on the FVA-Workbench for dimensioning and verification of their drives. The calculation and simulation software allows Stöber engineers to develop their innovative gear unit solutions more quickly and efficiently. The result: higher quality products.
What's the latest in software design and simulation in the power transmission market? Here's a recap of some of the latest software solutions for bearings, gears, drivetrains and e-mobility applications.
Bearing calculations from Timken can now be easily generated in KISSsoft for the software’s registered users. Although the data is not visible in KISSsoft, it can be used in the background for calculation and design purposes.
Strength rating of bevel gears according to standards such as ISO, AGMA, etc. is executed based on virtual cylindrical gears, only modified by a few specific bevel gear factors. The rating methods of these standards also include the calculation of permissible stresses and finally result in safety factors.
Recently, the Swedish rolling bearing manufacturer SKF and the Swiss gearbox design software developer KISSsoft have incorporated SKF’s bearing calculation service within KISSsoft's software. With the so-called SKF Bearing Module in KISSsoft, engineers will have direct access to SKF’s bearing technology and bearing performance data.
A new version of the MESYS shaft and rolling bearing analysis software including new functionality is available. The bearing analysis software allows the calculation of the load distribution within the bearing and bearing life according to ISO/TS 16281 and it is integrated in a shaft system calculation with additional possibilities like modal analysis, strength calculation for shafts and interfaces to gear calculations. Currently the software is used by customers in 30 countries on four continents.
2022 marks the 20th Anniversary of SMT’s focus on providing the tools and knowledge to drive engineering innovation in gearbox system analysis. With this historic company anniversary, the company has announced the return of the North America User Forum.
Attendees will find KISSsoft introductory training courses, advanced training courses and special training courses on selected topics in 2022.
The new KISSsoft Release 2022 provides numerous innovations - amongst others, in order to include the tooth fatigue limit in the verification, the information can be generated from time series.
The calculation program KISSsoft and its system add-on are used in a wide variety of applications: They are used for industrial gear units, the automotive industry, the energy sector, aerospace, shipping and numerous other special fields.
SMT's May workshops aim to give attendees the tips and tricks needed to further improve the fidelity of the MASTA model. In this workshop, SMT engineers will go through some of the tools available including:
The following article includes some of the new features and capabilities available for MESYS Rolling Bearing Calculation and MESYS Shaft Calculation:
SMT's latest webinar "MASTA Support - Tips, Tricks and FAQ" will take place May 4, 2022. The SMT customer support team receive queries covering all areas of MASTA, with industry 'hot topics' inevitably arising. In this webinar, SMT engineers focus on answering some of the queries that frequently make it into their support inbox.
Gates has announced the launch of Gates Design Power, a new software platform offering multiple digital design tools to support the engineering and specification of belt-drive systems across a broad array of applications, making the process easier and more robust than ever before.
I don’t recall a time during the startup of a new program where an engineer unfamiliar with heavy load