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.

The Timken Company recently announced new appointments for company executives Christopher Coughlin, Andreas Roellgen, and Natasha Pollock.

Electrification has really brought ball bearings back into focus as the primary bearing in our drive systems. Some boxes have tapers on the slower shafts for stiffness and others are using a ball/cylindrical combo for efficiency. Regardless, we all face the same challenge on the primary shaft in dealing with the potential of 18,000–20,000+ rpm speeds coming out of the motor. Plenty of applications run 20,000 rpm; what makes the automotive motor unique is, in addition to speed, we are driving huge torques, frequent torque reversals and a huge range of temperatures both internally and geographically. Of course, this all needs to be suited for high-volume manufacturing as well. Adding full ceramic balls, a PEEK cage and a high precision classification is a really easy way to run greater than 20,000 rpm all day but is an expensive option. One bearing alone could hurt the cost competitiveness of your gearbox. In the case where a single bearing can change the landscape of your project, it is worth taking a little time to understand exactly what the drivers of our speed limitations are.

Workforce stability, consistency, and reliability are the hallmarks of an excellent ERP software provider. Global Shop Solutions, a leading provider of ERP software for manufacturers in nearly 30 industries, is proud to celebrate 10 years of dedicated service from Michelle Brown, Project Manager for the company’s U.K. office.

PBC Linear has expanded its comprehensive portfolio to include Miniature Metric Ball Screw Assemblies. Building on their lead screw technology, this combination of precision-rolled screw and compact nut is driving exceptional performance from an economical package. Manufacturers of sophisticated laboratory equipment, medical devices, semiconductors, and other automation applications will find these high-precision ball screws a valued solution to their small-scale linear motion needs. 

Print is not dead. While reading magazines cover-to-cover is a lost art—thanks to work responsibilities, 24-hour sports/entertainment coverage, and the universal time suck known as Instagram—someone, somewhere still prefers the printed word to the shiny, unfriendly artificial light of tablets and smartphones.  This publication (hopefully) provides information engineers can discuss, debate, or collaborate on for future manufacturing endeavors. There would be no words, no photographs, no advertising without the paper used to print this very magazine.

How do gearbox and gear drive providers navigate the interesting challenges found in steel, cement, paper, and construction applications? Apparently, one application at a time. Thanks to condition monitoring technology, IoT solutions and the flexibility of engineering teams today, plant downtime is not as problematic as it has been in the past. The secret to success in heavy industrial markets comes down to staying ahead of component failures.  

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

Robotic applications in manufacturing need precise movement and positioning in manufacturing operations from teach pendant programming through full, automated production with exact sequential motion and timed positioning. Miki Pulley BXR Brakes apply holding torque after the motor joint stops and provides dynamic braking in the event of an emergency such as a power interruption.

To celebrate the opening of the Tonawanda facility, Milton CAT recently hosted an open house on June 17-18. Event activities included meeting the team, tours, machine and technology demonstrations, capability information stations, red tag specials, a Global Operator Challenge, and refreshments.