If you haven’t been paying attention lately, you might think that electric motors are an old, stodgy technology. After all, most of the real inventions occurred way back in the nineteenth century, with contributions from historical geniuses like Faraday and Tesla. We’ve been using DC motors and AC induction motors since the late 19th century. In many cases the basic design has remained unchanged.
In the realm of tractor gearbox applications, gear whine noise has long been a persistent challenge that significantly impacts the user experience and overall perceived performance of the vehicle. This paper delves into a comprehensive study that discusses the approach to tackling this issue through a combination of design optimizations, simulation techniques and physical validation processes.
The trade show circuit has offered a wealth of e-mobility and motor technologies recently. From IMTS and Pack Expo to MINExpo and CES 2025, there are plenty of disruptors in the motor segment for power transmission components. One area—in particular—is the aerospace industry where vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) rotorcrafts continue to redefine aerial transport, variable frequency drives (VFDs) support aircraft performance, stepper motors provide passenger comfort and software enables engineers to optimize electric motor design.
The rugged, high-stakes environment of the mining industry requires safety to be non-optional. Every piece of equipment, every process, and every decision must come together to ensure the livelihood of the workforce is preserved and operational excellence is achieved. From conveyor systems to hoists and grinding mills, these critical components play a large part in providing essential raw materials to the global economy. One crucial element that plays a vital role in all these sectors, however, is the braking systems of these heavy applications.
The mining industry relies heavily on efficient and reliable equipment to process large volumes of ore and mineral resources. One critical component in this ecosystem is the grinding mill, which plays a pivotal role in comminuting materials to prepare them for further processing. Grinding mills, particularly the large semi-autogenous (SAG) and ball mills, often operate under challenging conditions that demand precision, durability, and adaptability. A key technology enabling these mills to operate safely and efficiently is the hydraulic inching drive system.
Between trade shows including MINExpo and CES 2025, we’ve been treated to a great deal of new technology in areas like mining, agriculture, construction and heavy industrial components. Liebherr has modified its component portfolio to include digital measurement, electrification and maintenance-free technologies. Liebherr’s component product segment offers advanced solutions for slewing bearings and slew drives that meet the rising demands across a variety of applications and industries. These components are future-ready and play a vital role in making operations much more efficient.
It’s an exciting time in the electric motor industry. In the past two years more truly innovative new technology development has occurred than in the previous two decades. We can thank the e-mobility movement for that. It’s not just cars, trucks, bikes and buses, but just about everything else that moves on wheels as well as on water and in the sky.
While it may not be the most visually arresting spectator sport, F1 racing is certainly a behind-the-scenes testament to aerodynamics, engine technology and data analytics. Designers are always searching for ways to optimize these vehicles on race day. Many of the engineering decisions made on or near the racetrack have trickled down to other markets including automotive, aerospace and e-mobility. Lego has decided the time has come to honor these innovations with F1 racing sets for adults and kids.
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.
Kollmorgen has announced the latest update to its SafeMotion Monitor (SMM) firmware: SMM2.0. This upgrade allows OEMs to leverage SMM functional safety features with more encoder and motor types to support a wider range of applications such as material forming, multi-axis measurement equipment, food processing and food packaging.
Thomson Industries, Inc. has announced a significant upgrade to its stepper motor linear actuator (SMLA) online selector tool, adding the ability to include encoders in the design process. The new option streamlines the design and purchasing process for engineers and machine builders, making it even easier for them to weigh their options for incorporating position data into their designs.
ABB has launched AppStudio, an intuitive no-code software tool designed to empower users of all experience levels to quickly and easily create customized robotic user interfaces. With intuitive functionality and features including a collaborative cloud-based library enabling users to share application templates, AppStudio will reduce setup times by up to 80 percent.
Redex is pleased to announce its patented Dualdrive and Twindrive preloading technologies now give CNC machine designers several ways to build a zero-backlash system. These approaches leverage Redex modular SRP, DRP, KRP and KRPX Series rack and pinion reducers whose output pinions are preloaded against the rack to eliminate backlash — a longstanding challenge with designs that require long axis travels and require positioning over the entire length of travel to less than 0.001 inch.
Numerous bus operators worldwide are already enjoying the benefits of Voith’s DIWA NXT automatic transmission system – especially for intercity and regional bus services. With its first mild hybrid transmission from the DIWA product family, the technology group is closing the gap between diesel-only vehicles and those with alternative drive concepts.
Designed for even greater flexibility and a wide range of applications: The new 1218 SXR and 1228 SXR DC motors. These models expand Faulhaber’s proven DC motor portfolio and set new standards in performance and versatility for miniature drive systems.
A safer choice for customers, this rail system extends up to 2 meters (ms) and is suitable for many applications, including vehicles, furniture and medical technology. PTFE is part of a group of chemicals known as PFAS, which could be facing stricter regulations or bans in the future. Despite incorporating a new, PTFE-free plain bearing, the drylin NT-60-4 telescopic rail does not compromise performance. Igus experts have tested the robustness of the material at its in-house test laboratory. Rails carried a centric load of 200 Newtons (N) in a vertical installation, and the system remained functional after 25,000 opening/closing cycles.
ZF has reached an agreement that includes planned volume production of brake-by-wire technology along with cutting-edge steering in a single class of vehicle.
Schaeffler Digital Solutions GmbH, a subsidiary of the Schaeffler Group based in Chemnitz, has received the Best of Industry Award 2024 in the “Best in Manufacturing: Networked Systems” category from the trade magazine MM MaschinenMarkt for its autinityDAP (Data Acquisition Platform) software.
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.
Nicholas (Nick) Sawyer recently joined the Kemco Systems sales team as regional sales manager.
Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors N.V. announced at CES 2025 an expanded partnership that will accelerate aviation product development and chart the path for autonomous flight. This builds on the companies' existing relationship, which is focused on helping optimize how building management systems sense and securely control energy consumption, announced at CES 2024.
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