June 2012

The Best New Ideas

In the publishing business we thrive on new ideas. We employ creative people who are constantly coming up with new and better ways to serve our readers and website visitors.

Rolling Bearings in High-Speed Passenger Traffic

Passenger transport today moves significantly faster than ever before, often operating on separate tracks especially designed for high-speed trains. Accordingly, high-speed rolling bearings are very important components in the bogies of trains today. Maximum train speeds currently reach 380 km/h (236 mph) in the latest high-speed applications - 80% higher than in the earlier days of high-speed traffic. This paper presents two application examples of modern, high-speed traffic, together with some typical bearing arrangements and housings. It provides insight regarding measures taken in the bearing industry to meet the requirements of contemporary, high-speed traffic, and it cites important standards and regulations applicable for - but not restricted to - European applications. To be precise, the focus here is on journal bearings; information on traction motor bearings, transmission bearings and housings is included, but described in less detail.

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.

Economy Continues - Generally - to Improve

Our April 2012 launch of this column highlighted several key themes; we will re-state each and highlight developments, relying on our monitoring of 75 key global industrial companies and ongoing fieldwork.

Zero Friction Solution

Air bearings provide a more-precise view of print head variations.

Predictive Motor Maintenance (PdM): Use it or Lose it (Money)

Regardless of where you do business, when discussing, analyzing or worrying about “The Economy” these days, you’re not thinking Main Street - you’re thinking global. With that stipulation, it is also accepted wisdom that quality products and sharp pencils are not enough to be and remain competitive. Accordingly, everyone is looking for an edge, an advantage, in order to beat back - or at least keep up with - the competition.

Nervy Enterprise and Edgy Engineering: A Cant-Miss Mix

Fairchild International, a U.S.-based manufacturer of underground mining equipment, has produced battery-powered DC scoops since the early 1980s. With 17 different models available, Fairchild offers a size to fit any coal mining operation, making it the leader in the industry.

The Painful Birth of the DC Electric Motor

Defined in rudimentary terms, an electric motor is a device that uses electricity to create mechanical force. But in 1834, when our story takes place, most people would have trouble understanding the ramifications. That was the year that one of the earliest DC electric motors was invented—by a blacksmith.

The Quick Fix - Rexnord Solves Bearing Installation and Removal Challenges

At a Midwestern producer of tubular steel products, measures taken to counteract the effects of impact on a quench tank roll made it difficult to remove and replace the conventional pillow block bearings that support the roll’s shaft.

Product News

The complete Product News section from the June 2012 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Industry News

The complete Industry News section from the June 2012 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Green Days - Hannover Messe 2012

Hannover Messe 2012 generated enough buzz that the 5,000 exhibitors “will have their work cut out for them,” according to Dr. Wolfram von Fritsch, chairman of the managing board of Deutsche Messe. “Green technologies are a viable business model with the power to drive growth around the world.

Calendar

The complete Calendar of Events from the June 2012 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.