As publishers, we’re constantly reevaluating our brand and our identity. We want our connection with you to remain close and fresh, so that when you see our publication, your reaction is, “Oh, yeah. These are my people. They speak my language.”

Of course, much of that reaction is derived from the content. But some of it is also from the design and how the content is presented. Over time, designs become stale. Fonts, color schemes and visual effects that were once popular become as outdated as bell-bottom pants. (Wait, never mind. I think those are back in style again. Anyway, you get my point.)

With over 20 years’ experience in the food processing industry, Mike Mitchell has filled many roles in his career. Now, as the key accounts manager for Middleby Food Processing brand, MP Equipment, Mitchell has been pivotal in advancing food technology. He understands the demands of frequent, late-night repairs on first generation equipment.

When facilities are designed and built to meet the standards of the day, the plant is as efficient as it will ever be on day one. However, as the plant ages and production demands increase, aging equipment becomes strained leading to inefficiencies and escalating costs.

Since taking over as CEO of Solve Industrial Motion Group in June 2024, Ernie Lauber has focused on continuous improvement, predictive maintenance and growing the legacy brands within Solve.

Combining brands such as IPTCI, MasterDrive, PTI and TRITAN together with the LMS, SST, SPB-USA and USA Roller product lines, Solve Industrial Motion Group is a provider of high-quality metric and American Standard power transmission components and industrial-grade bearings.

In recent years, the power engineering manufacturing industry has been undergoing a significant modernization movement, driven by the rapid advancement of robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. Amazon's recent announcement of its in Shreveport, Louisiana, serves as a prime example of this revolution in action. 

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.

Closed-loop control systems can handle a wide range of motions with a wide range of loads if the control system and the mechanics of the system are properly designed for the task. A couple of the more difficult combinations to design for are high inertial mismatches and backlash with hard gearing. The question is not just how to make the system stable but also how to get the desired performance. 

Greaves 3D Engineering, a British company specializing in precision engineering, has introduced “The Ultimate Drivers Rig,” a state-of-the-art racing car simulator designed for portability and professional performance. This innovative simulator can be folded and stored in a compact road case, allowing for easy transport to racetracks, trade shows, and corporate events. Central to the rig’s design are 45 high-performance components from igus, including self-lubricating linear and drive technologies, cable carriers, and plain bearings, which help reduce maintenance requirements and improve overall reliability.

NTN Corporation is pleased to announce the expansion of our “Low Friction Hub Bearing” Series, with the development of two new products with low friction characteristics, “Low Friction Hub Bearing IV” and “Low Friction Hub Bearing V”. These hub bearings were developed to meet the needs of our global automotive OE customer-base, as they strive to make their mobility products more efficient.

Ruland Manufacturing has expanded its jaw coupling line to meet the demands of high-torque applications, now offering bore sizes up to 1-3/4 in or 45 mm and torque capacities of 2,655 in-lbs. (300 Nm). These new jaw couplings are designed for use in precision systems with high deceleration and acceleration curves, such as those found in semiconductor, solar, conveyor, and warehouse automation applications.

Based on the proven ROBA-DS steel disk pack coupling, Mayr Power Transmission developed a weight-optimized aluminum version. Compared to the steel version, the outer diameter of this new design has been reduced by up to 10 mm; the mass and mass inertia range from 40 to 60 percent of the steel version, depending on the design and size. The performance density, however, remains unchanged. It is tailored to meet the requirements of high-speed applications, for example in the field of test bench technology.

The Smart Function Kit Pressing, a complete mechatronic package from Bosch Rexroth for the quick realization of servo presses, is now available with force control. This means that it is now also possible to perform processes in which the target force must be kept constant over a defined period of time. Intelligent e-tools speed up the selection and configuration of the modular servo press. The pre-installed operating software facilitates quick and easy commissioning, process definition, and line integration.

With the launch of its Inspector83x 2D vision sensor, SICK has enabled out-of-the-box Artificial Intelligence machine vision inspections for common inline inspection tasks in demanding high-speed production.  

Forest City Gear, a manufacturer of fine- and medium-pitch custom gears, proudly recognized Amy Sovina on her 30th anniversary and thanked her for her long-term dedication to the company.

The Timken Company, a global technology leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion, has completed its previously announced acquisition of CGI, Inc., a Nevada-based manufacturer of precision drive systems serving a broad range of automation markets with a concentration in medical robotics. The business employs approximately 130 people and is expected to generate around $45 million in sales in 2024.  

The Timken Company, a global technology leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion, today appointed Tarak Mehta the company's president and CEO. Mehta was also elected to Timken's Board of Directors.

Fear comes in many forms. Every October we exploit these fears—everything from spiders, zombies, and clowns to serial killers, puppets or twin girls standing in a hallway. A recent conversation with colleagues about Halloween attractions prompted a discussion on the role manufacturing/engineering plays in shocking the senses this time of year.