Trade show and event season is upon us. This issue we feature several upcoming shows that are extremely important in terms of mechanical power transmission components and the technology of motion control.

Motion + Power Technology (MPT) show brings together the gear and power transmission industries for a unique balance of education, new technologies and networking opportunities. The show takes place October 17-19,2023 in Detroit. 

By definition, a spherical roller bearing (SRB) is a rolling element bearing that permits rotation with low friction and permits angular misalignment. SRBs consist of spherical rolling elements, an outer ring, a cage as well as an inner ring with two raceways inclined at an angle to the bearing axis. SRB technology has landed the component in unique applications including high pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs), pipelaying ships, Ferris wheels and even a Cold War–era marine espionage mission.

The Houston Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia (TPS), still organized by the Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University, will gather for the 52nd Turbomachinery and 39th Pump Symposium annual event from September 26–28, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

Mechanical motion components, though relatively small, contribute immensely to the safety of multiple systems like automobiles, manufacturing systems, elevators, water treatment facilities, etc. Motion components experience wear and tear over time caused by:

• Friction as motion surfaces come into contact with adjacent components.
• Corrosion due to exposure to chemicals, humidity, and corrosive gasses
• Fatigue emanating from repetitive stress and strain.
• Improper lubrication and system overloads

Gearmotors are used in processes to produce, manufacture, convey, package and store products used every day and are used frequently in small packaging applications due to their compact size. These units need care via preventive maintenance just like any asset used on a production site.

The most comprehensive packaging and processing event in North America this year, Pack Expo Las Vegas 2023 (Sept. 11–13; Las Vegas Convention Center), will be the largest in its history. Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Pack Expo Las Vegas will feature more than 2,000 exhibitors showcasing the newest innovations for more than 40 vertical markets, spanning nearly 1 million square feet of exhibit space.

This paper examines the selection process, operation, maintenance practices, and state of a Sumitomo gearbox after over 24 years of operation. It is demonstrated that a quality product and careful consideration of all these factors are essential for a longer service life of the gearbox. Detailed information is provided on the operation of the gearbox, as well as the maintenance practices that should be taken to ensure its longevity. Finally, the paper examines the state of the gearbox after over two decades of use and how all these factors result in lowering carbon emissions.

Rolling bearing calculations are usually based on the assumption of ideal nominal geometries. However, actual components and assemblies are always subject to statically distributed geometric deviations resulting from the manufacturing and assembly processes. This leads to changes in the internal geometric conditions which have an effect on bearing characteristics such as the service life. The FVA-Workbench makes it possible for users to consider these geometric deviations in bearing calculations for more reliable results.

Rollon has introduced its TLS Series of telescoping linear actuators. The new series is designed to maximize productivity for applications where space is limited — especially for applications with minimal vertical clearance, such as between the machine and ceiling, or horizontally between machines.

The Transfluid MPD (multiple pump drive) is an innovative split drive module designed to sandwich between the main diesel engine and transmission. It features an integrated flexible coupling on the input side and an SAE standard flywheel and housing on the output side. Gear driven PTO heads provide multiple pump pads for mounting pumps, while the output flywheel ensures adequate power transfer to drive larger transmissions. 

Kollmorgen has announced ATEX certification and IECEx/cETLus listing for the explosion-proof Goldline EBH 480 Vac servomotor. These new explosion-proof approvals for the high-voltage Goldline EBH servomotor exemplify Kollmorgen’s commitment to advancing the state of the art in motion control and meeting the most demanding application requirements.

ZF recently unveiled its self-developed thermal management system for electric vehicles at its annual Global Technology Day demonstration event. The new system not only offers a more compact design of the drive but can also increase the range of vehicles in winter by up to one third. In combination with an optimized electric drivetrain consisting of power electronics, motor and reduction gearbox based on 800-volt silicon carbide, the system sets new standards in compactness and weight. The newly developed powertrain software also makes a significant contribution to higher efficiency.

Ogura’s new MCNB-Z series Spring Applied Brakes are changing the way robotics and medical equipment designers look at power-off holding brakes. These are used for both safety and precision motion control. For decades, permanent magnet type brakes were the only reliable solution. This is no longer the case, thanks to this new breakthrough design.

Fixtureworks (Fraser, MI) a North American manufacturer and supplier of clamps, fixturing accessories, machine tool components and rollers & bumpers, now offers a line of mechanical linear actuators.

Nexen Group, Inc., announced a new line of Rotary Indexers. The X-Line delivers up to three times more torque and greater moment load capacity in a compact package.

Bonfiglioli has announced the successful testing and validation of its highly advanced kit of products designed for battery-powered mini excavators. Following rigorous evaluations by multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across all continents, the results demonstrate an extraordinary improvement in energy efficiency, surpassing industry standards by at least 20 percent.

Harsh operating conditions are present in many industries such as food and beverage, bakery, automotive parts washing, chemical, water treatment, marine, car wash, and pharmaceutical industries. Applications in these environments are often subjected to intensive cleaning, high-pressure washing, and disinfection processes to meet the highly regulated, hygienic standards. To prevent gear motors from material destruction due to the rigorous cleaning agents and disinfectants, Nord Drivesystems developed nsd tupH – a sealed surface conversion system that ensures easy yet safe cleaning, ultimate surface durability, and wear resistance.

Fred Young, 80, former president and CEO, Forest City Gear passed away on July 17, 2023. A graduate of Harlem High School, class of 1961, Young obtained his BA in English Literature from Rockford University, class of 1965, and went on to spend a year in the Navy Reserves. After spending nearly 40 years as an adventuring bachelor outdoorsman, he met the love of his life, Wendy Nutter, marrying her on the banks of the Wolf River on June 6, 1981. Fred’s greatest joys were his three daughters, whom he taught to always seek adventure, bestow kindness and generosity, treasure friendship, and work hard and play hard. Fred took over the family business, Forest City Gear, in 1967. Founded by his parents in 1955, Fred took the small mom-and-pop shop to a global level, leading the company to manufacture some of the world’s most difficult gearing for amazing end uses from NASA’s Martian rovers and space station to robotic arms and racing yachts.

Transfluid LLC was approached by Palmer Johnson to provide a competitive quote to the BAE system for the fishing vessel, The Western Flyer. The ship was chartered by author John Steinbeck for an expedition he chronicled in the book, The Log from the Sea of Cortez.