Solid Edge is a portfolio of affordable, easy-to-use software tools that address all aspects of the product development process. Solid Edge combines the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of parametric design—made possible with synchronous technology. The following Q&A discusses Solid Edge 2024 with Dan Staples, vice president, mainstream engineering, Siemens Digital Industries Software.

Vesconite Bearings, a global supplier of bearing and wear materials located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is taking strides towards sustainability and environmental responsibility by implementing a comprehensive solar energy solution. The initiative, spearheaded by Factory Manager Robin Crabb and CEO Dr Jean-Patrick Leger, involves a significant investment in solar infrastructure to reduce the factory’s reliance on the power grid and make substantial progress in becoming more environmentally friendly.

With an “all-hands on deck” approach to maintenance today, engineers require the latest tools and technologies in the form of new software/apps to make MRO tasks easier. Turns out, technology is allowing your smartphones, tablets and computers to track bearing reliability and performance with an emphasis on sustainability, longevity and analysis.

In an exclusive interview conducted at the Motion + Power Technology Expo 2023 in Detroit, marketing director Roger Thomas of Flender Corporation sheds light on the Flender One helical gear unit. Our discussion delves into product development, its link between product design and digital services, and the overarching commitment of Flender toward sustainability. 

Igus has developed a finger gripper for the ReBeL cobot. The ReBeL can now perform a variety of simple humanoid tasks with the new low-cost robotic hand.

SKF has expanded its portfolio of Condition Monitoring solutions with the SKF Enlight Collect IMx-1-EX sensor solution. Wireless monitoring of assets helps predict machine failure before it can escalate into a serious problem, such as an unscheduled shutdown. This can deliver multiple benefits, including reduced costs and a more sustainable operation of equipment. 

Shaft collars and mounts that can be adjusted without tools, plus handles and thumb screws to convert standard shaft collars to quick-adjust types, have been introduced by Stafford Manufacturing Corp. of Wilmington, MA. Stafford Quick-Adjust Products feature the Flip-Lok with a split hub and an integral adjustable clamp, Staff-Lok Lever-Actuated shaft collar, and the Python Flange Mounting Collar with a 6-hole bolt pattern and keyway. Suitable for a wide range of linear and low RPM rotary applications, these quick-adjust products can be easily repositioned by hand without tools.

NSK has developed HTF-SRM Ball Screws, a high-speed, heat-resistant version of its high-load drive ball screws, ideal for high-cycle, thin-wall molding in electric injection molding machines.

Oriental Motor supports the internal designing of application-specific robots with the AZ Series. The AZ Series is a family of motors, actuators, and network drives that feature an absolute sensor, closed-loop control, and easily works with the multi-axis MRC0l controller. This combination of products allows for internally designed and built in-house automation that are designed according to the circumstances and decrease the hurdles in locations where automation wasn't possible; for example, where commercial robots had space restrictions or lack of space inside the equipment, cost limitations, and other barriers.

Portescap introduces the 60ECF brushless DC slotted flat motor, the newest frame size to join its flat motor portfolio and a significant expansion of its brushless flat technology capabilities. This 60mm BLDC motor features a 38.2mm body length and an outer rotor slotted configuration with an open body design, allowing it to deliver improved heat management in a compact package.

Ruland has released mountable shaft collars with face holes for applications where the shaft collar needs to be directly mounted to a component such as a pulley, sprocket, or metallic plate. The shaft collars are available with drilled face holes that give the user flexibility in mounting hardware, or tapped holes that match the standard screw threading of the collar for ease of installation.

Siemens Digital Industries Software recently released HEEDS AI Simulation Predictor software and Simcenter Reduced Order Modeling software. These tools empower engineers to tackle the most complex challenges manufacturers face, delivering predictive performance with speed, precision, and efficiency.

ZF has produced more than three million electric motors, a technology that is used worldwide in electric vehicles. ZF covers a broad spectrum of vehicle electrification: from purely electrically powered passenger cars and plug-in hybrids to electric drives for commercial vehicles. The production anniversary stands for a continuous reduction in the dependency on pure combustion engines as well as for the successful transformation to electromobility.

Atlanta Gear Works (AGW) is expanding its support staff by hiring its first Human Resources Specialist, a new position created to meet its expanding HR needs, previously managed by the company’s chief financial officer.

Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Space Machines Company (SMC), an Australian space on-orbit services and logistics startup, has used the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to design and build the Optimus Orbital Servicing Vehicle. One of the largest commercial spacecrafts being designed, manufactured, and assembled in Australia, is in development at the University of Technology Sydney’s Tech Lab.

Drive specialist Flender has received the Supplier Excellence Recognition Award 2023 from U.S.   machinery manufacturer Caterpillar. Flender received the award for maintaining 95 percent delivery reliability and zero defects. This achievement is awarded only to the top suppliers of Caterpillar. It positions Flender as a top supplier for its global Aftermarket (Reman) Division business.

ABB is strengthening its long-standing partnership with Volvo Cars to supply more than 1,300 robots and functional packages to build the next generation of electric vehicles. This will support the Swedish car manufacturer to achieve its ambitious sustainability targets.