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Case Studies

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2025-04-01

Autonomous Inspection

For a few years now, Spot—the agile, mobile robot—has been surveying show floors at Automate, CES and Promat. Last year, Boston Dynamics presented a slew of additional technologies at IMTS 2024, showcasing robotic innovations key to scaling autonomous industrial inspection for components such as bearings, motors, pumps, gearboxes and conveyor systems.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2025-02-28

Beckhoff Automation Retrofits Conveyor Technology Control System

For every online retailer, warehouse logistics is part of the critical infrastructure: If the conveyor lines come to a standstill, it generally won’t be possible for any more packages to get out. To prevent this, an Australian office equipment supplier has retrofitted the warehouse logistics installation of its central warehouse. In its role as project manager, Layer Seven Automation replaced the proprietary decentralized controllers of the conveyor lines with PC-based control from Beckhoff, based on powerful EtherCAT communication.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2024-12-11

Revolutionizing Conveyor Belt Technology in Food Processing

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.

REVOLUTIONS | 2024-11-20

Electromechanical vs. Hydraulic: A Linear Motion Case Study

There’s a delicate balance in the constant evolution of today’s assembly line. Once dominated by hydraulics, manufacturing floors are incorporating a growing number of electromechanical solutions to supplement legacy hydraulic components, particularly in lower force, linear motion applications. Manufacturers that recognize this trend and harness the benefits of both hydraulic and electromechanical solutions position themselves to optimize future operations, regardless of market trend demands.

| 2024-11-13

Maintenance in Marine and Power Generation

Flexible couplings are one of the most critical components in mechanical drivetrains. Yet they're also one of the most overlooked during maintenance and inspection. In the marine and power generation industries, neglecting coupling health can be costly. Understanding your couplings and their requirements can ensure a smooth inspection and maintenance cycle. And in turn, can lead to longer coupling life and more uptime.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2024-10-02

Environmental Engineering

Clearing the world’s waterways of invasive vegetation, algae, refuse, and other pollutants is essential work with enormous impact. Healthy marine environments are a lifeline for so many things—from jobs such as farming, fishing, and shipping; to clean water and wildlife habitats; to property values, tourism, and recreational opportunities. Regular herbicide use, chemical runoff, and basic evolution have caused numerous plant species to develop resistance, leading to clogged waterways and other hazards. Removing the offensive materials mechanically is ideal, but that method poses different challenges. Fortunately, Weedoo Greenboat, Inc. found an environmentally friendly solution that is also cost effective from Renewable Lubricants. 

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2024-09-13

UGRacing’s Gear Train Solutions from Combustion to Electric

UGRacing is the University of Glasgow’s Formula Student team. Since its inception in 2005, the team has been working to compete at Formula Student UK (FSUK). Over the last decade, the team has grown to over 150 members across ten disciplines. With a strong focus on knowledge transfer and iterative design, the team has worked year after year to develop new technologies and a more refined package. In 2022, the team saw a culmination of all their hard work when they placed first overall in FSUK with their final internal combustion vehicle. The following switch to an electric powertrain brought new challenges. Through the constraint of a new powertrain architecture, the team has explored and innovated drivetrain concepts which, in future years, will improve vehicle performance.

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FEATURE ARTICLES | 2024-08-05

Conveyor Consistency

A roller chain can handle a lot of weight, but it has some significant downsides. It’s noisy and needs regular maintenance. It’s expensive, and when it breaks, workers can be injured. Even its performance is a problem.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2024-04-10

The Benefits of Bevel Gear Technology

The Danish company FLSmidth wants to be in constant dialogue with their customers in the mining and minerals industry to develop individual and pioneering solutions for better productivity as well as the responsible and efficient use of natural resources. As the drive is the heart of the crusher, the bevel gear is one of its most important components, making gear quality crucial to the design and manufacture of reliable crushers. This means that FLSmidth wants to use only the best and most reliable partners to supply those gears.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2024-04-02

Needle of the Midday

Half a million global visitors visit Aiguille du Midi as an access point for skiing in the winter and hiking, rock climbing and paragliding in the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. The mountain—part of the French Alps—boasts the current title of employing “the world’s highest vertical ascent cable car.” This unique transportation takes passengers from 3,396 to 12,605 ft. above the clouds. The planetary gearboxes needed for the cable car operation are provided by CMD Gears.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2024-02-06

Vesconite Bearings Invests in Energy Efficiency in South Africa

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.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2023-12-01

FVA-Workbench Drives Progress in Marine Transmissions at Reintjes

Developing a new gearbox series is costly and time-consuming. This is especially true in marine propulsion, as classification society certifications must be achieved in addition to the required verifications. For this reason, Reintjes offers the same drives for various types of ships. In gearbox development, this means that each application requires different loads and usage profiles, with different service lives and maintenance intervals. Thus, each drive must be designed and calculated with advance consideration of every possible profile.

POWER PLAY | 2023-09-08

A Second Chance on the High Seas

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. 

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2023-08-15

Paper Mill Precision

In paper mills throughout the country, gearboxes provide an integral solution for power transmission. Each is selected particularly and directly to perform a specific task in the production of paper. Due to the critical nature of the equipment, all gearboxes are heavily monitored and periodically inspected for preventive maintenance. If necessary, gearboxes can be reconditioned by replacing or repairing components with the intent to rebuild the entire gearbox to OEM specifications. 

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POWER PLAY | 2023-08-03

The Candy Man Can

A sneak peek into the factory of the future has a sweet spot—so to speak. Several conveyor belts transport chocolate bars that are part of a demonstrator machine that shows how artificial intelligence can be used for motion control. What remains to be done in a real factory is to automatically pack the chocolate bars. In this Intelligent Infeed Demonstrator machine from Siemens Digital Industries, the chocolate bars must be placed in evenly spaced slots on the outfeed belt.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2023-08-03

KISSsoft Supports Student Racing Team in Poland

KISSsoft helped AGH Racing students in Poland develop steering column gears in the RTC7.0 race car powered by an internal combustion engine. Then they used the software to develop a gearbox for their new electric AWD drivetrain in the upcoming RTE3.0 car. Most importantly, they could optimize the micro geometry of the gears and analyze the influence of different factors on the durability of the gear tooth. KISSsoft made it easier to apply quick changes in the project, as it adapts other tooth geometry to the ones they were working on.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2023-06-20

How to Achieve Longer Gearbox Service Life

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.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2023-05-09

AT&T Offers 2023 Cybersecurity Insights Report

The 2023 AT&T Cybersecurity Edge Ecosystem Insights Report presents a perspective that recognizes the essential characteristics and key differences among edge architectures and provides a realistic picture of the state of edge.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2023-04-06

Plug & Produce Sensor Production

With its flexible multiproduct line for rotary encoders, Sensata has developed a sustainable solution. The heart of the precise sensor assembly system: The Smart Function Kit for pressing processes. The complete mechatronic package with preinstalled software reduces the programming to a minimum. Engineering, commissioning, and quality assurance become quicker, easier, and more cost-effective.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2023-04-06

Having a Ball: The Technology Behind the Ball Drop

More than a billion people around the world unite to ring in the New Year, their eyes set upon the glittering New Year’s Ball in Manhattan. Thousands are gathered at Times Square — the famed “Bow Tie” of Midtown — braving the December cold and peering through glasses with numerically shaped frames. Millions more tune in from their various screens at home.
With so much riding on its descent, the Ball, along with the mechanical and electrical systems responsible for its operation, must operate like clockwork.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2023-04-06

KISSsoft Supports Student Racing Team in Taiwan

NYCU (National Yang Ming Chia Tung University) Vulpes Racing—founded in 2008—is a Formula Student Team that combines mechanical engineering, industrial design, public relations, video production and marketing expertise. 

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2022-09-30

Reliable, User-Friendly Planetary Gear Unit Design

Stöber Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG rely on the FVA-Workbench for dimensioning and verification of their drives. The calculation and simulation software allows Stöber engineers to develop their innovative gear unit solutions more quickly and efficiently. The result: higher quality products.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2022-09-13

An Automotive and Industrial Difference Maker

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2022-03-10

Electric Integration

Swiss company relies on electric drives for postal delivery and electric sports cars.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2021-10-01

In the Fast Lane with the FVA-Workbench: Formula Student Team KA-RaceIng

Cutting-Edge gearbox design software.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2021-09-01

The Art of the Rebuild

Gearbox Modifications Protect 1.2 Million Acres of Arkansas Farmland
ASK THE EXPERT | 2021-09-01

Lead Screws vs. Ball Screws: Which Will Work Best for Your Application?

Reviewing the characteristics of lead screws vs. ball screws can help you select the right screw-driven system for your linear motion application.
REVOLUTIONS | 2021-08-19

Value-Driven Condition Monitoring

Schaeffler's OPTIME Improves the Reliability of Rotating Equipment

We first discussed Schaeffler’s end-to-end wireless sensor solution ca...
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2021-08-01

Think Big, Build Small

Sulzer's processing technologies enable effective small-scale bioplastic manufacturing
REVOLUTIONS | 2021-07-16

The Sustainable Shop Floor

Energy from renewable sources? Natural resource conservation? Reduction in pollution and waste? Energy efficient components? Many talk a good game ...
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2021-06-01

Thomson Case Study: Smart Electric Actuators Give the Marching Arts a Lift

Electric actuators are demonstrating logistics efficiencies and improvements that have numerous implications.
POWER PLAY | 2021-06-01

History-Making Micromotors on Mars!

Helicopter Makes Maiden Voyage Across the Red Planet with Help from Maxon
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2021-06-01

Electric Car Safety

Freudenberg provides DIAvent pressure equalization element for Chinese passenger cars.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2020-10-01

Sulzer Supplies Recirculation Pumps and Offers IoT Analytics for Retrofit

Nordlaks is a Norwegian fully integrated company that produces, processes and sells Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout worldwide.
ASK THE EXPERT | 2019-12-01

Global Bearing Sources for the Power Transmission Industry

What is the general consensus on the current quality and viability of global bearing sources for the power transmission industry?
ASK THE EXPERT | 2019-10-01

Bearing Materials and Coating Trends

What trends do you see in bearing materials and coatings that will benefit the power transmission industry?
| 2018-05-11

Custom Machine and Tool Co., Inc. Bolsters Accuracy and Efficiency for Vande Berg Scales

Written by: Charlotte R. Stevens, Marketing Manager at Custom Machine and Tool Co., Inc. If you can find that magic bullet that will reduce the ...
ASK THE EXPERT | 2017-08-01

Gear Span Measurements

A reader is looking for the best reference materials with formulas for gear measurements over pins.
ASK THE EXPERT | 2017-04-01

Gear Materials

A reader wants to know how to figure out the fatigues strength, tooth root tension and other technical values of new, high-performance gear materials.
ASK THE EXPERT | 2017-03-01

ISO-AGMA Standards: Specific Sliding Defined

Does the definition of specific sliding mean the same between ISO 21771:2007 and AGMA 917-B97? In ISO, specific sliding is the ratio of the sliding speed to the speed of a transverse profile in the direction of the tangent to the profile. In AGMA, specific sliding is ratio of gear tooth sliding velocity to its rolling velocity.
ASK THE EXPERT | 2017-02-01

How to Prevent Pulley Slippage

I'm not able to get a good connection between the pulley and shaft in my drive assembly. Could you explain the various ways of connecting a pulley to a shaft to prevent the pulley from slipping?
| 2017-01-17

The Latest in Gearmotors

Nord Clincher Gear Units Maintain Equipment in Severe Applications
ASK THE EXPERT | 2016-10-01

Determining Diametral Pitch, Center Distance

I need help determining the diametral pitch needed to achieve the closest center-to-center distance for 2 spur gears. The 1st gear is a 34-tooth and the 2nd gear is a 28-tooth. The center-to-center distance between the gears needs to be as close to 2 1/8" as possible.
ASK THE EXPERT | 2016-08-01

Worm Gear Cutting

I have a fairly straightforward question about a worm gear segment. But as of yet, I haven’t gotten a straight answer from any of the gear job shops I’ve approached about this job. Is there a "traditional" gear cutting method that can produce a ~180 degree enveloping worm gear segment when a feature on the back of the part will interfere with a complete rotation of the part? Or am I left with only the option of 4- or 5-axis surfacing with a CNC mill? I have presented this part to several well-known gear shops in the U.S. without a straight answer on how the part can be made. Any help you could offer would be appreciated.
ASK THE EXPERT | 2016-06-01

High Gear Ratio Epicyclic Drives

Referencing a June 2014 Article, “High Gear Ratio Epicyclic Drives Analysis,” by Dr. Alex Kapelevich: I have designed a small compound epicyclic gearbox with common planets. Sun = 10 teeth Planet = 14 teeth Ring Gear stationary = 38 teeth Ring gear output = 41 teeth profile shifted onto a 38 tooth pitch diameter. Carriers are simply cages for the planet alignment and location. According to your article, and according to my calculations and the prototype I have built, my inputto- output ratio is a reduction of 65.6:1. I am using a ~ VG1 viscosity grease and Nylatron materials for the gears and carriers.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2016-03-01

Slicing Downtime

An independent cheese packager in central Wisconsin packages millions of pounds of cheese every year. Whether shredded, sliced, crumbled or waxed, each package is designed specifically for a customer’s unique needs. As a “toll processor,” production line speed is critical to productivity as well as profitability.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2015-08-01

Braking the Cycle

Tucked away in the southwest quadrant of the state of Georgia, amid stately pine stands, pecan farms and cotton fields, sits Oak Crest Lumber.
| 2015-05-27

Welded vs. Bolted Ring Gears

There is often a lively debate early in a program when we are discussing the pros and cons of laser welded ring gears vs. bolted ring gears. Just a...
ASK THE EXPERT | 2015-02-01

Ask the Expert

Questions by readers answered by Experts in the field.
ASK THE EXPERT | 2014-10-01

Bearing Basics

BEARINGS BASICS Q&A: IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW…
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2014-09-01

Full Throttle

The Formula Renault 3.5 is seen as a crucial stepping stone on the way into the premier class, the Formula 1. Ambitious racers do not just bring their talents - they also have highly efficient motors on board to control the throttle of their 530-hp V8 engines.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2014-09-01

The Automated Parking Garage

ContiTech and Wöhr Team up for Unique Residential Solution.
ASK THE EXPERT | 2014-09-01

TLC Still Needed for New Axles

A reader asks: I have heard that new axles no longer need a break-in period. True or false?
ASK THE EXPERT | 2014-08-01

Choosing the Right Grade - Specifying Stainless Bearing Steel

A reader asks: I've determined that a stainless steel bearing is the best option for my application. I'm being asked to specify the grade of stainless steel in my product design. I'm not sure which grade to select and specify. Can you help?
ASK THE EXPERT | 2014-08-01

Net-Forged Bevel and Transmission Gears

What are the applications for net-forged gears. Are they used outside automotive differentials?
ASK THE EXPERT | 2014-06-01

Adjusting Tapered Roller Bearings

What are the best methods to adjust tapered roller bearings?
ASK THE EXPERT | 2014-04-01

Working in AutoCAD

How does one draw and mesh involute gear teeth in AutoCAD?
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2013-10-01

Musical Gearboxes

Dave Soma, the mechanical supervisor at Leland Olds Station, a coal-fired power plant near Stanton, North Dakota, says he and his maintenance team care deeply about keeping the plant running and providing people electricity, especially in the dead of winter.
ASK THE EXPERT | 2013-02-01

Ball Screws Revisited - Ask the Expert

A reader asks for clarification on last issue's Ask the Expert column about ball screw sizing.
EVENTS | 2011-10-01

Calendar

The complete Technical Calendar from the October 2011 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 2008-04-01

Saltwater Solutions from igus

igus bearings solve undersea issues for the marine vehicle industry.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2008-02-01

Motorsports in Motion

KD-Rig Puts Accelerating Developments International in Limelight
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2008-02-01

Troubleshooting with Torque Transmission

The issue might be a faulty treadmill at a local gym, the need to update orthopedic surgery equipment or simply a train stuck in neutral at the toy store. Whatever the case may be, viewing e-mails in the marketing department at Torque Transmission is like opening Christmas presents every morning.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2008-02-01

Grip Tight Done Right

Baldor bearings make the grade with Sapphire Recovery and Twin City Fan.
FEATURE ARTICLES | 1984-05-01

Gear Design

A gear can be defined as a toothed wheel which, when meshed with another toothed wheel with similar configuration, will transmit rotation from one shaft to another. Depending upon the type and accuracy of motion desired, the gears and the profiles of the gear teeth can be of almost any form.
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