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INDUSTRY NEWS | 2021-04-01

Industry News

The complete Industry News section from the April 2021 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2021-03-01

A Ten-Minute Introduction to Digital Filters

Filtering is needed in various control and communication Applications.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2021-03-01

Industry News

The complete Industry News section from the March 2021 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

| 2021-01-21

Smart Moves with Bosch Rexroth

Extrusion press hydraulics upgrade uses phased approach to improve results

The extrusion press is one of today’s most valuable and hardwo...

| 2020-12-10

Fenner Precision Polymers Expands Portfolio with MAV Acquisition

Fenner Precision Polymers, a Michelin Group Company, recently announced the acquisition of MAV S.p.A., an Italian company, located in Altopiano del...

| 2020-12-01

Bosch Rexroth Celebrates 30 Years of Linear Motion Innovations

Bosch Rexroth began developing linear bushings, shafts, slides, and transfer tables as prototypes in the 1960s. The first two complete linear modul...

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2020-12-01

An Aerospace Action Plan

Three Trends to Consider Heading into 2021

| 2020-10-28

A Look at Hannover Messe Digital Days

Photo courtesy of Deutsche Messe. Early October brought the next collection of training and technology seminars from Hannover Messe Digital Days...

| 2020-10-15

2020 and Beyond with Bonfiglioli

Company offers new geared motor platform while navigating unusual business environment

What’s a product launch look like during a pandemi...

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2020-10-01

Lubrication plays a vital role in the performance and life of rolling element bearings, yet its significance is often underestimated. The most important task of the lubricant is to separate parts moving relative to one another (balls or rollers and raceways) in order to minimize friction and prevent wear. A lubricant that is designed for specific operating conditions will provide a load bearing wear protective film.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2020-09-01

Schaeffler Readies Launch of End-to-End Wireless Sensor Solution with OPTIME

A discussion of the evolution of condition monitoring for bearings and the upcoming introduction of company's next-generation condition monitoring platform.

POWER PLAY | 2020-09-01

Motors in Space

Components like motors, bearings and drives are subject to harsh environments on Earth, but they must be at the top of their game to enjoy space travel. Recent applications from Maxon Motors (Return to Mars) and the University of Michigan (Robotic Legs) illustrate the incredible requirements it takes to handle applications in space and how these components can be utilized here on Earth.

| 2020-08-26

Condition Monitoring with ABB

The PTE September coverage in print and online examines condition monitoring advancements for bearings. We recently discussed some of these innovat...

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2020-08-01

Monitoring Concept Study for Aerospace Power Gearbox Drivetrain

Rolls-Royce is pioneering the UltraFan engine family architecture containing a planetary gearbox in a power range of 15 to 80 megawatts. To increase the efficiency of the UltraFan, a planetary gearbox is introduced between fan and intermediate pressure compressor. This enables running the turbine to rotate faster and allows a reduced fan speed.

| 2020-07-17

Smart Software Solutions

Leveraging Digital Technology with Siemens

Although the community couldn’t get together in Las Vegas, Siemens Media and Analyst Conferenc...

| 2020-06-19

Cortec Enhances Corrosion Control Protection Offerings

Cortec is globally committed to providing corrosion solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally-sound. The organization has stepped ...

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2020-06-01

A Little Peace of Mind

Condition Monitoring Technology Evolves for Gear Drives, Gearmotors and Gearboxes. Here's a look at what some leading manufacturers are offering.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2020-06-01

Dynamic Behavior of Planetary Gears

In planetary gear systems of high power density and high gear ratio, helical gears create undesirable tilting moments on the planet gears; therefore, spur gears are still preferred for planetary gears -- a special challenge with respect to noise. Specifically, the different behavior of planetary gears with sequential and symmetric gear mesh is explained in this paper.

| 2020-04-29

The Latest in E-Mobility Technologies

This sidebar examines some of the latest E-Mobility products and technologies from companies like Schaeffler, Eaton and Dana. Check out the full ar...

| 2019-12-02

Done-In-One Roller Bearing Measurement Solution

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| 2019-09-12

What Does the Future Hold for the Automotive Industry?

We all want to know the answer to this question as it tells us as a business where to invest our R&D development, steers us to consider what ke...

| 2019-08-19

Considerations for Choosing the Correct Rolling Element Bearing Characteristics

Daily experience in application engineering has proven that the selection of the correct bearing type can be successfully achieved by customers bas...

| 2019-08-08

The 6 Latest Trends in Direct Drive Motor Technology

Despite the maturity of the machine tool industry, allowing for many advancements in engineering design over the span of decades, a machine is stil...

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2019-08-01

Analyzing Contact Patterns for UAV Helicopter Transmissions

In a research project at the Vienna University of Technology, the KISSsoft design software was used to check a new drivetrain concept and the micro-geometry of the bevel gear stage for a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).

| 2019-07-19

Product Spotlight: Romax Nexus Blends Desktop and Cloud Solution Technologies

There are several driving factors in today’s manufacturing environment that ...

| 2019-07-16

A Better Way to Measure High-Performance Plastics Means Better Performance

Caption: Wear and friction data from application testing on two grades of PEEK.

| 2019-06-18

Getting Your Hands on Smart Tools

Forget the IIoT and Industry 4.o buzzwords. We're not interested in 10 to 15 years down the road or what the factory of the future is going to look...

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2019-06-01

Motor Technology Makeover

Efficiency, Size, Space and Mounting Requirements Highlight Customer Requests for No Compromise.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2019-06-01

Motor Design for Aerospace Applications

Modern aircraft, missiles and space vehicles employ a large number of electric motors and actuators. While the basic design of these motors is in many respects very similar to that of their automotive and industrial counterparts, motors for aerospace applications differ significantly in some areas.

| 2019-03-28

Troubleshooting: Use ALL of Your Senses

Troubleshooting infrequent intermittent problems can be one of the most frustrating engineering...

| 2019-03-26

Hannover Messe 2.0

(Main image courtesy of Deutsche Messe, 2018) Hannover Messe 2019 will focus on the integration, digitization and interconnection of industrial ...

PRODUCT NEWS | 2019-03-01

Product News

The complete Product News section from the March 2019 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

POWER PLAY | 2019-03-01

No Regrets Over Lost Opportunity

It was recently announced that the planet Mars has at least one thing in common with planet Earth: all good things come to an end. In this case, the good thing is the recently announced and documented (Feb. 12) demise of the Mars rover Opportunity.

| 2019-02-04

Construction Time Again

Bauma 2019 Examines Sustainability, Digitization and Energy Efficiency

Bauma 2019 (April 8-14, Munich, Germany) is a complete overview of...

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2018-12-01

Industry News

The complete Industry News section from the December 2018 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2018-10-01

The Consistency Game

A Look at Gear & Gear Drive Lubrication Performance Improvements

EVENTS | 2018-10-01

Calendar

The complete technical Calendar from the October 2018 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

| 2018-09-25

Future of E-Mobility

Schaeffler Touts System Solutions and Electrification at Detroit Symposium

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FEATURE ARTICLES | 2018-09-01

Pack Expo: Automation and Education

Ask any exhibitor at Pack Expo International and the co-located Healthcare Packaging Expo (Oct. 14-17 at McCormick Place, Chicago) why they're there, and you'll probably get the same response: end users.

| 2018-08-13

Harnessing Reliable Wind Energy with Gearing Solutions

As the wind comes sweeping down the plains of America these days, it passes through fields of wind turbines. As the energy market turns towards ren...

| 2018-08-08

Thermal Growth Issues and Solutions for Shaft Couplings

Nick Agius, National Rotating Equipment/ACHE Product Specialist, Motion Canada I have been researching “Thermal Growth” issues for deca...

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2018-08-01

The Clean Cut

JBT Corporation benefits from Kollmorgen Hygienic motor design in food and beverage application.

| 2018-07-20

ABM Supplies AC Induction Motors for Autonomous Mobility

NAVYA has been developing innovative, environmentally-friendly, sustainable mobility solutions since 2014. The company, based in Villeurbanne, Lyon...

| 2018-04-02

Performance Demands of Motion Control Applications

The following looks at the latest motion control products and technologies from Rockwell Automation, Power Jack Motion, B&R Automation and Beck...

PUBLISHER'S PAGE | 2018-03-01

Smarter Machines Need Smarter Components

The future of motion control is connectivity. Read this issue to learn why.

| 2018-02-20

Smarter Mechatronics

Mechatronics and the Internet of Things go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that leading mechatronics companies are coming out with IIoT produ...

| 2018-02-02

Framo Morat and Dunkermotoren Produce Drive Systems for AGVs
Driverless transport systems have proven to be extremel...

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2018-02-01

Efficiency of Design
Energy efficiency is for more than just motors. Here are some mechatronics companies making sure you get more bang for your buck when it comes to your power bill.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2017-12-01

Force Control Assists in Helicopter Transmission Overhaul
Oil shear brake technology is the key to quick and reliable test stand development.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2017-12-01

Vibration and Operational Characteristics of a Composite-Steel (Hybrid) Gear
Free vibration and dynamic operation testing of hybrid gears at NASA Glenn Spur Gear Fatigue Test Facility; hybrid gears are compared to their steel counterparts.

| 2017-11-28

A Look at Belt, Chain and Gear Drive Technology
By Jack Warner The need for producing more energy increases with our rising need for commercial, industrial, and residential space. In North Ame...

| 2017-11-16

Force Control Brakes Assist in Helicopter Transmission Overhaul
Professional Aircraft Accessories, a Greenwich AeroGroup company based in Titusville, Florida, is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Europ...

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2017-10-01

Familiar Goals, New Solutions
Gearmotor manufacturers find new ways to push the envelope. (With Sidebar on new alternative to planetary gearboxes)

| 2017-08-29

Siemens Works with DMDII to Incorporate IIoT
Siemens has become DMDII’s largest partner, and the two companies are going full steam ahead on developing newer and bolder IIoT technology.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2017-06-01

Miniature Motion Solutions
Motor technology thrives in aerospace/defense applications.

| 2017-05-09

Hannover Messe: A New Perspective in Manufacturing
The rumors are absolutely true. The factory floor is changing at an incredible pace and the digitalization of manufacturing systems (Big data, Indu...

| 2017-04-04

Automate/Promat: Live From the Show
Automate 2017 offers the full spectrum of automation technologies and solutions, from traditional industrial applications to cutting edge new techn...

| 2017-03-14

Innovations at IFPE 2017
From March 7 -11, suppliers, engineers, manufacturers and service providers representing off-highway, construction, factory automation, power trans...

| 2017-03-06

Servo Loop Tuning: A Practical Approach
Although servomotors have an unquestionable performance capability, the final performance is mostly determined by the servo loop tuning. Servomo...

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2017-03-01

Industry News
The complete Industry News section from the March 2017 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

| 2017-02-28

When Things Get Hot
Looking at recent inquiries, there appears to be a growing demand for motors that can operate in high-temperature environments. Although they we...

| 2017-02-21

Avoiding Bearings "Made in Wherever"
You can always tell when times are good in the automotive market due to the flurry of acquisitions, mergers and divestitures. As we are coming off ...

PRODUCT NEWS | 2017-02-01

Product News
The complete Product News section from the February 2017 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

| 2017-01-30

Changing Technologies, Changing Perspectives
A Conversation with Jeff Hemphill, CTO at Schaeffler Group USA Inc. Matthew Jaster, Senior Editor

| 2016-12-08

He’s Back!
Let’s welcome back Norm Parker — our bearings specialist blogger and contributing editor of bearings-based artic...

FIELD NOTES | 2016-12-01

Bearing Lubricant Solution
A Chicago-area bakery was replacing the tray support bearings in its ovens on a reactionary basis. Their weekly inspection cycle was resulting in two mechanics spending an average of 20 labor hours per week to replace failed bearings. The premature bearing failures were caused by a combination of the high heat and humidity in the ovens, resulting in lubrication failure and contamination. When BDI was asked to recommend a solution, the bakery was averaging one month of bearing life in this application.

| 2016-11-29

SPS IPC Drives 2016 Review
Matthew Jaster, Senior Editor SPS IPC Drives 2016 took place November 22-24 in Nuremberg, G...

POWER PLAY | 2016-09-01

Mind Sport
Here’s what we know about Tremont, Illinois: It’s a small village in Tazewell County, (population 2,400+), holds an annual summer turkey festival (quite popular) and the courthouse is a famous historic site where politician James Shields challenged an “up-and-coming” lawyer named Abraham Lincoln to a duel with cavalry broad swords (they showed up, but the duel never materialized). In 2016, you can add FIRST Robotics Competition World Champion to the village’s rather eccentric list of accomplishments.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2016-03-01

Gear Design Effects on Performance of High-Speed Helical Geartrains as Used in Aerospace Drive Systems
The performance of high-speed helical geartrains is of particular importance for tiltrotor aircraft drive systems. These drive systems are used to provide speed reduction/torque multiplication from the gas turbine output shaft and provide the necessary offset between these parallel shafts in the aircraft. Four different design configurations have been tested in the NASA Glenn Research Center, High-Speed Helical Geartrain Test Facility. The design configurations included the current aircraft design, current design with isotropic superfinished gear surfaces, double-helical design (inward and outward pumping), increased pitch (finer teeth), and an increased helix angle. All designs were tested at multiple input shaft speeds (up to 15,000 rpm) and applied power (up to 5,000 hp). Also two lubrication, system-related, variables were tested: oil inlet temperature (160–250° F) and lubricating jet pressure (60–80 psig). Experimental data recorded from these tests included power loss of the helical system under study, the temperature increase of the lubricant from inlet to outlet of the drive system and fling-off temperatures (radially and axially). Also, all gear systems were tested with and without shrouds around the gears.

POWER PLAY | 2016-02-01

Gyroscopes in Spaaaace!
Moving around in open space is a cautious endeavor. Without the luxury of gravity, the slightest push can send you twirling in circles or, worse, tumbling off into the unknown. Every motion must be thought out and deliberate, all the more so because our bodies take that luxury into account.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2015-12-01

Industry News
News from around the industry

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2015-10-01

Space Shuttle Rudder-Speed Brake Actuator
The U.S. Space Shuttle fleet was originally intended to have a life of 100 flights for each vehicle, lasting over a 10-year period, with minimal scheduled maintenance or inspection. The first space shuttle flight was that of the Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102), launched April 12, 1981. The disaster that destroyed Columbia occurred on its 28th flight, February 1, 2003, nearly 22 years after its first launch.

| 2015-09-29

Welcome Back!
Last week in our bearing shaft and housing fit discussion, we covered the IT chart — along with the shaft and housing charts — just to understand t...

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2015-09-01

Industry News
News From Around the Gear Industry

EVENTS | 2015-08-01

Calendar
Calendar of upcoming events

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2015-06-01

Dont Tap the Glass
Behind a thick sheet of unblemished glass that stretches from wall-to-wall, ceilingto- floor at Delta Gear, just south of a shop lined with ultramodern grinding machines whirring away, is Scott Sakuta’s aquarium.

| 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...

POWER PLAY | 2015-02-01

The Science Fiction Addiction
It seems preposterous in the whimsical, wireless world of today, but in 1977 cinema’s greatest visioneers came together and decided the pinnacle of robotic technology in the future would be a motorized trash can.

PRODUCT NEWS | 2014-09-01

Product News
The complete Product News section from the September 2014 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

PUBLISHER'S PAGE | 2014-06-01

Who Do You Trust?
At the recently held annual meeting of the Bearing Specialists Association, there was a lot of talk about online sales channels and how Internet retailers are changing the way industrial products are researched, sourced and purchased.

POWER PLAY | 2014-02-01

Galactic Housekeeping
With the constant push for sustainable and environmentally friendly procedures on Earth, you'd think we’d apply the same rules high above it.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2013-12-01

Industry News
The complete Industry News section from the December 2013 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2013-08-01

Showstoppers - Gear Expo 2013
Our special advertising section featuring Gear Expo exhibitors.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2013-04-01

Up in the Air - Aerospace Gears
Volatile aerospace market keeps gear manufacturers guessing.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2013-02-01

Rolling Bearing Steels - A Technical and Historical Perspective - Part 1
This paper summarizes the chemical, metallurgical and physical aspects of bearing steels and their effect on rolling bearing life and reliability.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2012-12-01

Cruising with Curiosity
Power Transmission Components from Forest City Gear, Kaydon Bearings and Maxon Motors help power NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover.

INDUSTRY NEWS | 2012-12-01

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

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2012-12-01

PTExtras
Take a look at some of the latest videos posted on powertransmission.com, plus the most recent updates to our online buyers guide.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2012-08-01

Sorting Out Flexible Couplings
In most cases, industrial power transmission calls for flexible rather than rigid couplings in order to forgive minor shaft misalignment. For that reason, this article will focus solely on the selection of flexible couplings.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2012-06-01

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.

PUBLISHER'S PAGE | 2012-04-01

How to Become an Expert in Your Field
Managing Editor Randy Stott recounts a recent visit to Siemens manufacturing and assembly facilities in Elgin, IL.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2012-04-01

Sky Science
S.S. White Provides Twisting, Turning Power Transmission with Flexible Shafts

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2012-02-01

Guidelines for Designing Better Motion Control Systems
Motion control systems engineers work chiefly in two well-defined areas: 1) new designs and 2) redesigns or retrofits. This article examines the best approach for each option.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2011-12-01

Often Overlooked, Lubricants Can Help Lower Energy Consumption
It is a simple fact: better lubrication can lead to dramatic energy savings and an improved bottom line. This ought to interest any plant manager who is looking for ways to reduce operating costs, and it is especially significant at a time when stricter government regulations are in direct contradiction to reducing costs. Lubrication reliability is the solution; this article will describe how manufacturing plants can use “lubrication reliability best-practices” to reduce their energy consumption, emissions and operating costs—all at the same time.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2011-06-01

Microprocessor-Controlled Prosthetic Leg
A new solution has been developed around the use of microprocessor-controlled prostheses. Just like natural limbs, these can react automatically, adapting to the current situation.

EVENTS | 2011-06-01

Technical Calendar
The complete Technical Calendar section from the June 2011 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2011-04-01

Development of the Upgraded DC Brush Gearmotor for Spacebus Platforms
The obsolescence of materials and processes in the manufacture of traditional DC brush gearmotors has necessitated the development of an upgraded DC brush gearmotor.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2010-12-01

Development of an Actuator for Ambient to Cryo Application
During the qualification campaign of the NIRSpec (near-infrared spectrometer) instrument mechanism, the actuator could not achieve the expected lifetime that had been extended during the development phase. The initial design could not be adapted to the requested number of revolutions during that phase. Consequently the actuator needed to be modified so that the function of the mechanism would not be endangered or, by extension, the overall function of the NIRSpec instrument. The modification included a change of the overall actuator design—internal dimensions, tolerances, materials, lubrication and assembly process—while keeping the interface to the mechanism, mass and function.

POWER PLAY | 2009-08-01

Now That Is Product Placement
ABB Robotics gets free advertising via summer blockbuster.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2009-02-01

Six Keys to Sustainable Manufacturing
The federal government estimates that manufacturing uses about one third of the energy consumed in the U.S., so manufacturing companies can play an important role in building a sustainable future.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2008-10-01

Gear- or Actuator-Driven, These Bots Are Cutting-Edge
Robots are everywhere these days— bots in the factory, bots in space, bots at the airport, bots in the movies and much, much more. But robots in the operating room?

FEATURE ARTICLES | 2008-08-01

Turning Science Fiction Into Fact
Fans of Arthur C. Clarke may remember a concept in his 1979 novel, The Fountains of Paradise, of an orbital elevator used to raise payloads from the ground to a satellite as a more cost-effective means of transporting material to outer space.

TECHNICAL ARTICLES | 2008-02-01

Grip Tight Done Right
Baldor bearings make the grade with Sapphire Recovery and Twin City Fan.