The first Gear Expo featured 22 exhibitors at the 1986 Fall Technical Meeting in Chicago. It was billed as the “AGMA Fall Technical Meeting & Gearing Exhibition” and provided attendees the opportunity to learn the latest technical advances, state of gear research and gear design. The show highlighted machine tool, software and processing exhibitors to meet the ever-changing needs of the gear industry.
C-COM Satellite Systems, a manufacturer of mobile satellite antennas, has integrated several models of Bodine Electric motors across a variety of platforms. These motors are primarily used to drive the Azimuth
and Elevation axes on their Fly-Away (portable) and Drive-Away (vehiclemounted) systems.
As industries adopt more automation, the demand for reliable and efficient pneumatic systems, which power everything from robotic arms to air-powered tools, continues to rise. However, despite their widespread
use, these systems often suffer from hidden inefficiencies. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings—Oxfordshire, U.K.) explores how an overlooked component, industrial bearings, can improve the
efficiency of pneumatic technologies.
The SKF Lincoln SL-6 metering device is a single-line automatic lubrication system injector. Its proven design is thoroughly updated to meet new demands on maintainability, leakage-protection and long-lasting performance even with harsh extreme pressure greases. Today’s manufacturing environment demands less maintenance time, higher productivity demands and little to no tolerance for unplanned production stops.
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Motor solutions are the lifeblood of many applications, powering the precise movements and operations that keep automated systems running smoothly. While each system presents unique demands, the wide variety of motor types available ensures there is an option suitable for each specific need. It is vital to understand the pitfalls of choosing an inappropriate motor, given the countless motor types, brands and sizes.
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There is an increasing trend toward integrating evermore compact smart components into larger, more complex motion control systems, and advances in AI, ML, and IIoT are helping with the speed and quality of their adoption.
It’s common to hear “surface roughness” described as a number that can be measured on a gage. But describing surface texture with a number is a lot like describing a concert in decibels: loudness is just part of the story. A rock band, an orchestra, and a chainsaw can all produce 100 decibels, but the full picture is much more complex and interesting.
I would like to briefly discuss some thoughts on ball bearing efficiency specifically in terms of applied load and resulting stress. I don’t want to trivialize this subject; there are textbooks written on the subjects of electrohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL), octahedral subsurface shear stress and friction losses due to elastic hysteresis. This is a just a high-level discussion on the importance of individual bearing stress on efficiency.
Closed Loop control systems can handle a wide range of motions with a wide range of loads if the control system and mechanics 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 rather how to also get the desired performance.
The Simplicity self-lubricating linear plain bearings are built to last, and they will often out-perform and last longer than a traditional linear ball bearing. Called the “little red bearing” by loyal customers, they have been a popular replacement for failing ball bearings. Simplicity plain bearings will not catastrophically fail.
The difference between a smooth-running drive and constant headaches? The right timing belt and pulley plus a whole lot more. Discover what works, what doesn’t, and put your design skills to the test—engineer your best system yet!
Discover how Regal Rexnord’s Bauer™ PMSM gear motor helped a transportation company streamline inventory, cut energy use, and save $80,000 annually. Learn how this scalable solution delivers financial, operational, and sustainability gains across facilities.
Design engineers are always on the lookout for efficient and reliable application solutions. While standard products often suffice, some challenges demand a custom approach. Custom machine couplings, critical for torque transmission between a machine's driving and driven components, require careful consideration of specific requirements to guarantee optimal performance and unwavering reliability.
Precision elastomer insert couplings offer vibration damping, easy installation, zero backlash transmission, and electrical isolation. Fitting a wide variety of drive applications including lift systems, conveyors, pumps, linear actuators, and high performance general power transmission.
Elevate the aerospace program with AMETEK PDS. See how their complete actuation systems, designed by a team of experienced engineers, can meet your specific needs—from a single actuator for a cargo door to a full flap actuation system with motors, actuators, and system-level controllers.
Dec 9, 2025
Flender, a global manufacturer specializing in mechanical and electrical drive technology, has certified Atlanta Gear Works as a Flender Service Partner.
A 125-year-old company headquartered in Bocholt, Germany, Flender offers a wide range of gear units, couplings and generators for various heavy industries, with a particular focus on the wind energy sector. Its services include installation, commissioning and maintenance.
ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has received industry recognition for its new hybrid technology, designed to significantly reduce emissions while preserving the practical benefits of conventional powertrains. The TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission earned the “European Transport Award for Sustainability” from the German publishing house HUSS, highlighting its potential to lower both emissions as well as the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Mar 3, 2026 - Mar 7, 2026
CONEXPO-CON/AGG brings the entire construction ecosystem together in one place, giving over 139,000 construction professionals access to equipment manufacturers, technology innovators, workforce trailblazers and the thought leaders who are changing the world through infrastructure, innovation and leadership.
Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 22, 2026
Feb 10, 2026 - Feb 12, 2026
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