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The Right Linear Drive Starts With the Right Questions

Thomson Industries deconstructs drive technology selection

Engineers rarely approach a linear motion project without some idea of the drive technology they expect to use. Previous experience may suggest a ball screw for an application requiring high precision, a lead screw where simplicity and low maintenance are priorities, or a belt-driven system for a long, high-speed axis. Motion designers therefore often begin discussions with manufacturers by requesting a particular solution. The questions that follow, however, are largely the same regardless of the technology specified. Instead of confirming the requested product, the focus tends to be more on understanding what the machine is expected to accomplish.

The Predictive Maintenance Playbook

How HECO keeps critical components one step ahead of failure

The Search for Flexible and Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Pack Expo International 2026 aims to tackle operational challenges

Systematic Solutions

Schaeffler Showcases Motion Technology at Automotive Symposium 2026

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Feature Articles

Inside the Lab

Testing is a powerful tool for improving equipment reliability and reducing the risk of costly, unplanned downtime. When a bearing fails, it’s important to figure out why. Without an investigation or testing to determine the cause, there is a greater likelihood that the same problem will happen again. That’s why SKF Global Labs and Testing plays such a critical role in helping customers maximize the performance and service life of their rotating equipment.

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Building an Automated Community

MotionTech, headquartered in Stockholm, recently announced its entry into the United States market. The launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s international growth strategy, bringing a proven portfolio of automation and packaging technology to North American customers.

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Make it Your Own

Customization may not always be top of mind when machine designers are selecting motion control vendors. The hope is usually that they will find exactly what they need in the catalog and avoid what they believe to be the higher costs, delays and risks associated with custom solutions. But, given that more than 25 percent of motion system projects end up requiring at least some degree of customization, it could be beneficial to prepare for that eventuality from the outset.

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The Big Squeeze

Few things say good morning like a glass of fresh orange juice. Thanks to the rise of in-store juicing machines, you no longer need an orange grove out back, let alone a hand press and strong forearms to enjoy one. Just walk into any Sam’s Club in the country and you’ll find gallons of fresh juice in the cooler, squeezed on-site that same day.

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Gear Drives

Hannover Messe 2023 provides the latest technologies in robotics, automation, motion control, IIoT, fluid power, e-mobility, material handling and more. 

Gears

The electrification process involving urban mobility vehicles is pushing research into developing efficient and durable transmissions. The transmission system has the crucial role of transforming the electrical energy produced by the electric machine into mechanical power, which is subsequently delivered to the wheels through a gear reduction system.

Bearings

For over two decades, our Montreal-based engineering simulation consultancy has provided advanced solutions to a diverse range of industries. Our expertise has facilitated the resolution of complex engineering challenges, leveraging the latest technologies in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and heat transfer analysis. Among our recent projects, one particularly notable case involved a company specializing in converting combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles.

Motors

The trade show circuit has offered a wealth of e-mobility and motor technologies recently. From IMTS and Pack Expo to MINExpo and CES 2025, there are plenty of disruptors in the motor segment for power transmission components. One area—in particular—is the aerospace industry where vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) rotorcrafts continue to redefine aerial transport, variable frequency drives (VFDs) support aircraft performance, stepper motors provide passenger comfort and software enables engineers to optimize electric motor design.

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Videos

The Hilliard Corporation: 120 Years of Engineering and Innovation

Since 1905, The Hilliard Corporation has turned innovation into a tradition. From a single clutch to a global portfolio of motion control, braking, and filtration solutions, our journey has been defined by engineering expertise, quality, and excellence.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Oct 26, 2026

SKF recently announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art Ceramic Process Laboratory (C-Pro Lab) at its R&D Center in Houten, The Netherlands. This capability strengthens SKF’s technology leadership across the complete ceramic manufacturing value chain, from raw material powder processing to high-performance component engineering, boosting the global adoption of advanced hybrid bearing technology.

PRODUCT NEWS

GWJ Technology GmbH announced a new version of SystemManager. The latest release extends the capabilities of the eAssistant and TBK calculation solutions with new features for load-dependent bevel gear design, FEM modeling and rolling bearing calculations, as well as additional options for analyzing complex gearbox systems.

CALENDAR

MDSM 2027

Feb 17, 2027 - Feb 19, 2027

Motor, Drive Systems and Magnetics (MDSM), Orlando, features the latest technical advancements in motor, drive systems, motion control, magnetic applications, technology,
and rare earth materials. 

Additive Manufacturing Strategies 2027

Feb 23, 2027 - Feb 25, 2027

AIoT World Expo

Feb 9, 2027 - Feb 11, 2027

CES 2027

Jan 6, 2027 - Jan 9, 2027

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Power Transmission Engineering magazinePower Transmission Engineering is THE magazine of mechanical components. PTE is written for engineers and maintenance pros who specify, purchase and use gears, gear drives, bearings, motors, couplings, clutches, lubrication, seals and all other types of mechanical power transmission and motion control components.

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