Humanoids and cobots are rapidly serving the needs of the warehouse, logistics, material handling and packaging sectors allowing skilled workers to turn their attention to more pressing matters on the shop floor. According to MasterControl (matercontrol.com) digital transformation is revolutionizing life sciences manufacturing, driving key trends in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
Bosch Rexroth continues to expand the ctrlX platform with new capabilities and automation enhancements. The control platform ctrlX COREplus is now available with AI functions on all performance levels. In the area of motion and drives, Bosch Rexroth is presenting compact, energy-efficient, and cabinet-free drives from the ctrlX DRIVE portfolio, which cover virtually all performance ranges. These are complemented by the Motion, CNC, and Robotics software ctrlX MOTION, which is ideal solution for automating production machines and systems. PTE recently had a great conversation with Garrett Wagg, product manager, controls at Bosch Rexroth on new developments in mobile robotics.
.
The call came into Atlanta Gear Works like any other—a vertical mill drive used for a crusher application in cement needed a gearbox upgrade. The difference this time was the sheer size and scope of the gearbox in question. Similarly-sized gearbox rebuilds could take a month or more to complete, but Atlanta Gear Works had 14 days to complete this rebuild—counting weekends—with a tight schedule leaving no room for error.
.
Mechanical engineering develops the scientific and mathematical principles behind physical machines, but you can’t help feeling a little real-world magic taking place in the manufacture of components needed for large, heavy industrial applications. Cement production, for example, relies on gigantic equipment to grind raw materials using rotary kilns, ball mills, vertical mills and crushers.
.
When Australian steelmaker InfraBuild needed two new circuit breakers to provide backup for its main electric arc furnace, ABB had the solution—its VD4-AF vacuum circuit breaker with an innovative servomotor actuation system that delivers more than five times the operations of a standard breaker, supporting greater reliability and safety as well as lower operational costs.
.
This article is Part III in a series of articles on speed rating of bearings. Part I appeared in the September 2022 issue ("Ball Bearing Limiting Speeds"), and Part II appeared in the October 2022 issue ("Ball Bearing Thermal Speed Rating"). Bearings with Norm examines the latest in bearing technology and design.
Call it destiny, divine intervention or good ole-fashioned fate, speaking with Alejandro Pardiñas, CEO of Atlantic Bearing Services (ABS) and ABS Wind, one gets the impression he had no choice other than to become a mechanical engineer. This was evident way back when his great-grandfather became a mining engineer for Rio Tinto.
Rolling bearings possess especially low friction characteristics. They make it possible to reduce bearing friction by half, offering the construction machinery sector the opportunity to achieve significant carbon dioxide savings without imposing high development costs. This article will examine the current solutions from Schaeffler.
As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to increase, and at pace. This transition impacts the priorities of those throughout the industry—from OEMs to suppliers—as traditional automotive components are being replaced by electric motors, battery systems, power electronics, and thermal management systems.
Spiroid Gearing delivers precision gearing for advanced mechanical systems, engineered to handle extreme torque and complex motion requirements. With unique right-angle gear solutions, our technology enhances efficiency, reliability, and design flexibility - empowering engineers to push boundaries in aerospace, defense, robotics, and industrial applications where performance and durability are non-negotiable.
The drive system choice is dependent on key motion features of your application. Lead screws offer self-locking capabilities, while ball screws require brakes to prevent back-driving. The choice between them hinges on efficiency, cost, precision, and speed, with the screw drives themselves paired with a linear guide for optimal performance.
Bellows couplings are commonly used in applications requiring precise rotation, high speeds, and dynamic motion transmission. With zero backlash and a high level of torsional stiffness, they offer clear performance advantages in many servo-driven systems.
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!
The robust performance of the robot welder at Centerline Brackets led the Florida-based manufacturer to an exceptionally rapid return on investment, achieved in less than three months. The Universal Robots' collaborative robot dramatically cut production time and addressed labor shortages while ensuring consistent weld quality for heavy-duty brackets.
Mar 31, 2026
The Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA) announces that its President, Matthew Croson, will retire on April 1. Jennifer Blackford will assume the role of President, effective immediately.
Z-THETA Positioning Module from Intellidrives is a high-performance miniature actuator designed to replace bulky electro-mechanical actuators in pick-and-place automated assembly and component placement, alignment, adhesive dispensing, electronic packaging and opto-electronic applications.
Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
Rapid + TCT is North America’s premier additive manufacturing (3D printing) event. The show includes an AeroDef Manufacturing showcase for aerospace and defense. Rapid examines how machine shops integrate additive manufacturing to reduce lead times, produce complex geometries and manufacture tooling in-house. The show provides insights into how additive complements traditional machining. The show takes place at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA.
Jul 15, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026
Jun 9, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026
Contact | Privacy Policy
©2026 Power Transmission Engineering
Power 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.
Current Issue
Current Issue
Archives
Subscribe
Buyer's Guide
Accessories Actuators Adjustable Speed Drives Bearings Belting & Belt Drives Brakes Chain & Chain Drives Clutches Controls Couplings & U-Joints Fluid Power Gear Drives Gear Manufacturing Services Gears Industrial Hardware and Machine Parts Linear Motion Devices Lubrication Motors Resources Seals Sensors Services SoftwareThe Power Transmission Engineering Buyers Guide is your complete directory of suppliers of mechanical power transmission components, including great companies like these.
VIEW ALL