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.
Operating for long hours, under extreme loads, in high temperatures and dusty environments, ongoing wear is a significant challenge for open gears. This can lead to unplanned downtime and reduced equipment life—creating a barrier to effective operations. Leading mining and cement companies use advanced grease technology and technical inspections to help prevent open gear failure, optimize service life and ensure the smooth running of their operations.
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The load limit diagram of a motor spindle serves to graphically represent the permissible operating range as a function of parameters such as rotational speed. It enables a quick assessment of the conditions under which the spindle can be operated safely and reliably without exceeding mechanical, thermal or dynamic limits. Such a diagram is a key tool for the design, selection and evaluation of spindle systems in mechanical engineering particularly in the field of machining where high demands are placed on precision, performance and service life.
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Despite a lukewarm sustainability agenda here in the United States, global bearing manufacturers continue to be motivated by eco-friendly technologies, environmental awareness and energy efficiency regulations. Material innovation is one of the key strategies to reduce environmental impact moving forward. Concerns include energy consumption in manufacturing, waste generation, emissions from lubricants and raw material extraction. The end goal is to provide longer-lasting components with less waste.
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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.
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The earliest example of a gear train dates to at least 2,000 B.C. when Chinese engineers built a chariot that used a complex planetary mechanism made of wooden gears to let a dragon head continuously point south when driven around (Ref. 1). In Greece, a surprisingly advanced Antikythera gearbox mechanism, incorporating at least 37 precisely crafted bronze gears, was built years later, between 205–60 B.C. (Ref. 2).
An innovative technology for the next generation of high-speed, high power density traction and propulsion systems has been jointly developed by Drive System Design (DSD) and Transense Technologies. David Hind, principal engineer, DSD, presented “Unlocking Powertrain Power Density with Innovative Motor Control,” earlier this year at the CTI USA Symposium 2025 in Novi, MI. The presentation built on initial simulation studies performed in MATLAB Simulink; a software tool used to design and simulate systems before moving to hardware. While simulation trials proved successful, achieving quality experimental results proved far more challenging. Hind examined these challenges and potential solutions at CTI.
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.
Curious about the state of robotics and automation? A day or two at Huntington Place in Detroit this spring should clear everything up. Automate 2025 attendees might see robots serving coffee, robots maintaining shop floors, robots building other robots. We have officially crossed the threshold from future possibility to practical application.
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!
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.
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.
Mar 4, 2026
ABB has signed an agreement with Fervo Energy, a Texas-based leader in enhanced geothermal systems, to supply advanced motor control solutions for the Cape Station geothermal project in Utah. Scheduled to start delivering reliable, carbon-free power to the grid in 2026, Cape Station is expected to become the world’s largest next-generation geothermal development by installed capacity and represents a major step forward in sustainable energy generation in the United States.
The Schaeffler OPTIME ecosystem is a leading solution for condition monitoring and smart lubrication of machinery. Sensor technology and software combined with the expertise of a globally leading bearing manufacturer characterize this offering from the Motion Technology company.
Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
In 2026, AeroDef Manufacturing is represented on the national stage by a multifaceted showcase at RAPID + TCT 2026.
Jun 1, 2026 - Jun 4, 2026
Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
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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.
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