In a belt drive system, the motor, belts, pulleys, and sheaves all receive engineering attention during design and specification. The motor base typically does not. It is the overlooked component, selected on frame size and bolt pattern, specified late in the process, and treated as a passive structural element, something that holds the motor in place and sets belt tension at installation.
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.
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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.
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Leaders from across the construction and heavy equipment manufacturing industries gathered in Las Vegas recently for ConExpo-ConAgg 2026. The show celebrated the innovation, economic impact and workforce powering the $2.2 trillion U.S. construction sector today.
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Drones are tasked with providing state-of-the-art autonomous capabilities, unique movements, automated inspection, urban delivery solutions and advanced military operations. They upgrade agricultural farming technology, provide safety and logistic solutions and report key disaster and engineering mapping. PT components such as motors, controllers, and sensors are an integral part of their core structure.
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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.
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.
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.
How does a ball screw work differently than a lead screw. Under what circumstances would a ball screw be better for your application than a lead screw. What issues should be considered when selecting a ball screw assembly.
Napoleon Engineering Services’ “Brief Guide to Bearing Source Qualification” is the result of nearly 30 years of real-world experience guiding OEMs through the qualification process and is based on NES’ background in the aerospace and industrial sectors and its own desire to empower customers with the technical information needed to make informed supplier decisions.
Push beyond traditional 60Hz limits with advanced VFD strategies like field weakening and motor supercharging. Expand speed range, improve system stability, reduce cooling requirements, and even downsize motors. Discover how to unlock more performance and efficiency from your gearmotor design.
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.
Vector Companies is a global platform of gear, shaft, and custom component manufacturers that helps innovators move faster from print to production with dependable, high-quality parts.
May 14, 2026
NTN Corporation and NSK Ltd. have executed a memorandum of understanding to explore the possibility of a future for business integration. NSK has supported global industrial development since 1916 through bearings and automotive precision machine components. NTN has developed bearings, drive shafts and precision equipment since 1918.
This week at SPS Italia, Bonfiglioli presents its full mechatronics ecosystem, integrating gearmotors, inverters, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and advanced automation software tools. The spotlight is on the Axia drive family, followed by dedicated solutions for shuttles, AGVs and AMRs, the Bonfiglioli Automation Manager portfolio, and a range of mechatronic systems for roller conveyors, palletizers, flowpack systems, compact warehouse elevators and material handling applications.
Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
TPS (Houston) is a vital industry event, offering a forum for the exchange of ideas between rotating equipment engineers and technicians worldwide. Now surpassing 54 years, TPS is known for its impact on turbomachinery, pump, oil & gas, petrochemical, power, aerospace, chemical and water industries through two pathways: an exhibition and a technical program.
Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
Jul 15, 2026 - Jul 16, 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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