In paper mills throughout the country, gearboxes provide an integral solution for power transmission. Each is selected particularly and directly to perform a specific task in the production of paper. Due to the critical nature of the equipment, all gearboxes are heavily monitored and periodically inspected for preventive maintenance. If necessary, gearboxes can be reconditioned by replacing or repairing components with the intent to rebuild the entire gearbox to OEM specifications. 

With the VarioFlow plus chain conveyor system, Bosch Rexroth supplies an essential component for flexible and economical transport within a plant. It conveys packed and unpacked goods vertically and horizontally in the smallest possible space. Together, with the spiral transport system from smartPac Srl, manufacturers benefit from a continuous spiral transport system with low commissioning and maintenance costs.

Festo Didactic recently provided SkillsUSA Championship Competition participants (Mechatronics Section) with advanced training technology at the 2023 National Leadership and Skills Conference June 19-23, Georgia World Congress Center and State Farm Arena, Atlanta. 

When older equipment starts to affect the output from the power plant – operators need to act fast, to avoid production risks escalating. This is especially true for legacy pumps. However, sourcing new units to fit the surrounding infrastructure and application requirements of the plant can be challenging. When a major thermal power plant in Rajasthan, India, faced multiple issues with an aging boiler infeed pump, the energy player overcame supply and technical challenges through their partnership with Sulzer. Sulzer provided a custom solution under its OEM-X line service, that cushioned the impact to production, while offering the assurance of reliable associated support, spanning maintenance and spares for decades to come.

The 2023 EASA Convention, June 25-27, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. EASA (https://easa.com/convention) supports companies involved in the service and sale of electric motors, pumps, drives, controls, gearboxes and other rotating machinery. Highlights include synchronous motors, machine reliability, leadership, sustainability, EASA's 90th birthday bash, motor maintenance, pump repair, supply chain issues and more.

This paper examines the selection process, operation, maintenance practices, and state of a Sumitomo gearbox after over 24 years of operation. It is demonstrated that a quality product and careful consideration of all these factors are essential for a longer service life of the gearbox. Detailed information is provided on the operation of the gearbox, as well as the maintenance practices that should be taken to ensure its longevity. Finally, the paper examines the state of the gearbox after over two decades of use and how all these factors result in lowering carbon emissions.

Salim Haffar, deputy general manager at I-MAK, was reelected as president of EUROTRANS in 2022. This is Haffar’s third term in this role. PTE recently caught up with Haffar to discuss the evolution of EUROTRANS, the focus of the International Drive Conference at Hannover Messe and the current state of I-MAK’s gearbox business in Turkey.

A hydro turbine company based in Portland, Maine, has chosen Vesconite Bearings’ lowest-friction material for the thrust bearings on its free-stream turbines.

According to updated research by market intelligence firm Interact Analysis, the collaborative robot (cobot) market will enjoy modest growth out to 2032, with annual growth rates sitting at around 20 percent. ‘Collaboration’ between humans and robots is now widely accepted so robot manufacturers suggest that the key to future success will be their ability to scale up production and develop new application scenarios. The logistics industry will also play an important role in this growth trajectory. 

Automate 2023 features educational tracks on everything from AI, smart automation, and innovations to AMRs and collaborative robots. The following article examines some of the key topics and presentations during the show.