February 2016

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February 2016 (Complete Issue PDF)

Feature Articles

Mix and Match Mechatronics
Mechatronics simplifies traditional engineering concepts across most industrial segments. By combining mechanical, electrical and computer technology into a single, integrated solution, products become systems that are more efficient, reduce operator error and cost less to manufacture.

Two-stage Helical Bevel Gearing
Gearing is an essential component in conveyors. The material handling industry appears divided between those who favor high-end three-stage helical bevel gearboxes and those who rely on less expensive worm gearing. But there’s an often over-looked alternative, the two-stage helical bevel gearbox.

Reducing Food Processing Plant Energy Costs
U.S. manufacturers, such as food processors, face an unprecedented competitive environment and must look for ways to be profitable without negatively affecting the quality of finished products.

Motor Management Best Practices Part 3
This three-part series on motor management best practices focuses on the importance of instituting a motor management plan as a necessity in effectively administering the electric motors in a facility. The goal of a motor management plan is to take advantage of opportunities for energy savings and increased productivity using energy efficient, reliable motors such as NEMA Premium efficiency motors, herein referred to as “premium efficiency” motors.

Technical Articles

Homogeneous Geometry Calculation of Arbitrary Tooth Shapes: Mathematical Approach and Practical Applications
This paper provides a mathematical framework and its implementation for calculating the tooth geometry of arbitrary gear types, based on the basic law of gear kinematics. The rack or gear geometry can be generated in two different ways: by calculating the conjugate geometry and the line of contact of a gear to the given geometric shape of a known geometry (e.g., a cutting hob), or by prescribing the surface of action of two gears in contact and calculating the correspondent flank shapes.

Departments

Engineering Smart (Publishers Page)
Our theme for 2016 is “Engineering Smart.” Our goal as a publication is to help you engineer better systems, taking advantage of the latest in technology to create mechanical systems that last longer, save energy, cost less and increase performance. The way we do that is by bringing you the best information possible on the design and engineering of gears, gear drives, bearings, motors, couplings and related power transmission components and systems.

Global Industrial Outlook: Batten Down the Hatches (Market Update)
Third-quarter earnings confirmed the worst-case scenario — plunging oil prices are whacking almost the entire industrial sector. The theme is hardly new, as the pattern of our headlines has revealed over the past fifteen or so months:

Counterfeit Consequences (Bearing Briefs)
Power Transmission Engineering is collaborating with the Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) on a special section within the magazine. Bearing Briefs will present updated reports on bearing topics for each issue in 2016. Complimentary access to all BSA Bearing and Industry Briefs is available on the BSA website at www.bsahome.org/tools. Additionally, our new Field Notes section on page 34 will feature field reports from BSA’s Certified Bearing Specialists.

Identifying Bearing Failure (Field Notes)
Guy Gendron, certified bearing specialist and technical sales representative at Timken Canada L.P. explains how he used his bearing expertise to increase a customer’s productivity.

Product News (Product News)
Latest information about upcoming products.

Calendar (Events)
Calendar of upcoming events.

Industry News (Industry News)
Latest news from around the Industry

Gyroscopes in Spaaaace! (Power Play)
Moving around in open space is a cautious endeavor. Without the luxury of gravity, the slightest push can send you twirling in circles or, worse, tumbling off into the unknown. Every motion must be thought out and deliberate, all the more so because our bodies take that luxury into account.