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September 2026

PT Issue

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Editor's Desk

Lucy, Ethel and the Bonbon Paradox

Science fiction author and journalist Cory Doctorow is quoted in his latest book The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Life After AI that “SF writers make lousy prophets, but we can be pretty good technology critics.” The man responsible for the weblog Boing Boing and an informative newsletter at Pluralistic.net has recently produced a 222-page guide to thinking about artificial intelligence before it’s too late.

Technical Articles

Vibration Analysis for Fault Diagnosis of Cycloidal Gearbox Using Wavelet Transform

For years, the cycloidal reducer (Figure 1) has proven its performance in a variety of applications, from robotics to wastewater treatment. Along with involute gearing, the cycloidal mechanism has its place in the mechanical power transmission world. It is well known for its high torque density, high integer ratio per stage, and shock load handling capabilities. Its poke-yoke assembly refrains from introducing any errors during assembly and allows the unit to operate with low maintenance. Despite these advantages, the reducer may have a variable angular speed at its output shaft, in large part due to manufacturing imperfections. 

Feature Articles

Inside the Lab

Testing is a powerful tool for improving equipment reliability and reducing the risk of costly, unplanned downtime. When a bearing fails, it’s important to figure out why. Without an investigation or testing to determine the cause, there is a greater likelihood that the same problem will happen again. That’s why SKF Global Labs and Testing plays such a critical role in helping customers maximize the performance and service life of their rotating equipment.

The Big Squeeze

Few things say good morning like a glass of fresh orange juice. Thanks to the rise of in-store juicing machines, you no longer need an orange grove out back, let alone a hand press and strong forearms to enjoy one. Just walk into any Sam’s Club in the country and you’ll find gallons of fresh juice in the cooler, squeezed on-site that same day.

Make it Your Own

Customization may not always be top of mind when machine designers are selecting motion control vendors. The hope is usually that they will find exactly what they need in the catalog and avoid what they believe to be the higher costs, delays and risks associated with custom solutions. But, given that more than 25 percent of motion system projects end up requiring at least some degree of customization, it could be beneficial to prepare for that eventuality from the outset.

Industrial Strength Reliability

SEW-Eurodrive is helping power one of the most ambitious bulk material handling projects in North America through its contribution to the Dune Express conveyor system, a record-setting 42-mile single-flight conveyor designed to transport frac sand across the Permian Basin. Developed by Atlas Energy Solutions in collaboration with system integrator Voith Turbo, the Dune Express system is designed to move up to 13 million tons of frac sand annually from Kermit, Texas, to the New Mexico border.

The Data-Driven Road Ahead

AI has become an asset for the automotive industry today, offering transformative benefits that enhance efficiency, safety, and customer experience. With advancements in machine learning and data analytics, manufacturers can analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, including vehicle sensors, production lines, and consumer interactions. This enables real-time decision-making, optimizing everything from supply chain management to production processes, ultimately leading to reduced costs and improved operational efficiency.

Power Play

Only Connect

My wife and I settled in last night to watch Howards End—the 1992 Merchant Ivory adaptation of E. M. Forster’s novel, all the manners and mannerisms of the manor born, about as far from a factory floor as a film can get. Then a name slid across the opening credits and my wife sat up: “Look—Sumitomo Corporation!” My first thought was, “Now I know what my next ‘Power Play’ will be!” but I have no idea where this will go from here.

Product News

Renishaw Brings Precision, Productivity and Automation to IMTS

Renishaw will showcase a comprehensive portfolio of manufacturing technologies at IMTS 2026, Sept. 14–19 in Chicago, demonstrating how manufacturers can improve precision, increase productivity, and accelerate automation across the production lifecycle.

Datanomix Offers Digital Production Bundles at IMTS

In most precision shops, the print is clipped to the bench, the setup sheet is in someone’s email, and the operator walks back to the office to confirm they’re on the right rev. That’s one of the problems Datanomix is solving at IMTS 2026. Datanomix will showcase Digital Production Bundles at IMTS 2026, Booth #135521, and prove what happens when the shop floor goes paperless.

Kuka Robotics Showcases Scalable Machine Tending Robotics at IMTS 2026

Kuka Robotics will display its advanced robotic automation solutions for machine tool tending with the company’s system integrator, Formic Automation, at IMTS 2026. Visitors to Booth #236807 in the North Building will experience live demonstrations that highlight how Kuka is making automation easier for manufacturers to adopt robotic machine tending through a scalable, service-based approach that reduces complexity and supports evolving production needs.

SMC Corporation of America Highlights Automated Systems and Robotics at IMTS 2026

SMC Corporation of America will exhibit at IMTS Booth #135420 in the East Hall. IMTS provides a convenient ‘one stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and find the tools to improve productivity, increase profits and discover new solutions to all of your metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing needs. Components in SMC's portfolio includes chillers, sensors, motors, controllers, hydraulic cylinders, grippers, actuators, valves and more. 

Promess Introduces Press System and Control Platform at IMTS

Promess, founded in 1984 and based in Brighton, Michigan, designs and manufactures assembly press and torque systems used by manufacturers to monitor and control the quality of their assembly processes. The company introduced the first servo-electric assembly press in the late 1990s and has served the global manufacturing industry across automotive, aerospace, medical, defense, and general industrial markets since.

Open Mind Technologies Highlights CAM/CAD Software at IMTS 2026

Open Mind Technologies will highlight the latest hyperMILL 2026 CAD/CAM Software Suite at IMTS Booth #133351. 

Jorgensen Brings Advanced FlexFiltration Coolant Management System to IMTS 2026

At IMTS 2026, chip and coolant handling experts Jorgensen Conveyor and Filtration Solutions will highlight their expanded FlexFiltration coolant management systems that extend coolant life, enhance part finishes, and reduce maintenance procedures and costs. In Booth #338009, Jorgensen will feature complete, fully automated systems that showcases compact modular designs with advanced customization for integration versatility in coolant filtration and monitoring.

Industry News

Atlanta Gear Works Names Randy Hand, Director of Field Services

Atlanta Gear Works (AGW) has named Randy Hand as director of field services.

Shell and Ducati Celebrate 100 years of Ducati and 27 years of Partnership

Shell and Ducati have marked a historic milestone during World Ducati Week – Ducati’s 100th anniversary – alongside more than 27 years of technical partnership with Shell that has helped shape performance, innovation and success on track and on the road. 

REM Surface Engineering Celebrates 20-Year Milestone for President & CEO Justin Michaud

REM Surface Engineering is proud to celebrate the 20th work anniversary of its President and CEO, Justin Michaud. Over the past two decades, Michaud has been the driving force behind the company’s technological evolution, expansion into cutting-edge industrial sectors, and a significant broadening of its global footprint.

GWJ Technology Launches New Websites for eAssistant, TBK and GWJ

GWJ Technology GmbH has launched completely redesigned websites for its eAssistant and TBK brands,as well as its corporate website. With this relaunch, the company introduces a modern, user-friendly design and optimized content that makes it easier than ever to access technical information and engineering software solutions. The new websites focus on intuitive navigation and a clear information structure, enabling users to quickly find the content they need. 

Thomson Supports Elara Aerospace in Record-Seeking Rocket Launch Mission

Regal Rexnord linear motion solutions brand, Thomson, is supporting Elara Aerospace, an academically led initiative founded at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), with precision linear motion technology for its liquid-fueled Methalox rocket. 


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Power Transmission Engineering magazinePower 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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