Seven hundred and fifty people from the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry, including nearly 590 delegates, came together October 19-22 in San Diego, Calif., where tools and information to “Lead in Disruptive Times” were delivered through cutting edge presentations, the latest in business and market information and multiple networking opportunities. The PTDA 2016 Industry Summit, […]
Editor Blogs
Sorry, but technology won’t save us
This piece was published in Design World’s 10th Anniversary special issue for October 2016. Is technology our friend or foe? Is it here to save us or to help finish us off? The questions seem urgent given that there is growing anxiety over some recent directions in technological development, particularly the rise of automation. Automation, […]
Tim Pirie gives exclusive look at CGI Inc. advanced gear-manufacturing capabilities
In a recent interview with Tim Pirie, Director of Manufacturing Systems and Technology at CGI, Inc., Design World got an inside look at new capabilities that the manufacturer is using to expand its gear offerings. CGI is known for gearing with tooth forms that deliver high strength and quiet operation, as well as complete gear […]
The downside of patent protection
Leland Teschler – Executive Editor [email protected] On Twitter @DW_LeeTeschler MUCH angst has been expressed over patent trolls that buy up low-quality patents then sue the bejesus out of potential infringers to “enforce” IP rights. Lest you think patent suits by these guys are over money earned from patents, consider this: Scholars at the National Bureau […]
Design World Future of Engineering editorial: Driverless cars a done deal
This piece is part of Design World’s 10th Anniversary special for October 2016, where we take a look at how far design engineering has come in the last decade … and how far it will go by 2026. If you’re leery about riding in a car sans steering wheel, you’ve got company. But everyone from Google and […]
Contactless Hall-effect feedback part of move towards small, rugged design
Recently we asked Jose Luis Macia, program manager at Piher Sensors & Controls of Meggitt, about some trends in motion engineering design. Here’s what he had to say. Eitel • Design World: What industries are spurring changes in today’s motion components? Macia • Piher: We see increased demand for contactless Hall-effect rotary sensors in industries having […]
Series of new bearings FAQs and interviews on bearingtips.com
If you’re looking for information on bearings, then check out the latest from motioncontroltips.com Design World sister site bearingtips.com. This site covers rotary bearings that take the form of ball and roller bearings as well as thrust bearings — in addition to the issues of bearing lubrication and integration. The following is a sampling of bearing features we’ve posted there recently. […]
Chatting about Bison Gear’s new gearmotor
At last week’s PTDA Canadian Conference in Ottawa, I had the chance to speak with John Sousa from Bison Gear and Engineering Corp. about their new PowerSTAR line of gearboxes. Sousa said the PowerSTAR was developed because they wanted to come out with an energy efficient gearbox that has a right angle configuration. “Typically, worm […]
Catching up with Ringfeder at PTDA’s Canadian conference
Last week’s PTDA Canadian Conference was an excellent event—the day and a half program in Ottawa packed in multiple great speakers. The networking with both manufacturers and distributors was very worthwhile, and the Industry Showcase Welcome Reception gave me the chance to see many old friends, as well as make some new ones. I had […]
Engineer Biren Patel exposes why the industry needs new positioning controllers
In a recent interview, we had the chance to chat with Biren Patel, motion control engineering manager at maxon motor, about the company’s new EPOS4 next-generation positioning controllers. This is a controller with two different power ratings and connector board to allow quick integration into machinery. The position controllers are suitable for dynamic control of […]
