Sizing a gearbox (or gearmotor) for an industrial application typically begins with determining the appropriate service factor. In simple terms, the service factor is the ratio of the gearbox rated horsepower (or torque) to the application’s required horsepower (or torque). Service factors are defined by the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA), based on the type […]
Gears + Gearing
Geared stepper motors drive movements of Breakfast Brixel moving architectural wall
A new architectural wall called the Breakfast Brixel is making some installations more dynamic. The system is built from dozens of digitally controlled rotating bricks that act as pixels to create waves, stripes, and undulating shapes on the moving walls. Brixel installations can even run customizable artwork and facades to evolve in response to real-time […]
Strain-wave gearing core to one exoskeleton for logistics-plant work
Consider a specific example of how strain-wave gearing gets used — in the German Bionic Systems Cray X exoskeleton. This 7.9-kg design assists plant personnel with manual handling of tools and heavy goods while reducing lower-back compression pressure. The exoskeleton joints use strain-wave gearing to reduce their brushless motors’ high rpm for an output of […]
New rail gearbox lubricant from Klüber Lubrication enhances cold-weather operation
Klüber Lubrication’s new Klübersynth LEG 4 75 W 90 is a synthetic high-performance gear oil for rail vehicle gearboxes. Even in the cold, trains need to run smoothly and these vehicle gearboxes often operate under high loads. The new polyalphaolefin-based oil technology of Klübersynth LEG 4 75 W 90 provides a wide service temperature range, […]
New grinding machines increase quality and productivity at Nixon Gear
Two new grinding machines were recently added to production at Gear Motions’ Nixon Gear Division in Syracuse, NY. The Studer S121 is a 2-spindle universal cylindrical grinder capable of grinding IDs and faces. It was purchased to accommodate a program for a new customer with Nixon Gear. The machine adds new capabilities to grind small diameters […]
Galaxie Gearbox from WITTENSTEIN nominated as finalist for Germany’s Deutscher Zukunftspreis 2018
WITTENSTEIN’s Galaxie gearbox has been chosen as a finalist for the 2018 Federal President’s Award for Innovation in Science and Technology, recognized as “A radically new gearbox class – productivity leaps in the engineering industry”. The jury for the Deutscher Zukunftspreis 2018 announced the three finalists for this year’s award. Galaxie inventors Dr. Manfred Wittenstein […]
How to specify motion components for cleanroom environments: Part 2
In this two-part article, we cover the products, materials, and features that designers and engineers should specify when choosing motion components for cleanroom environments. In part 1, we looked at how to reduce particle generation due to friction between moving components. In this second part, we’ll look at another source of contamination — outgassing — […]
How to specify motion components for cleanroom environments: Part 1
In this two-part article, we cover the products, materials, and features that designers and engineers should specify when choosing motion components for cleanroom environments. In part 1, we look at how to reduce particle generation due to friction between moving components. Designers of automation systems are tasked with many competing demands, such as balancing cost and performance, […]
Zero-Max Crown right-angle drives include Class 10 spiral bevel gears lubricated for life
Lubricated for life with Beacon 325 premium grade grease, Zero-Max Crown drives feature heat treated AGMA Class 10 spiral bevel gears. This combination of bearing design and lubrication formulation ensures long-term, maintenance free operation for high performance, industrial applications. The drives feature long-life, precision hardened and ground ball bearings handling speeds up to 2000 rpm […]
Timken acquiring precision-drives maker Cone Drive
The Timken Company has reached an agreement to acquire Cone Drive, a leader in precision drives used in diverse markets including solar, automation, aerial platforms, and food and beverage. Cone Drive sales are expected to be slightly above $100 million for the full year 2018. “We are executing our strategy to profitably grow Timken’s power […]