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 […]
Mechanical PT
Video on torque limiters: Examples of how to customize for industrial applications
In a recent video with Lee Teschler, we go over three torque limiters from Mach III — a Kentucky-based manufacturer of stock and custom brakes, clutches, and torque limiters. The manufacturer can usually deliver custom designs within two days of obtaining application requirements. Mach III also meets or beats purchase-order ship dates 98% of the time. […]
Video: Spring or air-engaged friction brakes from Mach III (a Design World overview)
In a recent video with Lee Teschler, we got the chance to handle two brakes from Mach III. Watch the video: Our first sample — a D2F3R-STH spring-engaged brake — is one of more than a dozen standard variations … with many more customizable options. This modular brake design has subcomponents grouped into kits — […]
Video: Five air-engaged clutches from Mach III (a Design World overview)
In a recent video with Lee Teschler, we investigated five air-engaged clutches from Mach III. The company designs and manufactures an array of air and spring-applied friction brakes and clutches — as well as mechanical torque limiters and combination clutch-brakes for industrial applications to 5,000 ft-lb. Watch the video: First we detail a C2H2R-STH […]
Klüber Lubrication now sells grease for small gears subject to high loads
Klϋber Lubrication, a worldwide manufacturer of specialty lubricants, introduces Klübersynth GE 14-151, a special grease for highly loaded small gears like those found in power tools. This product consists of a finely balanced combination of ester and synthetic hydrocarbon base oils with an aluminum complex soap thickener. Klübersynth GE 14-151 has a wide service temperature […]
Model-112 Micro Brakes from Miki Pulley excel in small precision equipment
Electromagnetic Micro Brakes from Miki Pulley are a compact, high performance braking solution for small, precise motion control applications. Miki Pulley’s ultra-compact brake design ensures fast response in high torque demanding applications. The simple yet effective design features a stator with integrated mounting flange, proprietary composite friction liner and armature complete with ring plate spring […]
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 […]
Most efficient vehicle in the world uses brushless motor in drivetrain
One little hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle holds the Guinness world record for the most efficient vehicle … and uses a slotless brushless 60L-H-175-A from Koford Motors to drive its rear power wheel. This year, the tiny car from the Duke Electric Vehicles team beat the 12,600-mpg efficiency of the PAC CAR 2, in turn designed by […]
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, […]
