October 2016
October 2016 (Complete Issue PDF)
Feature Articles
Taking Aim at Conveyor Systems
It's no secret that conveyor systems are the primary market for gearmotors, and so it shouldn't be much of a surprise that gearmotor manufacturers are looking for ways to cater to that market's needs. From Brother's new VFDs to Siemens' Simotics S-1FG1, a lot of the new solutions in the industry have their own unique quirks, but all fall into a few common veins.
Pack Expo 2016
Pack Expo takes place November 6-9 at McCormick Place in Chicago. With 2,100 exhibitors, itâ™s the worldâ™s largest most comprehensive processing and
packaging trade show in 2016.
Ceramic Bearings for Water Processing, Water Filtration and Liquid Handling Applications
Bearings are an essential component
in the majority of mechanical
designs and equipment.
It is important to consider the
most effective materials when designing
industrial machinery, especially in
applications where water or other liquids
are present. Many materials will
be unable to overcome the challenges
associated with operating in a wet or
corrosive environment.
Guidelines for Bearing Seals
Equipment downtime and reduced component
life are a few of the consequences â” and
potential costs â” of using the wrong seals on many types of industrial equipment including pump bearing frames, electric motors, fans, pillow blocks, gearboxes and more. However, if
correctly specified and installed, seals provide effective barriers that both retain lubricants as well as protect against water, corrosion, debris and other contaminants.
Technical Articles
ISO 281:2007 - Caveat Emptor
I was invited by Tom Astrene of TLT to write a response to the
July 2010 TLT article (Ref. 1). My rebuttal â” âœIn Search of a Fatigue
Limit: A Critique of ISO Standard 281:2007â â” was published
in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering, TLT, August
2010 edition (Ref. 10). While this article is also available online,
I will attempt to summarize the essence of my response.
How Does An Electric Motor Work
If youâ™re an electrical engineer
you know how an electric motor works; if
you arenâ™t, it can be extremely
confusing. Therefore, hereâ™s the simplified explanation (or the âœhow
an electric motor works for dummiesâ version) of how a four-pole, three-phase
AC induction motor works in a car.
Departments
Kids Love Technology (Publishers Page)
Kate, a sophomore studying engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has a genuine interest in manufacturing, so it was natural that she attend IMTS. But the other three? My kids? Well, letâ™s just say that their interests lie elsewhere. Matt, also a sophomore, is studying business at UW-Platteville. Emily, a sophomore in high school, wants to join the Peace Corps. Renee, an eighth grader, wants to be a surgeon.
Determining Diametral Pitch, Center Distance (Ask the Expert)
I need help determining the diametral pitch needed to achieve the closest
center-to-center distance for 2 spur gears. The 1st gear is a 34-tooth and
the 2nd gear is a 28-tooth. The center-to-center distance between the
gears needs to be as close to 2 1/8" as possible.
Linear Motors (Bearing Briefs)
When the need arises for linear motion
or positioning, there are many choices.
One can use an Acme screw, ball screw,
rack & pinion, or belts. The cost of a linear motor solution is generally greater than a mechanical linear product, but when one needs highly accurate, repeatable, high-speed motion, then the answer may be a linear motor.
Special Modifications (Field Notes)
Eddy Swiben, branch manager at BDI
Canada, explains how to problem solve
on an automatic cutter for tissue rolls.
âœThis is a very major paper tissue manufacturer that sells paper tissue rolls all over America.â They roll paper tissue just like newsprint paper mills do. When the product is finally done and dried, they need to roll it on a light carton core 20-ft. long.
Product News (Product News)
News on the latest products from around the industry.
Calendar (Events)
Calendar of events
Industry news (Industry News)
Latest News from around the industry.
Making Shakespeare Shine (Power Play)
New things are invented for theater lighting all the time and theyâ™re usually big, expensive technology-driven devices. Itâ™s the simple things that make you wonder, âœWhy didnâ™t I think of that?â according to Ken Billington, lighting designer. The RSC Lightlock is a great example of this.