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Gears and Bearings

Courtesy: CFE Media and Technology, EASA
Motors, Drives December 5, 2019

Your questions answered: Right-sizing pumps with variable speed drives

Webcast presenter Eugene Vogel answered questions on variable speed drives (VSDs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and their value for manufacturers.

By Eugene Vogel
Courtesy: Bob Vavra, CFE Media
Mechanical November 14, 2019

Equipment finance report gets boost thanks to consumer confidence

Consumer spending keeps things strong in the November 2019 Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation's MCI-EFI report.

By Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation
Figure 1: Packaging lines benefit from the increased controllability of electromechanical actuators as they often eliminate the need for changeover when switching from one product to another. Courtesy: Thomson Industries Inc.
Sensors, Actuators November 12, 2019

Eight selection criteria for actuation components

Electromechanical systems offer advantages over hydraulic and pneumatic actuators

By Chad Carlberg and Chris Diak
On September 11, Plant Engineering presented a webinar, “How to Become a Preventive Maintenance All-Star,” sponsored by Dude Solutions. Courtesy: Dude Solutions
Maintenance September 30, 2019

Top 5 Plant Engineering articles September 23-29

Articles about preventive maintenance, maintaining secondary equipment, generator rotor repair, HMI remote access options, and the Engineering Leaders Under 40 were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from September 23-29. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Insulation resistance tests were conducted before final reassembly. Courtesy: Sulzer
Gears and Bearings September 23, 2019

Rapid overhaul of generator rotor needed due to lack of maintenance

Carrying out routine maintenance on a large turbine generator calls for expertise as well as the experience to achieve an efficient and cost-effective project.

By Alex Edwards
Motors, Drives September 10, 2019

Electromechanical show announces 2020 event

EASA's June 2020 Convention & Solutions Expo will focus on how companies can "gain the advantage" from everything to knowledge and information to relationship development.

By Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA)
Hybridization can help companies control and reduce energy expenditures. Courtesy: Danfoss/Control Engineering Europe
Energy, Power September 9, 2019

Top 5 Plant Engineering articles September 2-8

Articles about hybridization benefits, control system connectivity, arc flash hazards, VFDs in injection molding, and IIoT baby steps were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from September 2-8. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Figure 2: A prime example of mechatronic integration is the combining of motor and drive components into one package. Exploded view of an integrated step motor shows the technique, which is applicable to other electric motor types as well. Courtesy: Applied Motion
CNC Motion Control September 3, 2019

5 enduring developments in electronic motion control

Motor drives, power-switching transistors and microprocessors, sophisticated control algorithms, software influences, and mechatronic integration are among the standout electronic motion control developments.

By Frank J. Bartos, P.E.
Figure 3: As-found condition of the hot gas expander rotor. Courtesy: Sulzer
Gears and Bearings August 8, 2019

Understanding failure to improve turbomachinery designs

Expert failure analysis techniques deliver improved reliability for demanding manufacturing operations.

By Kirill Grebinnyk, Dr. Vamadevan Gowreesan, and Ricardo Guerrero
Typical cause of being failure by percentage. Courtesy: ABB
Lubrication June 10, 2019

Understanding lubrication from the bearing’s perspective

Many factors can impact how proper use can avoid friction.

By Keith Bartley