If you can't replace it, then rebuild it. While some power transmission equipment users are feeling the brunt of the economic slowdown, some are doing well (more may do so with U.S. government infrastructure improvements to jump-start the economy). But sometimes new equipment delivery times are measured in many months. So buying remanufactured equipment may fit tight budgets and have quicker deliveries. For example, Dealers Transmission Exchange, an industrial transmissions and drive train components rebuilder, says a savings of 60% can be realized with a remanufactured power train group (transmission, torque converter, differential, axle, and brakes).

Nabtesco's new low-profile, high-performance infinite positioning indexer series is currently available in two sizes and incorporates Nabtesco's patented Near-Zero Backlash Reducer with an added right angle feature to provide numerous benefits over traditional cam and worm gear turntable designs. The indexer design provides a very low profile for ergonomic ease-of-use.

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Up to now, the maximum wind turbine output has been 6 MW because of the size and weight of components that could be transported on roads. Now high temperature superconductor wire, smaller and lighter than copper, can produce 10 MW with those same components. New mechanical transmissions also increase output.

Need a custom gearbox fast? A dedicated assembly line for American and European markets stocks all components to assemble high-efficiency in-line and right-angle helical bevel speed reducers and gearmotors in 38 to 108 case sizes. The gearboxes meet IEC and NEMA specs. The line uses just-in-time manufacturing operations.

The twin panels forming the retractable roof of the Arizona Cardinals stadium use pulleys powered by variable frequency drives (VFDs). Four 1.5 in. diameter cables move each panel, winding onto 4 ft diameter drums. VFDs allow the control system to test the drive torque before moving, precluding a panel sliding inadvertently.

A study by FEV finds timing belts more energy efficient than timing chains. With 30% less friction shown in tests using a 4-cylinder gasoline engine, a 1% saving in fuel at maximum engine load is realized, with even greater savings at lower loads. Belts also produce less noise and vibration, with fewer emissions thanks to lower friction.

With regulations for cleanliness getting more stringent, stainless steel drive components are increasingly required. Keltech inverter duty 300 series stainless AC motors, available from 1/4 to 7.5 HP with many advanced benefits. Hydromec stainless worm reducers are available in four sizes and 10 ratios with standard or hollow output shafts.

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Heat dissipation is crucial to industrial clutch selection. Active air or water cooling is required when convection alone can't remove heat produced during engagement and from a hot environment. According to this Process and Control Today article, proper cooling can avoid sizing the clutch larger than needed and avoid extra expense.

Adaptive braking found on luxury autos will expand to lower-cost models because of pre-pressurizing and proportional application safety benefits. According to research firm Semico, better collision prevention will fuel triple-digit percent growth in control electronics. This growth is added to hybrid and electric vehicle regenerative braking systems.

For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-newsletter DirectU2 The world of Sensors & Switches.

A disk coupling between servomotor drive and ball-screw actuator can't introduce errors negating precision. This is critical in a water-jet cutter for materials up to 20 in. thick at speeds up to 1,000 in./sec. The solution: couplings with high stiffness and misalignment capability, flexibility to cushion loads, and low inertia for quick directional changes.

Fill-controlled fluid couplings are used in extreme conditions, such as mile long mining conveyors. To help designers grasp such robust technology, a CD-ROM complete with animations of fill-controlled fluid couplings is available. The CD also covers hydrodynamic power transmission principles (torque transmission via liquid), and typical applications.

APMC is a manufacturer and supplier of gears of varied sizes to suit customers' needs across varied industries. Possessing a state of the art gear manufacturing facility, the latest in testing facilities, and all backed by trained and experienced work force. Learn more.

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