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Replacing a Mechanical Adjustable Speed Drive with a Variable Speed Drive

Retrofitting an application using a mechanical adjustable speed drive such as a Reeves Motodrive® to an AC or DC variable speed drive can be done successfully if all the details are understood beforehand. First, let's take a look at what a Motodrive really looks like conceptually. A constant speed motor is connected to a variable diameter sheave (item A in Figure 1) that transmits power through a belt to another variable diameter sheave (Item B). An internal gearbox can then be used to further reduce speed as necessary. The variable sheave/belt assembly will act as a reduction gear up to motor base speed, and then will increase speed beyond that. Sheave B speed will be the same as motor base speed when the diameter of the sheaves are equal, so motor base speed is roughly the midpoint of the speed range of sheave B.
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Assembly and Insertion Presses
Assembly and insertion presses are used for various types of assembly, including bearing or shaft assembly, insertion or press fitting, and staking.
Threaded Inserts
Threaded inserts are blocks of material with a threaded hole that are pressed or molded into a part, usually made of a different material.
Insert Bearings
Insert bearings and wide inner ring bearings mount to shafts via setscrews or locking collars.
Cutting Tool Inserts
Cutting tool inserts are replaceable attachments for cutting tools. They typically contain the actual cutting edge.
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Threading inserts are replaceable cutting inserts that are used to create internal or external threads. They are used typically with a tool holder on a lathe or turning center.
Product Announcements
Stanley Engineered Fastening - Spiralock - New 2-56 DN Wire Thread Insert
For secure locking and reusability with no tangs to remove, Spiralock introduces its new 2-56 Drive Notch™ (DN™) tang-free Wire Thread Insert. Spiralock inserts have extensive reusability... (read more)
Spirol International Corporation - SPIROL Introduces High-Strength Molded-In Insert
SPIROL has introduced a new line of standard inch and metric threaded Inserts for plastics. These new Molded-In Series of Inserts feature a central hexagonal band, generous head-side bearing surface... (read more)
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