Transmission

Chains and sprockets are important elements in the design and mechanisms of machines and equipment. They are indispensable when it comes to the mechanical transfer of motion and force. But what types of chains and sprockets are there and what are their specific characteristics?

Synchronous belts or timing belts are installed as drive elements in a wide variety of applications. They are characterized by extremely precise synchronization and efficiency. This feature is used in applications where accurate timing is important, such as positioning tasks or a conveyor belt in the packaging, food or automotive industries. However, it is particularly important in these areas to detect and correct signs of timing belt wear early. In this article, you will learn about the typical signs of wear that occur with synchronous belts and what measures you can use to specifically extend their service life.

Belt systems are used where mechanical energy must be efficiently transferred. Depending on the specific requirements for power transmission, precision or even noise minimization, different belt profiles and components such as timing pulleys, synchronous pulleys or tensioning rollers are used. This article shows what to look for when making a selection.

Shaft couplings are central components in drive technology and mechanical engineering because they connect shafts and enable efficient power transmission. The selection of the appropriate shaft coupling, such as e.g., a linear coupling as a non-rotary coupling, can, however, be difficult due to the wide variety of coupling types. This article introduces various selection criteria, such as motor power, required torque, and torsional characteristics, and provides guidance on designing the perfect shaft for your application.

A linear drive converts rotational movements to linear movements and vice versa. Linear actuators are key components for motion control in many mechanical systems and mechanical engineering. Often, this conversion is needed to convert power and motion generated by motors and other rotating equipment into translation (linear motion). The drive is industrially realized with motors or also by hand. The article introduces frequently used and common concepts and lists the design criteria. Lastly, we will discuss examples for mechanical engineering applications.

When shafts and axes are coupled in a machine, there is always a misalignment between the centre points of the shafts. The coupling compensates for this alignment error by the elasticity of the component or mechanical element during rotation or power transmission. Whether you are an experienced engineer or just diving into the world of mechanical engineering, this article gives you a comprehensive insight into the basics of couplings.

Since it is of great importance in the design of gears that the gear wheels involved engage correctly and wear is minimized, various basic calculations must be carried out. Terms such as modulus, pitch diameter and tooth count play a major role here. In this article, we deal with the most important aspects of gear calculation and what to consider when calculating gear units.

V-belts and V-belt pulleys are basic components of belt drives and are used in many mechanical systems in the industrial sector. Belt drives transfer rotary motion, torque, and power from a drive element to a driven element. In contrast to toothed belt drives that transfer power with an interlocking mechanism, belt drives work in a friction-locking manner. It is characteristic of belt drives that they ensure efficient friction-based power transfer and a longer service life while simultaneously providing a simple bearing arrangement.