Backlash in rack and pinion drives used in machine tools reduces positioning accuracy and can even cause damage to nearby components. An effective way to prevent this is by using a rack and pinion system with two gear reducers whose output pinions are preloaded against the rack. Our previous blog post describes two Redex preloading …
When your CNC or machine tool system calls for a drive system to position workpieces with high accuracy, well-proven rack and pinion drive technology offers several advantages such as long travel, high-speed, ruggedness and efficiency, to name a few. But when it comes to cutting, grinding, milling, shaping, boring and other demanding processes — especially …
The performance of today’s high-precision, servo-driven, computer-controlled machines is directly related to the stiffness and accuracy of their linear and rotary axes drive systems. In order to achieve precise positioning and repeatability of these axes, the mechanical components must be manufactured to very tight tolerances (on the order of 20 microns/0.0008 inch). Manufacturing these parts …
As you invest in advanced wire and cable manufacturing equipment to capitalize on the growing demand from the electric vehicle, clean energy and data communications industries, it’s important to remember that your choice of a tensioning system will go a long way in determining production efficiency and product quality. While various brakes can produce tension …
When an application calls for synchronous lifting and pushing of a heavy load, rack and pinion jacks are an easy-to-use, economical and effective option. They combine a simple structure, robust design and a wide range of lifting forces, making them highly versatile and particularly attractive for installation in tight spaces and harsh environments. In fact, …
Demand for specialty wire and cable — fueled in part by cellular network expansion and power transmission needs in electric vehicles (EVs) — is in turn creating greater demand for cable production capacity. As you design the machines that will meet the demand, you must incorporate an effective driving method that controls speed and torque …
Power transmission and gear components must meet extreme performance and reliability demands in order to prove effective on the battlefield. That’s because they are the heart of rotating mechanisms used to rapidly detect threats, home in on targets and quickly fire projectiles aboard combat vehicles and ships. In these situations, lives and mission success often …
In wire and cable manufacturing, dual-wheel capstans are used to pull crush-sensitive materials through a processing line at a constant linear speed. If the diameters of the two capstan wheels are slightly different and driven directly by standard speed reducers, the linear speed of the product will be different on each capstan. This can cause …
In wire or cable manufacturing, “caterpillar”-type linear capstans employ two belts that rotate at the same speed to pull the product through the processing line at a constant tension. If the capstan’s cable tension is unstable, equipment used for extrusion, winding, paying off or other processes down the line will be out of sync, resulting …
For wires and cables requiring extra protection against harsh and damaging conditions, armored cable eliminates the need to run conduit and simplifies installations. However, if the armoring equipment twists the sheathing material unevenly, it can ultimately compromise the cable’s ability to withstand punishment. In order to ensure consistent twisting, or lay, of the protective sheathing, …