FORTiS™ is the new enclosed encoder that enables machine tool builders to improve machine tool performance and increase uptime while enhancing the efficiency of assembly, maintenance, and servicing. The innovative FORTiS enclosed linear absolute encoder series is designed for use in harsh environments such as machine tools. It can also be used in functional safety applications up…

By Matt Mowry When I first started working in technical sales for igus® back in the year 2000, we had three series of linear slides: drylin R, drylin T, and drylin N. drylin R and T were dimensionally similar to the round-shaft and profile guides that already existed within the industrial marketplace at the time—of course, our parts were made…

Founded in 1996, CS Hyde can be considered part of the millennial generation or part of the “internet age”. In the past 25 years digital transformation has changed the industry dramatically from prioritizing phone calls, to follow up emails, and now fighting for positioning within a search engine. Ecommerce has influenced the way we purchase…

The following is an overview of different technologies available when selecting the correct electronic valve for your application. Spider Valve Technology Invented and patented by Clippard, this deceptively simple design features only one moving part with a mere 0.007″ of travel. The spider is an armature spring that undergoes a variety of proprietary processes, including…

By Justyna Rapacz, Marketing Engineer Brief History of Springs Springs have been helping the world go around for thousands of years. In fact, spring technology goes back to the “bow and arrow” ages. A non-coiled spring was used in a bow and arrow dating back 64,000 thousand years ago. The first coiled spring was invented…

By Clayton Windsor Terminal blocks are used industry wide and often thought of as a simple component to connect one wire to another. Most of the time that is exactly the case. However, there are many different varieties of terminals that users can consider, including additional functionality such as fusing, disconnect, or electronic components for…

By PTI Engineered Plastics Sometimes the best-laid plans are unattainable. When this happens during production, the results can be devastating. Time, money, and effort may seem wasted — which is no small loss during a product launch or ongoing production. Just imagine halting the injection molding process of a critical component used in a medical…

With ACOPOS 6D, B&R heralds a new era of manufacturing. Shuttles carry individual products freely through the machine, powered by magnetic levitation. Gone are the days when conventional transport systems imposed rigidly defined timing on the production process. ACOPOS 6D enables economical small-batch production with frequent changeover between products of different designs and dimensions. ACOPOS…

Could switching to a custom save you money? By Justyna Rapacz, Marketing Engineer Picture this – you’re looking at our retaining ring selection guide to find a ring suitable for your application. You locate a ring series that looks promising. You flip through the catalog in search of the standard part, only to discover that the required…

In the world of automation, AI and robotics are the hottest topics. Nearly any discussion about automation eventually makes its way back to them. Rarely, however, is robotic process automation (RPA) talked about. This blog will do just that, discussing how RPA came about, when and why it’s used, and how it stacks up against…

The move toward digital technologies is transforming metalworking machines and practices, leading to advances in quality and productivity. The transition from traditional methods to the creation of hybrid systems that have been revitalized with electronic technologies is creating exciting new opportunities for Italian metalworking companies, proving that the possibilities for improving productivity, product quality, and…

Today’s original equipment makers find themselves at the intersection of Industry 4.0 technology and craftsmanship in training workers. Italian companies have long been admired for their craftsmanship and respect for the expertise of their workers. Workforce training is an integral part of their culture. Today, as electronic technologies transform how machines are designed and built,…

Technology is transforming Italian machinery in every industry, from new hardware and software to new materials and processes. Italian companies are investing in creating more powerful and longer lasting batteries, 3D sensors and other quality control systems for developing new e-mobility motors, energy saving designs and advanced software for improving textile manufacturing and recycling. Explore…

From farm to table, the food industry is working hard to deliver healthier eating and sustainable production processes. Italian companies have long been leaders in the crafting of equipment to make high-quality food products. Today they’ve taken a similar leadership role in making healthy and sustainable products and packaging for the food processing industry. Compostable…

Smarter machines make products faster, of greater quality, achieving higher throughput and using less energy, water and other resources, and shaping the future of manufacturing. Redeploying waste on a construction site and turning it into a new resource, using digital technologies to create a new architectural material, or making textile dyeing and finishing more accurate…

In this first of three Q&A sessions Keith Wilkerson, Business Segment Manager for Robotics and Automation, will discuss some of the key design parameters and challenges cable manufacturers face when developing new drag chain and torsion-rated cable solutions for the ever-changing needs of OEMs and end users. By Keith Wilkerson, Business Segment Manager for Robotics…

Proportional valves are considered both flow and directional valves, to meter flow and control the direction in which flow is metered. When specifying a proportional valve for fluid power control, you need a driver to control the ramp rate and open the valve. Combining these two devices together allows you to have control flow precisely,…

Strenuous movements that include heavy lifting, pushing, or straining account for most non-fatal workplace injuries across the United States. In fact, 84% of injuries resulting in time away from work are caused by overexertion, reactions (such as slips or falls), or hazardous contact with objects and equipment. What’s more: employees 45 to 55 are most…

Custom or standard, Smalley takes great pride in its unparalleled dedication to delivering quality wave spring solutions for a variety of industries. Both wave springs and traditional coil springs fall under the category of compression springs. While the primary function of a compression spring is to provide axial load, wave springs have a few key differences and advantages when compared to coil springs. Wave…

By Barry Nelson, Public Relations Coordinator – WAGO Corporation Engineers continue to look for innovations in design software whether it is improved accuracy, higher capability, more graphical use interface or better technical support.  The one constant, however, is that it must be user-friendly.  Many programs today are trying their best to make it easier for…

By Würth Industry North America Maintaining the right stock of C-Parts, which have low value but high procurement and processing costs, can be an expensive, time-consuming process. Why not leave that to us? Our comprehensive inventory management support goes beyond the physical systems and solutions we offer—it extends to the expertise and service we provide…

By Tim Kinman, Vice President, Trending Solutions Consulting, Siemens Digital Industries Software Model-based systems engineering, most easily referenced as MBSE, is not exactly new but its application in today’s product development is expanding rapidly. For decades it was reserved for the most complicated projects, one of the reasons it is so commonly associated with NASA…

Smalley Single-Turn Wave Springs are designed with your bearings in mind. By Justyna Rapacz, Marketing Engineer Preloading a Bearing: What is Preloading, How to Preload, Why Should You Preload? What do we mean when we say “preload”? A bearing is designed to move freely and has multiple moving parts that work together as one unit.…

Maintenance-free and torsionally stiff connecting elements for smooth stable running For many decades engineers have turned to the flexible disc pack coupling for applications requiring maximum reliability and uptime, minimizing wear on adjacent equipment, and eliminating the need for lubrication or maintenance of the coupling itself.  Before disc couplings were invented, flexible couplings nearly always…

UL 1203 certified epoxy for Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment for Use in Hazardous Locations By Master Bond Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1203 is defined as the “Standard for Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations”. To certify an epoxy for the UL1203, sample castings are exposed to saturated vapors in air…