How to select the right component surface – basic knowledge of surface roughness

Surface roughness and surface hardness are important properties that must be taken into account when selecting components. Although there are different methods for measuring the roughness or coarseness of a component surface, these measurements often have to be converted to a standard measure.

4 Minutes read

Retaining rings type C - Guidelines for purchasing retaining rings

Retaining rings are an important component of many machines and systems that serve to secure bearings, shafts, bolts and other components. A commonly used type of retaining rings is type C, which is manufactured according to the Japanese standard JIS. In this article, you will learn more about type C retaining rings and the Japanese standard JIS.

9 Minutes read

Plain bearings in practice: Selection and assembly

Plain bearings are a type of bearing used in machines to facilitate the movement of shaft and bearing. They are also referred to as plain shells, plain bearing bushes, plain bearing sleeves or plain bearing sheaths.

7 Minutes read

Pipe threads - standards and standard dimensions

This article examines the standard dimensions of pipe threads and their meaning. Pipes with threads ensure a safe and tight connection between pipe parts and adjacent components. In industry, there are a variety of standards for this, such as DIN/ISO, JIS, BSP, NPT or BSW.

10 Minutes read

Selecting V-belts and V-belt pulleys

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.

7 Minutes read

Differences between ball bearings and plain bearings - which type of bearing is right for you?

Ball bearings and plain bearings are two basic types of bearings used in a variety of mechanical systems in mechanical engineering. The main task of bearings is to enable defined movements of components and thereby reduce friction as much as possible. Although both types of bearings have a common goal, there are fundamental differences in design, functionality and application. This blog article describes the most important differences between ball bearings and plain bearings.

9 Minutes read

How is an industrial 3D printer constructed and what functions do its parts - shafts, toothed belts and frames - perform

3D printing has revolutionized industrial manufacturing and prototype construction. This technology produces objects layer by layer from a digital model. Consisting of the main components: In addition to a frame, print head, printing bed, control unit, shafts, toothed belts and motors, a typical 3D printer design generally also requires a number of accessories. But how exactly does an industrial 3D printer work? This article highlights the structure and function of the most important components and briefly names some areas of application.

11 Minutes read

Types of electric motors and their characteristics

Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. They are based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. They can be used in a variety of applications, for example, as a drive solution in industrial machines.

9 Minutes read

Parts for custom machine construction

Custom parts for machines, also known internationally as "Special Purpose Machine Parts", play an important role in mechanical engineering and especially in custom machine construction. These specially designed components are often the core of custom machine solutions and fulfill tasks that cannot be realized with standard parts.

7 Minutes read

Pin connections - Connecting components with cylinder pins - methods / errors

In this article, we will focus in detail on the subject of pin connections in the mechanical field. We will take a close look at molded parts such as bolts and pins, as well as other fasteners and securing elements and their decisive role in pin connections. We will discuss different examples of pin connections and potential defects when pinning components.

10 Minutes read

Toggle Lever Mechanism - How does it work?

The toggle lever mechanism is a technical principle that is used to generate or exert large forces with relatively little use of force. This principle is used primarily in industry in order to secure positions without permanent use of force - for example with quick clamps.

7 Minutes read

Washers - Types / Uses / Advantages and Disadvantages

In this article, we will introduce you to some of the many versions of washers. We explain the use of washers and consider the advantages and disadvantages of washers. We also address the materials metal and plastic.

8 Minutes read

Profile rail guides - types / function / service life / maintenance / alternatives

Profile rail guides: Join us as we explore the world of profile rail guides. Our article highlights the different types of profile rail guides and their functions. Learn how to maximize service life with proper maintenance, and take a look at possible alternatives in this critical area of linear motion technology.

8 Minutes read

Selection of tension springs and compression springs - overview / uses / application examples

Tension springs and compression springs are mechanical components that can be used in a variety of industries.

This article is dedicated to tension springs and compression springs by providing an overview and illustrating their various uses in mechanical engineering and custom machine construction. The calculation of the springs is not discussed in this blog.

7 Minutes read

Position determination of workpieces in positioning jigs

The automation of many processes in the industry, production and assembly requires precise knowledge of the framework conditions and required movement sequences. Positioning Jigs are often used for this purpose. The position determination of a component must be clearly defined in the device. The workpiece holder defines the position in order to carry out a repeatable inspection or to receive materials such that they can be produced relative to a home position. Various Positioning Jigs from tool & die making, such as test devices or assembly devices, are used for this purpose.

7 Minutes read

Elements for securing axial bearings

In many industrial and mechanical applications, bearings are critical components that provide low friction, reproducible movement between moving parts, shafts, or axes. Depending on their installation location and function, these bearings must allow different degrees of freedom and be securely fixed. In addition to many other options, locking elements such as retaining rings or slotted nuts or shaft nuts are used to secure machine parts such as rolling bearings, bolts, or shafts against axial displacement.

9 Minutes read

Ball screw drives - function / structure / types / precision classes

Ball screw drives are manufactured according to the selection criteria and specifications of DIN ISO 3408 or JIS B 1192, etc.

Ball screw drives are high-precision components used in various applications to convert rotary motion into linear motion. The areas of application for ball screw drives are wide-ranging and include areas such as CNC machines, 3D printers, robotics, machine tools and many other industrial applications.

9 Minutes read

Basics for selecting pneumatic cylinders

Pneumatic cylinders are important components in pneumatic systems that generate mechanical movements using compressed air. They are used in a variety of applications, such as in the manufacturing industry, in plant construction or in custom machine construction.

8 Minutes read

Glass transition temperature of polymers

The glass transition temperature is the temperature at which an amorphous or semicrystalline polymer transitions from a glass-like, brittle state into a rubber-elastic state. In this range, the molecular mobility of the polymer chains changes drastically, which leads to a change in the mechanical properties. In contrast to crystalline substances, amorphous materials do not have an orderly crystal lattice, but rather unordered molecular chains.

8 Minutes read

Representing threads in technical drawings

The correct representation of threads in technical drawings serves as a basis for technical communication between participating trades. Extensive information can be presented in a clear and internationally understandable manner and thus supports the smooth process in mechanical manufacturing, production and assembly. In this article, you will learn how threads and bore holes are shown in detail in mechanical engineering.

8 Minutes read